Tequila brand Jose Cuervo Tradicional on Dec. 5 announced a biodegradable straws drinking straw made from upcycled agave fibers, a more sustainable alternative to plastic straws. Jose Cuervo will roll out millions of the agave-based at bars, restaurants and Cuervo events across the U.S. and Mexico starting next year.
Created in partnership with the scientists at BioSolutions Mexico and the production team at Mexico-based Penka, Jose Cuervo’s straws use an agave bio-based composite, replacing around a third of the polymers used in traditional straws. The straws decompose up to 200 times faster than regular plastic and at the end of their lifecycle, they can be consumed by microorganisms to fully biodegrade within one to five years in landfill conditions.
The agave-based straws use the many tons of fibrous material left over from the tequila-making process, which create a natural, organic tan color. The bio-based straws have a mouthfeel and texture similar to traditional plastic straws, the company says.
Cuervo’s bid to reduce the consumption of regular plastics from the tequila-drinking experience is part of its Agave Project. This initiative continues the family-owned company’s commitment to the land and people of Tequila and Mexico, while harnessing the potential of its lifeblood: the agave plant.