World’s first ceramic straws: Mino Ware Straws

The movement to reduce plastic waste, which causes marine pollution, is spreading around the world. The one of the things which are severely criticized is the issue of plastic straws, because they are thrown away just after being used. This movement is accelerating development of recyclable straws and non-disposable straws.

In view of this, Japan is also promoting plastic alternative straws, including the “Barley Straws” that Zenbird introduced a month ago. As for the major companies’ initiative, SKYLARK GROUP, the major food service industry which has family restaurants such as “Gusto” and “Bamiyan,” has announced its goal to abolish plastic straws by 2020.

Now another plastic alternative straws came into the world. The world’s first ceramic straws, “Mino Ware Straws”. Mino Ware is the one of Japanese important traditional craftworks and beautiful ceramics made in Toki City and the surrounding cities in Gifu Prefecture. It has more than 1,300 years history and is known as dishes and bowls.

Ceramic Research Institute “Ceratechno Toki” developed “Mino Ware Straws” and introduced prototype to the press. They are beautiful straws which we have never seen before.

They developed two types of “Mino Ware Straws”—pottery type and porcelain type. Pottery type is handmade and covered  with traditional glaze. Its design is calm with the color of deep green or pale yellow. On the other hand, porcelain type is painted with transfer paper. Its design is gorgeous with such as a floral pattern.

The length of the straw is 20cm, and inner diameters are three types—5mm, 7mm, and 10mm. You can choose from the three types based on your preference or use. For example, if you want to drink bubble tea, which is very popular in Japan this summer, it is better to choose the 10mm straw. The price will be around 5,000 to 6,000 yen for pottery type and 1,000 to 2,000 yen for porcelain type, when it’s commercialized.

The prototype is being used at five restaurants in Toki city now. Ceratechno Toki  exhibited “Mino Ware Straws” at trade fairs held on August 22 and 23 and promoted its attractions to dealers. From now on, it will aim to commercialize them by selling them to ceramic manufacturers.

Hopefully such beautiful ceramic straws will reduce plastic waste. When it becomes a bestseller, many will bring it as a personal straw.