Cheng Yu International's SmilingTurtle wheat straws aim to reduce plastic usage and promote a circu
2023-12-13
General Manager Zhang Yicheng revealed that with the advent of the global ESG era, the trend
for companies to move towards environmental sustainability is imperative. While enjoying food
and drinks, there should be a greater emphasis on the concept of environmental sustainability in
utensils and straws. Photo courtesy of Cheng Yu International.
Cheng Yu International is dedicated to developing a series of eco-friendly products under the
trademark "SmilingTurtle." In addition to wheat straws and wheat utensil sets, they have also
created various environmentally friendly products, including tea fiber dental floss sticks, creative
bags made from recycled cement bags, tea fiber eco-friendly cups, among others. The aim is to
replace common paper and plastic cups, contributing to the establishment of a circular economy
and reducing plastic waste for environmental conservation.
In the array of products offered by Cheng Yu International, there is a brand symbolizing
environmental protection – the SmilingTurtle. The founder of the brand, General Manager Zhang
Yicheng, mentioned that the inspiration for the brand came about in 2015 when a biologist
discovered a video featuring a sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck in its nose. This video left a
lasting impact on General Manager Zhang, prompting him to contemplate meaningful actions for
the Earth. Subsequently, he immersed himself in the field of developing eco-friendly products,
leading to the establishment of the SmilingTurtle brand.
Among the numerous products, wheat straws have gained widespread popularity and are
currently used by various chain tea and beverage shops such as Chatime, Brian's Tea, Osaka
Ohsho, Black Ball Coffee, and Crystal Hotels. The wheat straw is a disposable, eco-friendly straw
made from wheat fibers, crafted by recycling wheat husks and stems. This highlights the
commitment to environmental sustainability, circular economy, and the reuse of agricultural
waste.
The wheat straws have undergone various domestic and international testing, with reports
confirming their biodegradability. Additionally, they hold certifications for being fluoride-free,
heavy metal-free, and free from plasticizers. These certifications make them a sustainable
alternative to less eco-friendly plastic straws. The wheat straws also exhibit higher hardness
compared to commercially available paper straws, making them a popular choice for reuse in
numerous domestic and international bubble tea shops, restaurants, and five-star hotels. Despite
the current lenient regulations on plastic straw use in domestic settings, the wheat straws offer a
more environmentally friendly option for takeout from restaurants and bubble tea shops.
