Minister of Environment, Say Samal, praised a Cambodian enterprise that makes straws from rice and vegetable matter rather than plastic. The straws are available in many different colours and are made from natural substances such as rice, corn, potatoes and pandan leaves, according to Tith Sokhom, the owner of the enterprise, TK&D Manufacturing.
Sokhom: “I began to think about the production of straws from cereals to help reduce the amount of plastic used in Cambodia, and to create employment for young people.” After seeing environmentally friendly products being produced in other countries, the entrepreneur began to wonder if Cambodia could do something to reduce its use of plastic. After thinking about it for some time, she and her husband launched their business.
TK & D produces straws made from rice flour, which is mixed with other products using imported machinery. Although the straws are made from rice flour, you can use them without worrying that they will dissolve.
“With cold drinks, they last a long time. After an hour, they become soft, like pasta. They last nearly as long with hot drinks,” said Sokhom.
Source: phnompenhpost.com