Manchester’s very own paper straw is helping cut single-use plastic and creating a greener city

A local catering equipment supplier has teamed up with Greater Manchester Combined Authority to take the first step on the road to eradicate single-use plastics in Greater Manchester.

The Manchester Bee paper straw is an FSC certified and fully recyclable straw emblazoned with the iconic Manchester Bee, the symbol of the city’s resilience and work ethic.

The bee straw is available exclusively from Stephensons, a Manchester-based company celebrating 150 years in business – but only for operators who sign up to the plastic-free GM Pledge.

More than 70 establishments including Grafene, Dough, The Lowry, The Hilton and San Carlo have already supported the council-backed campaign, which encourages businesses to commit to a greener Greater Manchester.

The initial concept for the plastic pledge was launched by Mayor Andy Burnham at the GMCA’s Green Summit in March 2018.

“As a Manchester-based business, we are absolutely honoured to be able to assist the GMCA in their plans to make this fantastic city a more sustainable place for everyone,” said Stephensons managing director, Henry Stephenson

“The Manchester Bee Paper Straw is a simple but powerful statement for the city’s hospitality and tourism industries to reflect their commitment to reducing single-use plastics”.

The straw is 3ply thick so it’s super strong and works great for a soft drink or a cocktail. A number of other eco-friendly items are also available at a specially discounted price for pledgers.

A donation from the sale of each box will be made to the Manchester Emergency Fund – the charity set up to help people affected by the attack at the Manchester Arena in 2017.

Sign the pledge here.