The opportunity I am going to pursue is biodegradable straws in post-ban counties. Businesses in certain counties are required to use non-plastic, ecosystem compatible straw straws in response to a plastic straw ban.
The who: Businesses in plastic straw banned counties
The what: They need non-plastic straws for drinks
The why: Recent legislation change requires them to find an alternative to plastic straws
There may be others who would use the potential product, including other ethically conscious individuals. There are other options for these consumers but the solutions are either very expensive or ineffective. The boundaries of the need include all businesses that are under the restrictions of these bands.
The why holds for all businesses as they are all under the implications of the ban, even commercial businesses in the county. The only other "why" for this need stems from the desire to be a more eco-friendly business without the presence of a ban.
I interviewed five people on the need present for a plastic straw alternative.
In general, they all believed the need was present, not for themselves but because they were unsatisfied with the straws that local businesses use for their drinks. Two of the five blamed the lids for the ineffectiveness of the straws, as the harsh plastic digs into the paper and eliminates the paper straw's function. Most of the responders said they encountered this problem locally, at small businesses such as coffee shops. They also responded that all businesses (with the exception of bars) have paper or plastic-alternative straws.
From this process, I have learned that there are other methods to improve paper straws functionality. Perhaps a lid that is compatible with paper straws would be a more cost-effective solution. I have also learned that, in general, most people feel there is a need present in this situation. The current solution to the ban is unhelpful and ineffective.
The who: Businesses in plastic straw banned counties
The what: They need non-plastic straws for drinks
The why: Recent legislation change requires them to find an alternative to plastic straws
There may be others who would use the potential product, including other ethically conscious individuals. There are other options for these consumers but the solutions are either very expensive or ineffective. The boundaries of the need include all businesses that are under the restrictions of these bands.
The why holds for all businesses as they are all under the implications of the ban, even commercial businesses in the county. The only other "why" for this need stems from the desire to be a more eco-friendly business without the presence of a ban.
I interviewed five people on the need present for a plastic straw alternative.
In general, they all believed the need was present, not for themselves but because they were unsatisfied with the straws that local businesses use for their drinks. Two of the five blamed the lids for the ineffectiveness of the straws, as the harsh plastic digs into the paper and eliminates the paper straw's function. Most of the responders said they encountered this problem locally, at small businesses such as coffee shops. They also responded that all businesses (with the exception of bars) have paper or plastic-alternative straws.
From this process, I have learned that there are other methods to improve paper straws functionality. Perhaps a lid that is compatible with paper straws would be a more cost-effective solution. I have also learned that, in general, most people feel there is a need present in this situation. The current solution to the ban is unhelpful and ineffective.
Hello Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea, and I agree that there needs to be an alternative to paper straws. I think creating better lids would be a good idea, and also thinking about alternatives to the straw. Some places have straws that are alternative plastic, so they are made of recyclable materials I think. This is definitely a profitable market, and even making something for specifically children could be cool too because I know a lot of children don't like paper straws.
Hey Kelly,
ReplyDeletei definitely think there is a market for this. More and more people, especially from our generation are becoming more environmentally and ethically conscious. Creating a lid that is more compatible with the paper straw i think would be a huge step. Although i dont think it would fully stop the straw from getting mushy and soggy in the drink, i think it would definitely be a helping hand in making the straw stay in tact for longer than it usually would.