Strongly committed to protecting the environment the Chilean company Sorbi Ltda reinvented itself in 2017 as plastic straw producer to meet the challenges of climate change. Along with this, also coincided the emergence of the "Plastics Pact" for 2025. This pact stipulates that plastic containers must be reusable, recyclable or compostable, the objective being to eliminate plastic containers and utensils for single use. All of this encouraged this family business, created in 1971, that when the whole country will be really committed to the planet, a great innovation and redesign of its straws will have an impact in Chile.
Sorbi developed a straw based on polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable and compostable material produced with corn starch.
Marcelo Fernández, Partner at Sorbi said: "We are very proud to be one of the first companies in the world capable of producing a high quality compostable and transparent straw. Respect for the environment is Sorbi's commitment and today, we offer these eco-friendly straws to all hotels, restaurants, cafes and juice & dairy companies that want to participate and proactively engage in the circular economy.
This product was developed with the technical support of Austral Chemicals, a leading plastics and additives company. "We represent in Chile the Swiss company Sukano, world leader in additives for PLA. Sorbi asked us in 2017 for PLA additives that meet international standards for food contact. Many tests were carried out until the production process was stable and PLA based straws were approved by the market and consumers” said Christophe Jacob, Director of Austral Chemicals.
"A PLA straw is an alternative to a plastic straw and allows the traditional bellows (the ability to bend) to be maintained, unlike other options that are rigid, making it much more comfortable for the consumer. To accentuate its hygiene, it can be individually wrapped and protected in a PLA film. Now our challenge is to explain to people that PLA is not plastic, and although it looks like one, it is an organic material from a 100% vegetable source," said Constanza Fernandez, Commercial Manager of Sorbi.
For that, Sorbi distributes an "accreditation" logo: "Here we use compostable straws," certifying the origin of the straws to both customers and end consumers, who increasingly show their interest in reducing plastic pollution and stop the environmental damage it causes.
In Chile, the environmental movement is already underway. On April 23, 2019, the municipal council of Providencia unanimously approved an ordinance banning one-way plastic cutlery, plates, light bulbs and containers. The ordinance came into force giving a term of three months for wholesale trade and six months for retail.
Without a doubt Sorbi Ltda demonstrated the extraordinary work to redesign with Austral Chemicals a product for daily use and make it environmentally friendly, complying with both international and Chilean government requirements.
About Sorbi
Sorbi Ltda is a Chilean company created in 1971, which produces straws and coffee mixers. With 50 employees, it markets its products directly to wholesalers and retailers in the HORECA sector as well as to dairy and juice companies. It mainly serves the national market, with a production capacity to cover export markets.
About Austral
Created in 1942, Austral Chemicals is a leader in Chile in the development, production and commercialization of silicates as well as for the formulation of hygiene, cleaning and metal surface treatment solutions. Moreover, it is a partner of choice in the distribution of innovative chemical solutions and related services. Their chemical experts serve various markets such as mining, oil & gas, leather, wood, pulp & paper, coatings, food, plastics, packaging, metal, construction or home care. The company safely provides solutions that makes their industrial customers more successful and the future more sustainable.
