Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about switching to PrairieMate compostable straws for your business.
Product Performance
PrairieMate straws maintain full structural integrity for 24+ hours in cold beverages and 2+ hours in hot beverages up to 140°F. They won't get soggy or collapse like paper straws, ensuring a consistent experience throughout the entire drink.
Performance data:
- Cold beverages (32-65°F): 24+ hours
- Room temperature: 24+ hours
- Hot beverages (up to 140°F): 2+ hours
- No flavor transfer or aftertaste
No! That's what makes PrairieMate straws special. They have the same smooth feel, flexibility, and durability as traditional plastic straws. Most customers can't tell the difference until you tell them it's biodegradable.
Key similarities to plastic:
- Smooth, non-porous surface
- Flexible without cracking
- No paper-like texture or taste
- Maintains shape under normal use
Absolutely! Our Jumbo (8mm) and Boba (12mm) straws are specifically designed for thick beverages. They maintain their strength even with high-viscosity drinks like:
- Thick smoothies and protein shakes
- Milkshakes and malts
- Bubble tea with tapioca pearls
- Frozen beverages and slushies
Many smoothie shops have switched completely to our straws with zero customer complaints.
Our straws are tested to perform reliably across a wide temperature range:
- Cold: Down to 32°F (frozen drinks, ice cream floats)
- Hot: Up to 140°F (hot coffee, tea, chocolate)
- Storage: Room temperature in dry conditions
They won't crack in cold or soften excessively in heat within normal beverage service temperatures.
Ordering & Pricing
For first-time customers: 2 cases (20,000 straws) minimum. We want you to try our products risk-free.
Standard ordering:
- Minimum: 15 cases (150,000 straws)
- Volume discounts start at 100 cases
- Custom printing starts at 100 cases
We also offer free sample packages with 100 straws of each size with individual wrapping for testing.
We try our best to keep our prices competitive with plastic straws, and also consider the value:
- Customer attraction: 78% of consumers prefer sustainable businesses
- Brand differentiation: Stand out from competitors
- Future-proofing: Avoid upcoming plastic bans and straw bans
- Marketing value: Genuine sustainability story
Many customers find the effort pays off through increased customer loyalty and positive brand perception.
Yes! We offer flexible payment terms for qualified businesses:
- Net 30/60: Available for qualified businesses
- Credit cards: All major cards accepted, with 3% processing fee
- ACH/Wire: Preferred method
- Standing orders: Automatic recurring billing
Contact our sales team to discuss the best payment terms for your business.
Absolutely! We offer tiered pricing based on order volume. Please check our pricing page for more details.
- Tier 1: Starter
- Tier 2: Business
- Tier 3: Professional
- Tier 4: Enterprise
Large customers also receive priority manufacturing, dedicated account management, and flexible delivery schedules.
Sustainability & Certifications
Commercial composting: 90 days for complete breakdown (BPI certified)
Home composting: 180 days typical (TÜV Austria certified)
Marine environments: Biodegrades without leaving microplastics
Unlike "biodegradable" plastics that can take 100+ years and leave microplastics, our straws break down completely into natural components that enrich soil.
We hold the industry's most rigorous certifications:
- BPI (Biodegradable Products Institute): ASTM D6400 standard
- TÜV Austria OK Compost: EN 13432 European standard
- CMA (Compost Manufacturing Alliance): Field testing approved
- FDA: Food contact safe
- USDA: Bio-based content verified
We're one of the few companies with all three major compostability certifications.
Immediate impact:
- Eliminate petroleum-based plastic waste
- Reduce carbon footprint (Made in USA = shorter shipping)
- Support regenerative agriculture
- Meet customer sustainability expectations
Business benefits:
- Attract environmentally conscious customers
- Comply with plastic reduction mandates
- Enhance brand reputation
- Qualify for green certifications (LEED points, etc.)
Logistics & Support
Production lead time: Usually less than 5 business days. Lead times vary for custom orders.
Shipping options:
- Small orders: We arrange shipping, customer pays freight costs
- Large orders: Customer may arrange their own pickup/freight for best rates
- Express delivery: Available for urgent orders with expedited fees
We'll work with you to find the most cost-effective shipping solution for your order size and location.
For smaller orders:
- We handle shipping arrangements for your convenience
- Freight costs are quoted separately and paid by customer
- LTL freight for most orders
For larger orders:
- Customer may arrange own freight pickup for better rates
- We can still handle shipping if preferred
Coverage: Nationwide shipping to all 50 states. International shipping available upon request.
Dedicated account management: Every customer gets a dedicated representative who knows your business.
Additional services:
- Free staff training on product benefits
- Marketing materials for customer education
- Custom implementation planning
Storage requirements:
- Temperature: Room temperature (65-75°F ideal)
- Humidity: Low humidity, dry conditions
- Location: Away from direct sunlight
- Packaging: Keep in original sealed bags until use
Shelf life: 2 years when stored properly
Space efficient: Our packaging is designed to maximize storage efficiency. One case (10,000 straws) takes about the same space as plastic straws.
We provide storage guidelines and can help optimize your inventory management.
Still Have Questions?
Our team of sustainability experts is here to help you make the switch smoothly and successfully.