Standards
Our commitment to transparency and sustainability drives us toward the industry's most rigorous standards. We are working to become one of the few companies with all three major compostability certifications (BPI, TÜV Austria, and CMA), ensuring our products will meet the highest standards for biodegradability and compostability. We are also FDA compliant.
Our Quality Assurance Process
Raw Material Testing
Every batch of plant-based materials is tested for quality assurance before production begins.
• Water content screening• Quality control testing
Production Monitoring
Continuous quality control during manufacturing ensures consistent product performance.
• Temperature control• Thickness uniformity
• Strength testing
Final Product Testing
Each production run undergoes comprehensive testing before shipping to customers.
• Performance testing• Visual inspection
• Packaging integrity
Ongoing Verification
Regular testing validates performance claims.
• Regular retesting• Customer feedback integration
• Continuous improvement
Precision Manufacturing Process
Every PrairieMate straw is manufactured in our Ohio facility using precision extrusion equipment and rigorous quality control protocols.
Step 1: Resin Preparation
Base polymer resins arrive as pellets and are stored in climate-controlled conditions. Before extrusion, resin is dried to remove residual moisture that would cause defects during processing.
Step 2: Precision Extrusion
Dried resin is fed into twin-screw extruders where it's heated, mixed, and formed into continuous tubes. Critical parameters under constant monitoring:
- Melt temperature (±2°C tolerance)
- Die temperature and geometry
- Cooling water temperature and flow rate
Step 3: Dimensional Control
Extruded tubes pass through precision sizing dies and calibrated cooling systems to achieve target dimensions. Rigorous inline measurement to ensure diameter, wall thickness, and length are within required tolerance.
Step 4: Cutting & Inspection
Tubes are cut to specified lengths by automated flying cutters. Random samples from each production run undergo dimensional verification, visual inspection, and functional testing.
Performance Testing Standards
CelluMeld™ specifications are verified through controlled testing protocols that ensure consistent performance across every batch.
Temperature Tolerance Verification
C-Series:
Samples immersed in water at 110°F for 24 hours, then evaluated for structural integrity. Straws must maintain dimensional stability and resist softening.
M-Series:
Samples immersed in water at 140°F for 24 hours, then evaluated for structural integrity. Higher glass transition temperature enables superior heat tolerance.
Structural Performance Testing
Straws must withstand simulated use conditions:
- Bending without kinking or breaking
- Puncture through sealed lids without splitting where applicable
- Extended immersion without softening or dissolving
- Stirring actions without structural failure
Finished Product Testing
Before release, samples from each batch undergo comprehensive testing:
| Test | Specification | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Inner Diameter | Target ±0.1mm | Taper bore gauge |
| Length | Target ±1mm | Ruler measurement |
| Wall Thickness | Target ±0.05mmn | Digital micrometer measurement |
| Structural Integrity | 24-hour soak test | Water immersion at target temperature |
| Visual Quality | No cracks, splits, discoloration | Operator inspection |
Questions About Our Standards?
Our technical team can provide detailed information about testing methods, compliance requirements, and regulatory approval for your specific needs.