Could something usually left over from harvesting wheat become an alternative to single-use plastic?
In Kilkis, northern Greece, the social cooperative Staramaki ( www.staramaki.gr ) is turning this idea into reality.
Staramaki
The initiative uses wheat stems, a local agricultural by-product, to produce natural drinking straws. Instead of treating this material as waste, Staramaki gives it a new purpose.
The circular approach continues beyond the finished product: residues from production can also be used as animal bedding and eventually returned to the fields as fertiliser.
But the story is about more than an alternative to plastic. Staramaki also aims to create employment opportunities, strengthen social cohesion and support local development.
It is an inspiring example of how local resources, creativity and social enterprise can work together to address environmental and community challenges.
Circular Economy Entrepreneurship example
Kilkis, Greece
a Social Cooperative situated in the rural area of Kilkis, Northern Greece, pioneers an innovative approach to address environmental and social challenges: it transforms a by-product of wheat cultivation into a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic straws.
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Check out the production process: Process - Staramaki
One inspiring example can be enough to start a conversation about the circular economy with your community.If you use CirculYOUNG materials, we would love to hear how it went!