22 Jun
Media

EcoStraws.ie launches the world’s first plastic-free PPE in Ireland

A LIMERICK company has just introduced the first fully plastic-free certified PPE to Ireland in a bid to help companies protect both their teams and the planet. EcoShield visors are now available from EcoStraws.ie, helping to tackle both the demand for PPE in the ‘living with covid-19’ era and playing an important role in the reduction of plastic pollution.

Established in 2018 by Brian O’Callaghan and Sarah Keyes, EcoStraws.ie supplies consumers with high quality products in the most sustainable way. The company originally focused on supplying the largest selection of EcoStraws in the world, and since then, has expanded to offer EcoCups, EcoBottles, EcoBoxes and much more.

Since the pandemic hit, the business has had to pivot and diversify into sourcing new products that were aligned to the company’s eco values.

“The colossal requirement for millions of pieces of PPE has been on news headlines across the world for a number of months now. PPE is saving lives; it’s an essential requirement for many businesses, however as it’s mostly single-use plastic, we wanted to play our role in developing an alternative, that would provide the safety required yet continue to protect the planet,” adds Brian O’Callaghan, Managing Director of EcoStraws.ie

Brian continues: “As a Guaranteed Irish business, we’ve worked so hard to help reduce plastic consumption, and pre-Covid-19, we as a nation were making sizable gains in our plastic reduction. Indeed, many companies made firm commitments to reduce their reliance on plastic. In a time when we’ve all hugely appreciated the nature on our doorstep, we can’t regress to behaviours of old. Our new plastic-free EcoShield gives companies choice and a solution for continuing to honour their plastic reduction commitments.”

EcoStraws.ie has been working with its colleagues in the UK – Transcend Packaging and Reelbrands, along with international campaign group A Plastic Planet – to bring this plastic-free certified PPE to Ireland. The first shipment has just arrived and Brian has already fielded calls from many Irish companies who have a requirement for PPE as lockdown eases, but whom still value the role they play in creating a more sustainable future for us all.

The clear plastic free EcoShield visors are CE-certified whilst being home compostable and recyclable. They are made from FSC paper board and PEFC cellulose from wood pulp for a clear, mist-free screen, and are lightweight with an adjustable headband.

Co-Founder of EcoStraws.ie, Sarah Keyes adds: “As we unlock the Irish economy and businesses return to a new normal where employees and customers’ safety is paramount, demand for PPE is set to rise.”

“We’ve all already seen images of discarded plastic masks and gloves strewn across our countryside, and our hope is that because the plastic-free EcoShields are comparable in price to their plastic equivalent, they will be specified by many more companies as a way of keeping their employees safe whilst also meeting their environmental responsibilities.”

The collaboration is committed to manufacturing more than one million pieces of plastic-free equipment every week, and in the UK, The Very Group, 3 Oceans and Yodel, who supply the NHS are amongst the first customers to switch to Plastic Free PPE.

Liz Bonnin, science, wildlife and environmental broadcaster added: “PPE is vital for the protection of health care workers and to reduce the transmission of the virus. But it doesn’t have to be made from fossil fuels.

“Covid-19 will be part of our lives for some time, and as lockdown rules ease, demand for PPE is only going to increase. Considering the plastic pollution crisis we are still battling, and the lessons we are learning from this pandemic about the need to work with nature instead of against it, Plastic Free PPE can help to protect us without further damaging the planet.”

EcoStraws.ie is Ireland’s largest supplier of alternatives to single use plastic straws, and this summer, the company will hit the milestone figure of 30 million plastic straws taken out of production as a result of EcoStraws.ie’s reusable straw sales.  Its products are plastic-free, BPA-free and toxin-free and are shipped in fully recyclable, environmentally friendly packaging.

The company was awarded a Business All-Star accreditation in Jan 2019, followed by Guaranteed Irish status in Jan 2020.

For further information on the Plastic Free PPE EcoShield Visor, see www.EcoStraws.ie

 

See more here … https://gowildmagazine.com/ecostraws-ie-launches-the-worlds-first-plastic-free-ppe-in-ireland/

 

i-love-limerick-banner EcoStraws
18 Jun
Media

EcoStraws.ie launches the world’s first plastic-free PPE in Ireland

A LIMERICK company has just introduced the first fully plastic-free certified PPE to Ireland in a bid to help companies protect both their teams and the planet. EcoShield visors are now available from EcoStraws.ie, helping to tackle both the demand for PPE in the ‘living with covid-19’ era and playing an important role in the reduction of plastic pollution.

Established in 2018 by Brian O’Callaghan and Sarah Keyes, EcoStraws.ie supplies consumers with high quality products in the most sustainable way. The company originally focused on supplying the largest selection of EcoStraws in the world, and since then, has expanded to offer EcoCups, EcoBottles, EcoBoxes and much more.

Since the pandemic hit, the business has had to pivot and diversify into sourcing new products that were aligned to the company’s eco values.

“The colossal requirement for millions of pieces of PPE has been on news headlines across the world for a number of months now. PPE is saving lives; it’s an essential requirement for many businesses, however as it’s mostly single-use plastic, we wanted to play our role in developing an alternative, that would provide the safety required yet continue to protect the planet,” adds Brian O’Callaghan, Managing Director of EcoStraws.ie

Brian continues: “As a Guaranteed Irish business, we’ve worked so hard to help reduce plastic consumption, and pre-Covid-19, we as a nation were making sizable gains in our  plastic reduction. Indeed, many companies made firm commitments to reduce their reliance on plastic. In a time when we’ve all hugely appreciated the nature on our doorstep, we can’t regress to behaviours of old. Our new plastic-free EcoShield gives companies choice and a solution for continuing to honour their plastic reduction commitments.”

EcoStraws.ie has been working with its colleagues in the UK – Transcend Packaging and Reelbrands, along with international campaign group A Plastic Planet – to bring this plastic-free certified PPE to Ireland. The first shipment has just arrived and Brian has already fielded calls from many Irish companies who have a requirement for PPE as lockdown eases, but whom still value the role they play in creating a more sustainable future for us all.

The clear plastic free EcoShield visors are CE-certified whilst being home compostable and recyclable. They are made from FSC paper board and PEFC cellulose from wood pulp for a clear, mist-free screen, and are lightweight with an adjustable headband.

Co-Founder of EcoStraws.ie, Sarah Keyes adds: “As we unlock the Irish economy and businesses return to a new normal where employees and customers’ safety is paramount, demand for PPE is set to rise.”

“We’ve all already seen images of discarded plastic masks and gloves strewn across our countryside, and our hope is that because the plastic-free EcoShields are comparable in price to their plastic equivalent, they will be specified by many more companies as a way of keeping their employees safe whilst also meeting their environmental responsibilities.”

The collaboration is committed to manufacturing more than one million pieces of plastic-free equipment every week, and in the UK, The Very Group, 3 Oceans and Yodel, who supply the NHS are amongst the first customers to switch to Plastic Free PPE.

Liz Bonnin, science, wildlife and environmental broadcaster added: “PPE is vital for the protection of health care workers and to reduce the transmission of the virus. But it doesn’t have to be made from fossil fuels.

“Covid-19 will be part of our lives for some time, and as lockdown rules ease, demand for PPE is only going to increase. Considering the plastic pollution crisis we are still battling, and the lessons we are learning from this pandemic about the need to work with nature instead of against it, Plastic Free PPE can help to protect us without further damaging the planet.”

 EcoStraws.ie is Ireland’s largest supplier of alternatives to single use plastic straws, and this summer, the company will hit the milestone figure of 30 million plastic straws taken out of production as a result of EcoStraws.ie’s reusable straw sales.  Its products are plastic-free, BPA-free and toxin-free and are shipped in fully recyclable, environmentally friendly packaging.

The company was awarded a Business All-Star accreditation in Jan 2019, followed by Guaranteed Irish status in Jan 2020.

For further information on the Plastic Free PPE EcoShield Visor, see www.EcoStraws.ie

 

See more here … https://www.ilovelimerick.ie/ecostraws-ie/

18 Jun
Media

An Irish company have created the world’s first plastic-free PPE

A Limerick-based company, Eco Straws, has today revealed the world’s first plastic-free Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a way to protect our people and our environment.

EcoStraws.ie supplies consumers with high-quality products in the most sustainable way.

The company began supplying the largest selection of EcoStraws in the world, and since then, has expanded to offer EcoCups, EcoBottles, EcoBoxes, and much more.

Brian O’Callaghan, Managing Director of EcoStraws.ie said; “The colossal requirement for millions of pieces of PPE has been on news headlines across the world for a number of months now.

“PPE is saving lives; it’s an essential requirement for many businesses, however as it’s mostly single-use plastic, we wanted to play our role in developing an alternative, that would provide the safety required yet continue to protect the planet.

“As a Guaranteed Irish business, we’ve worked so hard to help reduce plastic consumption, and pre-COVID-19, we as a nation were making sizable gains in our plastic reduction.

“Indeed, many companies made firm commitments to reduce their reliance on plastic.

“In a time when we’ve all hugely appreciated the nature on our doorstep, we can’t regress to behaviours of old.

“Our new plastic-free EcoShield gives companies a choice and a solution for continuing to honour their plastic reduction commitments.”

EcoStraws.ie has been working with colleagues in the UK, Transcend Packaging and Reelbrands, as well as with international campaign group A Plastic Planet, to bring this plastic-free certified PPE to Ireland.

The first shipment has just arrived and Brian has already fielded calls from many Irish companies who have a requirement for PPE as lockdown eases, but whom still value the role they play in creating a more sustainable future for us all.

The clear, plastic-free, EcoShield visors are CE-certified whilst being home compostable and recyclable.

They are made from FSC paper board and PEFC cellulose from wood pulp for a clear, mist-free screen, and are lightweight with an adjustable headband.

For further information on the Plastic Free PPE EcoShield Visor, see www.EcoStraws.ie

See more here … https://www.buzz.ie/news/irish-company-worlds-first-plastic-free-ppe-374460

 

 

18 Jun
Media

Irish businesses urged to cut pollution by buying plastic-free PPE

An eco-friendly Limerick company is offering plastic-free PPE to Irish businesses preparing for post-lockdown work arrangements.

Ecostraws.ie believes the EcoShield visor will help companies protect their staff without increasing plastic pollution.

The visors are compostable and recyclable.

They are made from paper board and cellulose from wood pulp.

Ecostraws.ie is distributing the product in the Irish market as part of a collaboration with UK companies Transcend Packaging and Reelbrands and international campaign group A Plastic Planet.

Co-founder of ecostraws.ie Brian O’Callaghan said the first shipment of the visors has arrived in Ireland and the company has already fielded calls from many interested companies.

“The colossal requirement for millions of pieces of PPE has been on news headlines across the world for a number of months now,” said Mr O’Callaghan.

“PPE is saving lives; it’s an essential requirement for many businesses, however as it’s mostly single-use plastic, we wanted to play our role in developing an alternative, that would provide the safety required yet continue to protect the planet.”

He added: “In a time when we’ve all hugely appreciated the nature on our doorstep, we can’t regress to behaviours of old.

“Our new plastic-free EcoShield gives companies choice and a solution for continuing to honour their plastic reduction commitments.”

Established in 2018, the company originally focused on supplying environmentally friendly straws, and subsequently expanded into distributing plastic-free cups, bottles and boxes.

It has pivoted and diversified in response to the pandemic to sourcing new green products.

Fellow co-founder Sarah Keyes said: “As we unlock the Irish economy and businesses return to a new normal where employees and customers’ safety is paramount, demand for PPE is set to rise.

“We’ve all already seen images of discarded plastic masks and gloves strewn across our countryside, and our hope is that because the plastic-free EcoShields are comparable in price to their plastic equivalent, they will be specified by many more companies as a way of keeping their employees safe whilst also meeting their environmental responsibilities.”

Science, wildlife and environmental broadcaster Liz Bonnin insisted PPE did not have to be made from fossil fuels.

“PPE is vital for the protection of health care workers and to reduce the transmission of the virus,” she said.

“But it doesn’t have to be made from fossil fuels.

“Covid-19 will be part of our lives for some time, and as lockdown rules ease, demand for PPE is only going to increase.

“Considering the plastic pollution crisis we are still battling, and the lessons we are learning from this pandemic about the need to work with nature instead of against it, plastic free PPE can help to protect us without further damaging the planet.”

See more here …. https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/republic-of-ireland/irish-businesses-urged-to-cut-pollution-by-buying-plastic-free-ppe-39293698.html

 

 

ecoshield
17 Jun
Blog, Media

EcoStraws Launches World’s 1st Plastic-free PPE in Ireland.

 

A LIMERICK company has just introduced the first fully plastic-free certified PPE to Ireland in a bid to help companies protect both their teams and the planet. EcoShield visors are now available from EcoStraws.ie, helping to tackle both the demand for PPE in the ‘living with covid-19’ era and playing an important role in the reduction of plastic pollution.

Established in 2018 by Brian O’Callaghan and Sarah Keyes, EcoStraws.ie supplies consumers with high quality products in the most sustainable way. The company originally focused on supplying the largest selection of EcoStraws in the world, and since then, has expanded to offer EcoCups, EcoBottles, EcoBoxes and much more.

Since the pandemic hit, the business has had to pivot and diversify into sourcing new products that were aligned to the company’s eco values.

“The colossal requirement for millions of pieces of PPE has been on news headlines across the world for a number of months now. PPE is saving lives; it’s an essential requirement for many businesses, however as it’s mostly single-use plastic, we wanted to play our role in developing an alternative, that would provide the safety required yet continue to protect the planet,” adds Brian O’Callaghan, Managing Director of EcoStraws.ie

Brian continues: “As a Guaranteed Irish business, we’ve worked so hard to help reduce plastic consumption, and pre-Covid-19, we as a nation were making sizable gains in our  plastic reduction. Indeed, many companies made firm commitments to reduce their reliance on plastic. In a time when we’ve all hugely appreciated the nature on our doorstep, we can’t regress to behaviours of old. Our new plastic-free EcoShield gives companies choice and a solution for continuing to honour their plastic reduction commitments.”

EcoStraws.ie has been working with its colleagues in the UK – Transcend Packaging and Reelbrands, along with international campaign group A Plastic Planet – to bring this plastic-free certified PPE to Ireland. The first shipment has just arrived and Brian has already fielded calls from many Irish companies who have a requirement for PPE as lockdown eases, but whom still value the role they play in creating a more sustainable future for us all.

The clear plastic free EcoShield visors are CE-certified whilst being home compostable and recyclable. They are made from FSC paper board and PEFC cellulose from wood pulp for a clear, mist-free screen, and are lightweight with an adjustable headband.

Co-Founder of EcoStraws.ie, Sarah Keyes adds: “As we unlock the Irish economy and businesses return to a new normal where employees and customers’ safety is paramount, demand for PPE is set to rise.”

“We’ve all already seen images of discarded plastic masks and gloves strewn across our countryside, and our hope is that because the plastic-free EcoShields are comparable in price to their plastic equivalent, they will be specified by many more companies as a way of keeping their employees safe whilst also meeting their environmental responsibilities.”

The collaboration is committed to manufacturing more than one million pieces of plastic-free equipment every week, and in the UK, The Very Group, 3 Oceans and Yodel, who supply the NHS are amongst the first customers to switch to Plastic Free PPE.

Liz Bonnin, science, wildlife and environmental broadcaster added: “PPE is vital for the protection of health care workers and to reduce the transmission of the virus. But it doesn’t have to be made from fossil fuels.

“Covid-19 will be part of our lives for some time, and as lockdown rules ease, demand for PPE is only going to increase. Considering the plastic pollution crisis we are still battling, and the lessons we are learning from this pandemic about the need to work with nature instead of against it, Plastic Free PPE can help to protect us without further damaging the planet.”

EcoStraws.ie is Ireland’s largest supplier of alternatives to single use plastic straws, and this summer, the company will hit the milestone figure of 30 million plastic straws taken out of production as a result of EcoStraws.ie’s reusable straw sales.  Its products are plastic-free, BPA-free and toxin-free and are shipped in fully recyclable, environmentally friendly packaging.

The company was awarded a Business All-Star accreditation in Jan 2019, followed by Guaranteed Irish status in Jan 2020.

For further information on the Plastic Free PPE EcoShield Visor, see www.EcoStraws.ie

 

01 Apr
Blog, Media

Guaranteed Irish Q&A with Sarah Keyes of EcoStraws

Guaranteed Irish member Ecostraws.ie, supplies many different eco-friendly, reusable straws and 100% biodegradable disposable straws to help reduce our reliance on single-use plastics.

Sarah Keyes, co-founder and Sales Director of Ecostraws, talks to Guaranteed Irish about how their business is playing their part in saving the planet.

Can you tell us a bit about your business? Can you tell us a bit about your business? 

EcoStraws.ie is a 100% Irish owned company, based in County Limerick. We were founded in October 2018 in response to the global pushback against single-use plastics, particularly plastic straws. We are the only company supplying a complete range of reusable & biodegradable alternatives to the plastic straw including glass, stainless steel, silicone, bamboo, paper, cPLA, pasta, wheat & edible straws. We supply the domestic, trade, retail & more recently corporate gift markets.

Founder and Managing Director, Brian O’Callaghan is a highly motivated professional with a 20-year track record of profitable small hospitality business ownership. Brian also co-founded a leading Irish Energy Services Company. Brian combines his interpersonal, entrepreneurial, negotiation, and mediation skills with his experience in the relevant sectors and looks forward to helping sway public opinion away from harmful plastic straws. As the Co-founder and Sales Director, I combine 20 years’ experience in the education sector with a background in hospitality and a passion for the environment. Working with An Taisce, I have been part of the Green Schools Education Programme which promotes sustainability in schools in Ireland.

Anthony Egan, combines 15 years’ experience in the hospitality sector with a B.Sc. in Environmental Science. Time spent analysing and monitoring local water bodies has given an insight into the finite resources available and the need to develop a sustainable way to protect them. Anthony’s additional experience in the Complementary Medicine sector provides the link between environmental science and human well-being.

Seasonal fluctuations influence the number of employees at Ecostraws.ie and the current number of staff is generally less than 10. We envisage growth in this area in the coming months as we endeavour to grow the business nationally & internationally.

What are the challenges that you face in your business and how do you work to overcome them particularly in the current climate?

As we are currently in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, business is facing extraordinary challenges. EcoStraws.ie continues to trade on-line and we are shipping orders on a daily basis, thanks in no small part to An Post and our local courier company.  We are also in contact with all our retailer partners assuring them of our support in this difficult trading period.

Ecostraws are the first to premiere collapsible straws, how does that work and what inspired you to make such a product?

Believe it or not, the Foldable EcoStraw was the first product in the EcoStraws arsenal! It was developed in response to a need for convenience when switching to reusables. The foldable straw is a silicone tube encased in stainless steel. It folds neatly into its’ own carry case and can be easily carried in a pocket or bag or hung from your keychain.

The Foldable then led us on to the Collapsible EcoStraw; a stainless steel tube that collapses like a telescope and slides into a sleek stainless steel container. This incredible product is no bigger than a pen and just as light. It is a personal straw, ideal for those on-the-go who want to opt for the reusable alternative.

What role do eco-friendly straws play in protecting the planet?

Eco-friendly reusables play a key role in protecting the planet. In Ireland alone, we use 1 million plastic straws every day. These single-use straws cannot be recycled and either go to landfill, incineration or are simply discarded in the countryside.  Once discarded, straws, because of their size and weight are carried in the wind, ingested by wildlife, fall into drains and inevitably make their way into our oceans.

By switching to reusable products we reduce the reliance on single-use plastics like straws, bottles, cups & lids and in turn contribute to reducing waste and protecting our planet.

What made you decide to become a member of Guaranteed Irish?

The Guaranteed Irish logo is an internationally recognised symbol of excellence. It has also a beacon of support to Irish businesses for almost 50 years. As a member of Guaranteed Irish, EcoStraws.ie offers consumers a trusted brand, helping them to make better choices for themselves and to support Irish jobs in doing so.

Ecostraws provide the widest range of choice when it comes to non-plastic straws, do you have a personal favourite yourself?

That’s like choosing a favourite child! But seriously I do have a couple of preferences. When I’m at home I love the elegance of glass straws. They add glamour to a cocktail or provide the perfect material for drinking hot drinks. I’m a fan of drinking lemon water & a glass EcoStraw helps to protect my tooth enamel from damage. When I’m out and about I choose the collapsible EcoStraw. It’s always attached to my keychain ensuring I am never without my personal straw in bars & restaurants.

What can we expect forEcoStraws in the future and do you have plans to expand to other product offerings?

We are always researching and trying to develop new products that align with consumer demand. Convenience is key when encouraging a more sustainable lifestyle and we at EcoStraws.ie believe that our reusable products go a long way in achieving this. We currently have close to 80 products on our website ensuring there’s something for everyone. We also have an expanding network of retailers and corporate clients who are promoting sustainability across the globe.

 

See more here ….

https://www.guaranteedirish.ie/news/qa-series-sarah-keyes-of-ecostraws/

 

Join our VIP Club here …

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06 Mar
Media

Limerick business helping tackle Coronavirus

Demand for reusable, personal drinking straws, has risen dramatically in the past week.

With 13 cases now confirmed in Ireland, the Coronavirus is something that we simply cannot ignore any longer. The risk of catching the virus in Ireland is still low to moderate, however this may change in the coming days. We have started examining all aspects of our interaction with others and scrutinising our hygiene practises like never before in a bid to try and stem the spread of the virus. Some people have bought personal facemasks and handgels, but Limerick based business EcoStraws.ie have reported a huge spike in demand for their reusable straws, cups and bottles in the past 2 weeks.

Commenting on the situation, EcoStraws.ie Managing Director Brian O’Callaghan said “What we are hearing on the ground is that people are now nervous. When they go out for a coffee or a drink, they do not want to use cups or straws which have been sitting exposed on a counter for days or weeks. They understand that these disposable straws and cups will hold the germs of the hundreds of people that walk by them every day. They know that if they bring their reusable, and take responsibility for its cleanliness, the exposure to harmful germs and bacteria is dramatically reduced.”

In order to help slow the spread of the virus, and get as many reusable straws out there as quickly as possible, EcoStraws.ie are now covering the cost of shipping anywhere within Ireland. So what has been the most popular item of late? “Our most popular items are the collapsible coffee cup and collapsible straw. Both of these fit neatly into your pocket or handbag or even onto your keychain. After this, the next most popular are the soft silicone straws which are aimed at children and those with delicate mouths, and of course the standard stainless steel. Everything is priced around the €10 mark, and we are now offering free shipping in a bid to help.”

For more information visit: https://ecostraws.clientdemoweb.com 

Listen here … https://www.live95fm.ie/news/live95-news/limerick-company-sees-huge-spike-in-demands-for-products-following-coronavirus/

 

 

07 Aug
Media

ThinkBusiness.ie: Limerick startup making difference to global issue

Brian O'Callaghan - EcoStrawsThinkBusiness talks to Brian O’Callaghan, founder of EcoStraws and guest speaker for next month’s Friday breakfast club in Limerick. Here he discusses his company.

Research has shown that Ireland uses approximately one million plastic straws every day. Similarly, the US goes through 500 million every day.

EcoStraws aims to offer people an eco-friendly, high quality, fun alternative to the plastic drinking tube. The company supply many different types of eco-friendly reusable straws and 100% biodegradable disposable straws. Here’s what Brian had to say:

Starting out

After 17 years running my own hospitality business, I was keen for a change and pursued a career in air traffic control. The entrepreneurial spirit never left me though and after attending the National Geographic Symphony for our World event at the Gaelic Grounds, three of us, running buddies coincidently, decided to try and do something about it, and EcoStraws was born.

It took two months from the initial concept to our first online sale. We have pivoted somewhat with regards to our initial two target markets of domestic and trade and have added retail outlets and corporate gifts as two more. Online sales make up about 50% of our total sales.

Networking

Vital. Not only are events important with regards to contact making and activating certain sales funnels, but there is also a certain degree of integrity and respect garnished by attending such events.

Finance

We are self-financed up to this point, although the time is fast approaching where we know we will have to apply for funding to grow, particularly internationally.

We keep our spending very tight, and only plan to spend when the money is in our account. We do not want to fall into the trap of just being a facilitator for the movement of money, we monitor it extremely carefully.

Importance of advice from peers

Advice from peers is always important, but ultimately, in business, the buck stops with you, the decision maker, and you need to trust your own judgement on what advice to take on board and on what advice to disregard. It is these decisions that deliver success or failure.

Role models

I admire any man or woman who goes out to do an honest day’s work. From a personal point of view, my parents have engrained that work ethic into me so I should be thankful to them. In business, at the high end I admire the likes of Richard Branson, Alan Sugar, Michael O’Leary, and more locally I look at the likes of the Fitzgerald family, Mark McConnell and Colm O’Brien, who possibly without knowing, have been extremely helpful through the years.

Biggest challenge

The biggest challenge is time, and not enough of it. The decision will have to be made very soon, whether we remain a cottage industry whilst holding onto our day jobs, or whether we bite the bullet and commit to it fulltime. There are obvious pros and cons to both. The biggest mistake to date was in our early days when we sided with the cheapest supplier quotes we received. Quality of the product was compromised and we ended up binning a lot of stock because we did not want to be associated with inferior quality.

Future

Our business plan has already been cast aside, so there is no concrete roadmap to success for us. We will continue to progress both here in Ireland and internationally. Success for us is not defined by money in the bank, we are not necessarily motivated by money. That said, we are obviously a commercial enterprise, but for us, and me personally, it is about making an impact on this planet, and leave something worthwhile behind when it’s all over.

Advice for others

Don’t be afraid, people on the whole are very helpful. As a nation we tend to help others until you reach a certain point. Then when you have got high enough, the help stops. As long as you understand that, you will be ok.

Friday Breakfast Clubs take place every first Friday of the month across Bank of Ireland’s Workbench network and are free to attend – to register for September’s Friday Breakfast Club on 6th September at Limerick Workbench click here.

 

See more –  https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/limerick-start-up-making-difference-global-issue-plastic-straw/

 

Limerick Post EcoStraws
03 Aug
Media

Limerick Post: Enable Ireland Sucks Up The Eco-friendly Message

THE staff and service users at the Enable Ireland centre in Limerick are not just a friendly bunch, they’re an eco-friendly bunch!

When Manager Orna Maguire decided to reduce plastic waste at the centre, one of the areas she focused on was the use of drinking straws. With more than 40 service users at the Mungret centre and most of them with complex physical disabilities, they go through a lot of plastic straws!

While there has been some push-back from groups representing people with disabilities against the introduction of EU regulations banning single-use plastics, Orna was determined to press ahead.

Her search for a practical alternative to plastic straws brought her to a company that was based only a few miles away, Limerick based EcoStraws.ie.

“The team at EcoStraws.ie sent a variety of reusable straws to us so we could test them out and decide which ones were viable alternatives,” Orna explained.

“We trialled them rigorously for days, with thickened fluids, regular drinks, hot and cold drinks. We hand washed them and put them through the dishwasher. All in all they have been through the mill!

They eventually found a suitable alternative in the form of the soft silicone straw,” Orna explained.

The straws are produced with strong, food grade, soft silicone and can be cut to fit shorter drinking vessels. They are attractively designed for children and adults with flexible silicone, safe for delicate mouths.

One user who was impressed is Enda Gallagher. He explained how the silicone straws were the best option for him; “The angle of the straws makes it easier to drink without lifting the glass and it allows me to drink independently and with confidence wherever I go”.

Sarah Keyes of EcoStraws.ie said they were delighted to play their part in helping the care users at Enable Ireland go about their daily business with independence and dignity.

“It’s up to all of us to support these charities, and help the users reach their full potential and I’m glad that we could make a small contribution to this,” she added.

https://www.limerickpost.ie/2019/07/31/enable-ireland-sucks-up-the-eco-friendly-message/

 

 

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