With the average consumer torn between plastic straws that take far too long to degrade after use and paper straws that seem to disintegrate mid-use, the newly rebranded Wasa Eco Straws launched in November 2023 is set to take the local eco-conscious market by storm.
The Wasa Eco Straws by Terra Merita are upcycled, natural straws made from broken-down rice and tapioca, making them safe for humans, animals, marine life and the environment.
“Terra Merita, which means ‘meritorious or praiseworthy Earth’, was started in 2020 with the intention to be more proactive about making sustainable, long-term changes for helping our environment and building a more resilient economy,” a spokesperson for Terra Merita shared.
“We have aligned our mission with Fiji’s sustainable development goals by identifying issues and providing proactive solutions that can help mitigate the risk for safety of future generations and environment.”
The Terra Merita team has been marketing and supplying the Wasa straws to the tourism industry in Fiji simply as ‘biodegradable straws’ since October of 2022, but this year sought to rebrand the straws to better suit the aesthetics, values and connections to Fiji and the South Pacific.
“After careful consideration, and with sustainability in our mind, we decided to name our straws Wasa as it means Ocean in iTaukei.”
“Our eco straws are thoughtfully crafted to reflect the strong and sustaining qualities of the ocean, emphasising our commitment to environmental consciousness. Our biodegradable straws portray a modern and vibrant design that aligns with our commitment to sustainability and innovation.”
The straws boast eight distinctive mosaic designs on the packaging, inspired by indigenous tattoos, with each carrying specific meaning within the intricate geometric shapes of its design.
The straws have already penetrated the tourism industry, the group’s first target and possibly the industry with the greatest need for sustainability innovations.
“Our first target market has been the tourism industry due to its high consumption (and wastage) levels,” the spokesperson said.
“In addition, a lot of travellers now like to select destinations or hotels based on how eco-friendly and sustainable they are, or what active steps they are taking towards reaching these goals. Wasa Eco Straws are one such product that contributes to making Fiji a greener and cleaner destination.”
With a passion for sustainability, Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa was reportedly the first to onboard the new environmentally friendly straws. The Sheraton Fiji Resort, Marriott Momi Bay Resort, DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji, Raffe Hotels and Resorts Group, Ahura Resorts and Captain Cook Cruises have also embraced the new straws.
“All our customers have been very supportive and encouraging, and they are all making concerted efforts towards making the much-needed change. We hope to get as many hotels and resorts as possible in Fiji and the South Pacific so we can work together in preserving our environment and ocean,” the Terra Merita team said.
Terra Merita recently launched an additional eco-friendly product, the Niu pen, unveiled at the Topex 2023 Conference held last month.
The pens were distributed to attendees by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.
“In iTaukei culture, niu means coconut and it symbolises life, sustenance, and a strong connection to the earth. Embracing this spirit, Niu pens are a remarkable fusion of eco-friendliness and craftsmanship. These pens are the world’s first writing pens made from dried fallen coconut leaves, transforming a largely wasted natural resource into a writing instrument that respects our planet.
“We are working towards providing complete compostable and sustainable solutions to people and industries in Fiji, and then the South Pacific.”
