OCHAO RICE STRAWS: A “GREEN” BUSINESS SOLUTION FOR THE MODERN F&B INDUSTRY

Every year, millions of plastic straws are discarded into the environment—most of which never decompose. According to PMC, an estimated 8.3 billion plastic straws have been dumped on beaches around the world. In the United States alone, MDPI recorded that in 2020, 500 million plastic straws were consumed daily, with a recycling rate of only about 9%. Amid the rising wave of green living and responsible consumption, consumers are beginning to ask: “Can a small straw make a big difference?” The answer is yes. Rice straws are a clear example of that change.

OCHAO RICE STRAW: A “GREEN” BUSINESS SOLUTION FOR THE MODERN F&B INDUSTRY

What Are Rice Straws?

Rice straws are biodegradable drinking straws made from natural ingredients such as rice flour and tapioca starch, sometimes blended with vegetable or fruit extracts. Essentially free from plastic or harmful chemicals, rice straws feature colors derived from natural sources like squid ink, annatto seeds, and chlorophyll—making them not only environmentally friendly but also safe for human use.

Unlike traditional plastic straws, which may contain harmful compounds such as BPA, DEHP, or PFAS, rice straws offer a sustainable alternative. They decompose quickly in nature and, in some cases, are even edible. As a result, rice straws are becoming the ideal choice for individuals, businesses, and F&B brands embracing the green consumption trend.

How Many Types of Rice Straws Are There? Popular Sizes in Use

Today, rice straws are available in various sizes to meet different beverage needs. The three most common diameters include:

6mm (Phi 6): Ideal for light beverages like iced coffee, herbal teas, or fruit juices.
8mm (Phi 8): The standard size, suitable for most popular drinks such as milk tea, soft drinks, soda, and juices.
12mm (Phi 12): The largest of the common sizes, perfect for drinks with toppings like boba pearls, jellies, puddings, or thick smoothies.

Note: The term “phi” comes from French and refers to the diameter of the straw.

In addition, some manufacturers like HungHau Foods also offer customized sizes upon request to meet specific needs—such as straws used in professional beverage services, high-end hotels, or private label packaging.

Thanks to their flexibility in design and sizing, rice straws are increasingly chosen by businesses as a sustainable alternative to plastic straws in green living and environmental protection campaigns.

Why Are Rice Straws Gaining Attention from Businesses?

In today’s market, where consumers increasingly prioritize eco-friendly products, rice straws have emerged as a highly promising alternative to plastic—not only from an environmental standpoint but also as a strategic tool for brand building and business positioning.

Businesses Align with the Green Consumer Trend

Modern consumers, especially Gen Z and Millennials, are leaning towards products made from natural ingredients, that are biodegradable and environmentally safe. According to the Sustainable Packaging Report 2025, 59% of Millennials and 56% of Gen Z have consciously purchased products with eco-friendly packaging in the past six months, and 90% say they prefer green brands when making purchasing decisions.

This shift isn’t exclusive to younger generations. Gen Y (Millennials), who are now at their peak earning age and making key household purchasing decisions, are also changing their behavior. They are placing greater emphasis on health, food safety, and the long-term environmental impact of the products they use. Numerous surveys reveal this group is willing to pay a premium for products with recyclable packaging, clear origins, and green commitments from brands.

The adoption of rice straws, paper cups, and biodegradable packaging is more than a short-term gesture—it’s a strategic move. It allows businesses to align with the growing movement of green living and responsible consumption across multiple generations. This alignment helps brands build trust and shape a sustainable image in the minds of modern consumers.

Easy Replacement for Traditional Plastic Straws

Rice straws can be seamlessly integrated into existing F&B operations without the need for procedural changes. Specifically:

No changes needed in the serving process, compatible with current menus.
Durable in cold beverages, lasting longer than paper or PLA straws.
Customizable in terms of size, color, and branding—ideal for F&B products or eco-friendly gifts.

Rice Straws: Enhancing Brand Value and Market Differentiation

More than just a substitute for plastic straws, rice straws serve as a “greeting” from the brand to the customer—a message of kindness and sustainability. Small details like using a rice straw can leave a strong impression, naturally reflecting a brand’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Tosun et al. (2024) highlight that CSR awareness significantly contributes to consumer happiness, which in turn lays the groundwork for brand admiration. By committing to environmental protection, businesses tap into values that matter deeply to modern consumers, creating a powerful emotional connection that leads to brand loyalty and admiration (Vuong & Nguyen, 2024).

Beyond practical use, rice straws help shape the brand experience in a subtle yet impactful way. As consumers grow more conscious and value “kindness” in business behavior, seemingly small actions—like choosing an eco-friendly straw—become powerful ways for brands to express their identity, character, and commitment to sustainability. These efforts are tangible, relatable, and easy to share, amplifying their impact across communities.

Easy to Communicate and Emotionally Connect with Customers

A study by Cornell University shows that green marketing significantly enhances brand quality perception and customer loyalty. A biodegradable, even edible, rice straw provides relatable and meaningful content that helps spread positive messages. It becomes a powerful storytelling tool for experiential marketing campaigns or branding strategies aligned with environmental values.

Rice Straws Are Not Just Utensils—They’re Part of the User Experience
In today’s competitive F&B landscape, customers don’t just evaluate the food and drinks—they consider the entire experience, from ambiance and service to the smallest details like… the straw.

Rice straws are not merely tools for sipping. With their natural, gentle texture, biodegradable materials, and edibility, they deliver a sense of safety, comfort, and uniqueness right from the first use.

Their vibrant colors—extracted from natural ingredients like beetroot, carrot, and pandan leaves—make any drink visually more appealing, enhancing the sensory experience. Especially when used in eco-conscious environments, rice straws become part of a brand’s narrative of kindness, responsibility, and care for consumer well-being.

With rice straws, consumers don’t just “use” – they “feel”, and businesses don’t just “serve” – they “inspire.”

Who Should Use Rice Straws?

Rice straws are not only a green consumer trend, but also a flexible solution suitable for a wide range of users—from individuals to organizations, from small cafés to large export enterprises.

End Consumers – Individual Users

OCHAO rice straws are an ideal choice for health-conscious and eco-minded consumers. Those pursuing a green lifestyle, aiming to reduce single-use plastic, or looking for safe alternatives—such as vegetarians, the elderly, children, or people sensitive to compounds like BPA or DEHP—can use rice straws daily in a safe and convenient way. The product ensures hygiene, is biodegradable, and helps reduce plastic pollution in the environment.

Businesses – From F&B to Exporters

For businesses, rice straws serve not only as a utensil but also as a powerful brand communication tool. Cafés, restaurants, hotels, and high-end resorts can adopt rice straws to enhance customer experience while demonstrating a commitment to responsible consumption.

In today’s business landscape—especially in strict markets like the EU, Japan, and South Korea—replacing plastic straws with biodegradable options like rice straws helps elevate brand image, meet ESG standards, and improve export competitiveness.
Additionally, institutions such as schools, hospitals, and community centers can use rice straws as part of educational initiatives, helping students and the public develop green habits starting from the smallest actions.

HungHau Foods Brings High-Quality OCHAO Rice Straws from Sa Đéc – A Proud Vietnamese Brand

With a strong commitment to sustainable development and green exports, HungHau Foods doesn’t just produce rice straws as a plastic alternative—it has created the OCHAO product line, carefully researched and optimized to flexibly meet the needs of both domestic and international markets.

OCHAO rice straws are made from clean ingredients such as rice flour, cassava starch, and natural colorings extracted from Vietnamese vegetables and fruits. All raw materials are fully traceable from certified growing regions, especially Sa Đéc flour village—a famous traditional rice flour-producing area with over 100 years of history in Đồng Tháp province.

The entire production process takes place at the Nha Man Factory (operated by Nha Man Co., Ltd – a member of HungHau Foods). Here, modern extrusion technology is applied to ensure precise shaping, durability, consistency, and to preserve the natural flavor of the product.

From ingredient selection, flour processing, extrusion shaping, drying, to packaging—every step follows strict inspection protocols that comply with both Vietnamese and international food safety standards. OCHAO rice straws are proudly recognized as a Vietnam Value, honored five years in a row: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

Why OCHAO Rice Straws Stand Out:

100% plant-based and eco-friendly
Free from BPA, DEHP, or other harmful chemicals
Edible, with no strange taste or odor
Holds its shape well when soaked in water from 5°C to 30°C for 30 to 90 minutes
Biodegradable after 7 days of use

The OCHAO rice straw is a proud innovation by HungHau Foods—a pioneer in the development of value-added, eco-friendly agricultural products. Beyond providing high-quality food to both local and global markets, HungHau Foods is constantly innovating and applying technology to create sustainable solutions, addressing environmental issues like plastic waste and contributing to the worldwide green consumption movement.

With its natural composition and biodegradability, OCHAO rice straws not only perfectly replace plastic straws but also represent a sustainable solution to help reduce plastic pollution—one of the leading causes of ocean contamination today.

Product Information

Product Name: OCHAO Biodegradable Rice Straw
Brand: OCHAO – Vietnam Value, honored for 5 consecutive years
Standard Size: 8mm x 22cm

Packaging Options:

500g per PE or paper bag
Bulk packing in 5kg or 10kg cartons

Ingredients:

75% rice flour
24% cassava starch

Product Features:

Straight cylindrical shape, flat-cut ends, no cracks or breakage
Naturally extracted colors
No artificial or strange odors, only the product’s natural scent
Can be soaked in water at 5°C to 30°C for 30 to 90 minutes (may crack after this time)
Edible and food-safe
Shelf life: 18 months
Moisture content: Max 12%

OCHAO rice straws are not just a plastic straw alternative—they are a powerful green communication tool for businesses, helping enhance brand value and build a sustainable, eco-conscious image in the eyes of today’s consumers.

Where to Buy Authentic, Export-Standard OCHAO Rice Straws

The price of OCHAO rice straws ranges from 19,000 VND to 60,000 VND, depending on the quantity and packaging specifications.

Trusted Purchase Channels:

You can place an order directly through the official HAPPY NOODLES website – the exclusive brand of HungHau Foods:
Website: https://happyfood.vn/danh-muc/ochao-rau-cu-qua-say/

Buy In-store at Showrooms:

Nakydaco Showroom: 889 Trường Chinh Street, Tây Thạnh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
COMOON Showroom: 727 3/2 Street, Diên Hồng Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Partnership & Business Inquiries:

Contact Information:

Hung Hau Foods Joint Stock Company

Address: 642 Au Co Street, Bay Hien Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Email: sales@hunghau.vn
Email: hana@hunghau.vn
Hotline: (+84) 79 721 3333

Email: yenn@hunghau.vn
Hotline: (+84) 78 520 3333

Website: www.hfoods.vn

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