The Only Straw

We’re an Australian owned and operated family business based in Gippsland, Victoria. My name is Glenn Dawson, and I am the founder of The Only Straw. My mission to create an eco-friendly drinking straw began a decade ago, on an Indonesian beachfront.

A responsible hotel owner

I owned and operated small beachfront hotels and restaurants in Lombok when the enormity of the plastic straw debacle arose. Our beaches were littered with used plastic straws that were harmful to the environment and to marine life on a world scale. I set about finding an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic straws. Straws that I could use in my hotels and restaurants and introduce to other hoteliers and restaurateurs.

In 2020 my passion to create the perfect drinking straw was realised. Gluten-free, vegan-friendly, all natural, zero waste rice flour and tapioca starch straws.

The Australian Government realisation

The harmful effects of plastics and micro plastics to our ecosystem is real and the Australian Government has now embraced the need to prohibit sales of single-use plastics, including drinking straws. As various states start to implement bans, we’re pleased to say The Only Straw is completely plastic free, safe and a great solution for your business.

Our straws are made from rice flour and tapioca starch. The Only Straw is a quality, sustainable alternative to plastic and paper straws. 100% biodegradable rice straws that will last in your drink, not in the environment.