A paper straw manufacturer from Zhuji, Zhejiang province has struck a deal to supply McDonald's with paper straws for the United States and countries in Europe.

As one of the sponsors of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, McDonald's announced earlier this year that they would phase out plastic straws and roll out paper ones instead at restaurants in UK and Ireland, due to environmental concerns.

Zhejiang Junke Paper Co Ltd, a company focused on the manufacturing and exporting of paper straws, has shipped over 30 sets of paper straws to Russia since last year, in preparation for the huge influx of tourists which accompanied the just concluded World Cup.

"The paper straw is of vital concern to the ecological environment," said Pang Haiping, president of the paper company, adding that it is an inevitable trend that plastic straws will be replaced with paper ones, and that all companies should seize the opportunities and shoulder their due responsibilities to protect the environment.

"Our straws have reached food safety standards set by the European Union and the United States," said an official from the company, adding that 90 percent of the products are exported to the US and Europe.

Walmart, an American-based retailer with over 400 stores in China, is also one of the company's key clients, he said.

With the combination of environmentally friendly materials and intelligent production technology, the Junke-produced paper straw has reached the level of quality required to be shipped around the world, according to an official from the Shaoxing science and technology department.

Pang Haiping, president of Zhejiang Junke Paper Co Ltd, poses in the sample room. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Pang Haiping, president of Zhejiang Junke Paper Co Ltd, communicates with foreign buyers. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]