What is Cropsticks Inc?
Cropsticks Inc is a company making waves in the wood and wood products industry with its sustainable chopsticks that come with a built-in rest, known as a hashioki in Japanese. These aren’t just any chopsticks—they’re thoughtfully designed to keep chopsticks off surfaces and prevent them from rolling away during meals. Cropsticks has gained recognition, even appearing on Shark Tank, and their products are now featured in over 500 restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Their mission? To leave behind a greener environment for future generations by focusing on eco-friendly products made primarily from bamboo, the fastest-growing plant on earth.
Main Benefits of Cropsticks Inc
Here’s a quick snapshot of what makes Cropsticks stand out:
- Made from bamboo, a renewable and fast-growing grass family member.
- 45% of disposable chopsticks worldwide are still made from trees, contributing to deforestation—Cropsticks offers a sustainable alternative.
- Certified B Corporation, meeting high standards of social and environmental performance.
- Products include bamboo straws, bamboo chopsticks, and classic chopsticks—all biodegradable and natural.
- Packaging uses recycled paper sleeves, avoiding new tree use.
- Partnered with ISO 9000 standard suppliers to ensure quality and sustainability.
- Collaborates with ChopValue to upcycle used chopsticks into new bamboo products like coasters and home décor.
Eco-Friendly Materials and Bamboo Facts
Bamboo is at the heart of Cropsticks’ products. Why bamboo? Because it’s not only sustainable but also incredibly practical. Bamboo grows super fast—much faster than trees—and it regenerates quickly after being harvested. Unlike trees, which once cut down are gone for good, bamboo keeps on growing. This means using bamboo helps reduce deforestation and lowers carbon emissions. Plus, bamboo’s natural durability makes it perfect for everyday items like chopsticks and straws that need to withstand liquids and repeated use.
Innovative Product Range
Cropsticks doesn’t stop at chopsticks. In 2019, they launched bamboo straws made from bamboo fiber, offering a natural alternative to harmful plastic straws. These straws can handle liquids for hours and come in various sizes, making them ideal for everything from Asian boba drinks to cocktails. Their classic chopsticks and bamboo chopsticks also cater to different preferences, all while maintaining that premium, natural feel. It’s all about combining tradition with sustainability in a way that fits modern lifestyles.
Packing, Shipping, and Supply Chain Commitment
Every pair of Cropsticks is packaged in recycled paper sleeves, showing their commitment to reducing environmental impact right down to the packaging. The chopsticks are manufactured in China and shipped to California, and the company is actively exploring ways to offset the carbon footprint from this cross-oceanic shipping. On top of that, Cropsticks partners with suppliers who meet ISO 9000 standards, ensuring quality control and sustainable practices throughout their supply chain. It’s a full-circle approach to sustainability—from materials to delivery.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Upcycling and Circular Economy Initiatives
Cropsticks is not just about making sustainable products—they’re also tackling waste. Through a partnership with ChopValue, the world’s first chopstick recycling company, Cropsticks is piloting a program to upcycle used chopsticks. Instead of ending up in landfills, these used chopsticks get transformed into new bamboo products like coasters and home décor. This initiative highlights their commitment to a circular economy, reducing waste and giving materials a second life. It’s a smart, eco-conscious move that aligns perfectly with their mission to protect the environment for future generations.
