Compostable Straws and Utensils for Malibu
Malibu bans single use plastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery, including bioplastics such as PLA. Restaurants and retail stores in Malibu need non plastic alternatives such as paper, bamboo, or sugar cane. KGPeco bamboo fiber straws and cutlery are made from bamboo fiber and plant starch, contain no plastic or PLA, and stay firm in drinks and hot food.
What Malibu requires
Malibu was one of the first cities in California to ban plastic straws. In summary:
- No plastic or bioplastic straws, stirrers, or cutlery. Since June 1, 2018, Malibu Municipal Code section 9.24.045 has prohibited the use, distribution, and sale of single use plastic and bioplastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery in restaurants and retail stores within city limits.
- Bioplastics are included on purpose. The City's reasoning is that no certified bioplastic breaks down in the ocean, so "compostable plastic" PLA straws are not allowed.
- Non plastic alternatives on request. The City's guidance is that alternative straws, stirrers, and cutlery should be given to customers only when they ask.
- Polystyrene foam is banned too, and disposable food ware sold or distributed in Malibu must be compostable or recyclable.
This page is a plain language summary, not legal advice. For the current rules, see the City of Malibu plastic bans page.
Why bamboo fiber instead of paper
Paper straws are the default alternative, but they soften within minutes, can leave a papery taste, and fail in smoothies and boba. Bamboo fiber stays firm for hours in cold and hot drinks and adds no taste. It is home compostable, BPI certified (listing #10529008), and CMA certified. See the full bamboo fiber vs paper vs PLA vs PHA comparison.
Products for Malibu businesses
- Regular drinking straws: 6 mm, 8.27 inch and 9 inch, wrapped or unwrapped.
- Smoothie and shake straws: 8 mm, 9 inch, for juice bars and smoothie shops.
- Wide boba straws: 12 mm, 9 inch and 4.25 inch.
- Cocktail straws: 6 mm, 5 inch, for bars and restaurants.
- Cutlery: forks, knives, spoons, sporks, and soup spoons made from bamboo fiber and plant starch. The fork, spoon, and spork are CMA certified.
Local supply from Los Angeles
KGPeco is a Los Angeles company. We import directly and stock product in our own warehouse in Los Angeles County, so Malibu restaurants, cafes, and caterers can get compliant straws and cutlery without waiting on overseas shipments. Pickups are by appointment only. Our parent company has been in the import and distribution business since 1979.
Also see our pages on Santa Monica's food service ware ordinance and the LA County and California rules. For every city that bans PLA straws, see our list of cities that ban PLA straws.
Try them before you order
We send free samples to Malibu businesses so you can test them in real service. Request free samples or see wholesale ordering. Prefer to talk? Call 323-880-0899.