Our Mission

We are a USA-based paper straw factory located in Manhattan, KS. We help rid the world of single-use plastic waste one great paper straw at a time.

Our Story

Great paper straws is a minority business entity

As a family of entrepreneurs, we are a registered Minority Business Enterprise with the State of Kansas and with Mountain Plains Minority Supplier Development Council.

It was the Summer of 2018 when single-use plastic pollution was all the news. Television programs like “Blue Planet” documented the impact of single-use plastic on our environment.  We all saw the images of the sea turtle with a plastic straw stuck in their nose. Those images made us think and ask ourselves how we could make a difference.

At that time, there was only one paper straw manufacturer in the USA. So we decided to get into the business. We booked flights to find all the necessary equipment needed to setup a paper straw factory in the USA.

They say that there are no coincidences in life.

water resistant paper straw made in usa 3

One morning during the trip, a man sat across the breakfast table. He manufactured a premium food grade kraft paper.  He told us how his paper was 100% recyclable, compostable and biodegradable and how it could be used to make paper straws that lasted longer.

Paper Straw Factory in USA

Soon thereafter, we setup our paper straw factory and began manufacturing water-resistant paper drinking straws right here in Manhattan, KS, USA. Our paper straws are FDA and EU Food Grade Compliant and safe for food use. They are sold under the Astraws® brand name.

We sell our paper straws in the USA and Asia.

Using water-resistant paper straws means that your straw will last longer while sipping your favorite beverage. And you help rid the world of single-use plastic.

We invite you to try our Astraws® brand paper drinking straws. You’ll be glad you did!

Thanks for helping save Mother Earth by choosing GreatPaperStraws.com.

Giving

While its important to help eliminate single-use plastic, its equally important to help others in the world that need help.

Great Paper Straws factory support City Impact Center of Las VegasGreat Paper Straws is a proud supporter of City Impact of Las Vegas, Nevada. Headed by Elizabeth Gallagher, City Impact offers results-producing programs designed to help people grow and improve their lives.

Highlights of City Impact’s programs include the following:

Innovations International Charter School

The Innovations International Charter School of Nevada provides education for grades 6 through 12. This results-driven school has recently seen a 100% graduation rate.

City Impact After School Program

The City Impact After School Program (CIASP) provides students with a safe haven during the “danger zone” hours of 4 pm – 6 pm; the time of day when youth violence, drug use, and other delinquent behaviors are most likely to occur. This after school program provides the support needed to fight high school drop-out while preparing students for fulfilling careers in the modern workforce.

Pathways Community Services

The Pathways Community Services program provides counseling services for individuals, family, child and couples therapy. It also includes substance-abuse counseling.

Impact Urban Night School

The Impact Urban Night School helps adults obtain their High School Equivalency. It also offers English Language Arts classes. These classes are taught on the City Impact campus by the Adult Literacy Program of the College of Southern Nevada.

City Impact Urban Food Bank

The Urban Food Bank is an integral part of City Impact’s programming. It provides packages of fresh and nutritious food to the families in need.

During the recent COVID-19 outbreak, the Urban Food Bank served more than 1,000 people in a single day from the Las Vegas area.

great paper straws provides financial support of city impact urban food bank

City Impact Center Senior Living Center

The new shining star of the City Impact program is their Senior Living Center. This 64-unit low income senior living complex provides seniors with an affordable, safe and secure place to live.

great paper straws supports city impact senior center las vegas

City Impact Center Senior Living Center, Las Vegas, NV

Drunks In Recovery Together Beating Alcoholism

This 12 Step meeting program helps those that need help in beating alcohol and substance abuse.

Sunrise Children’s Foundation

City Impact’s Children’s Foundation enhances children’s lives through their Early Childhood Development Program.

Sunshine Urban Garden

Located on the City Impact Campus, this urban garden allows the local community to grow fruits and vegetables, while teaching life skills.

Health Care Professional Network

This on-campus health care clinic provides children and adult medical care, radiology, laboratory, asthma care, behavioral/psychiatric referral, immunizations, high blood pressure checks, basic screenings for lead, nutrition and TB,, school sports and daycare physicals, well child care, adult preventative care and vision checks.

Odyssey APS Group

City Impact’s free job placement service provides same day interviews for hospitality, convention work, catering and warehouse positions.

Great Paper Straws: Doing What’s Right

When you choose Great Paper Straws, you’re choosing people that care about the environment and others.

owners of USA paper straw factory

 l to r: Wesley Garibay, Enrique Garibay, Elizabeth Gallagher of City Impact, Raul Garibay