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Sensitive teeth aren't any fun when it comes to drinking hot or cold beverages. Tammi Fee was concerned not only about her tooth sensitivity but about tooth staining when drinking coffee and tea, so she came up with a solution: the Tfees reusable straw. Unlike other straws that are made from plastic or paper, the Tfees straws are made from Eastman's Tritan copolyester and can withstand high temperatures while staying cool to the touch. The straws are durable and free of bisphenols A (BPA) and B (BPS) and estrogenic activity (EA).

Clare Goldsberry

September 25, 2015

2 Min Read
Tfees reusable drinking straws provide sustainable solution for tooth protection

Sensitive teeth aren't any fun when it comes to drinking hot or cold beverages. Tammi Fee was concerned not only about her tooth sensitivity but about tooth staining when drinking coffee and tea, so she came up with a solution: the Tfees reusable straw. Unlike other straws that are made from plastic or paper, the Tfees straws are made from Eastman's Tritan copolyester and can withstand high temperatures while staying cool to the touch. The straws are durable and free of bisphenols A (BPA) and B (BPS) and estrogenic activity (EA).

Tfeesincoffeecup350.jpg"I was concerned about drinking coffee and tea because of tooth sensitivity and potential staining, so I searched for a solution that would protect my smile and allow me to drink my favorite beverages," said Fee, founder and creator of Tfees straws. "Enamel erosion is irreversible and most therapies to reduce the problem are extremely costly. I created Tfees straws to make protecting your teeth easier and more convenient."

Thanks to the properties of Tritan copolyester from Eastman Chemical (Kingsport, TN), the Tfees straws have superior clarity, allowing visibility inside the straws for thorough cleaning. The straws are dishwasher safe, ensuring they will keep their sleek look and clarity after repeated washes. The reusable straws are not prone to break, splinter or absorb any taste or smell.

Fee, a degreed nutritionist and exercise specialist, believes that health is important and sought out a plastic material that would meet her high standards.

"Initial conversations with Tammi revolved around a material that could handle hot and cold temperatures," said Marty Boykin, PhD, Director of Consumer Durables and the Tritan platform at Eastman Chemical. "Once we learned more about Tfees' material needs, we realized Eastman Tritan copolyester could do more than provide the straws with the necessary tolerance of varying temperatures. The material has the added benefits of being BPA-free and clear and durable, making it an ideal material for the straws."

Fee commented, "Many plastics out there are not recommended to be heated in any way (including exposure to sunshine, microwaving, boiling, and so forth.) Tfees straws are proudly made in the USA and they will not leach, break down, absorb odors or discolor in hot or acidic beverages. They are easily cleaned and sanitized and will not change the taste of your beverage."

About the Author(s)

Clare Goldsberry

Until she retired in September 2021, Clare Goldsberry reported on the plastics industry for more than 30 years. In addition to the 10,000+ articles she has written, by her own estimation, she is the author of several books, including The Business of Injection Molding: How to succeed as a custom molder and Purchasing Injection Molds: A buyers guide. Goldsberry is a member of the Plastics Pioneers Association. She reflected on her long career in "Time to Say Good-Bye."

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