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Recipe Unlimited Corporation will eliminate plastic straws from its 19 restaurant brands including Swiss Chalet, Harvey’s, Kelsey’s and East Side Mario’s.

The restaurant giant formerly known as Cara Operations will start phasing out its plastic straws in August.

Recipe Unlimited says it will dump plastic straws because of their impact on the environment and wildlife and the company’s commitment to recyclable materials.

It hopes to offer paper straws in all of its restaurants by the end of March 2019.

WATCH: Pressure on Canada to ban plastic bags, straws

1:43 Pressure on Canada to ban plastic bags, straws Pressure on Canada to ban plastic bags, straws

“Our goal is to enrich life in Canada…and that extends beyond our restaurants and guests, to our oceans, wildlife and environment,” said Frank Hennessey, CEO of Recipe Unlimited Corporation in a press release.

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“Straws are just one component of the work we’re undertaking to eliminate single-use plastics from our supply chain and shift to recyclable or compostable materials wherever possible.”

The compostable and biodegradable straws will automatically be provided with drink orders at the brand’s quick serve restaurants, including New York Fries and St-Hubert.

Patrons will have to request paper straws to receive one at its full-service restaurants like the Pickle Barrel, Milestones and The Keg.

— With files from Global News