Bacardi has introduced an initiative that bans plastic straws and stirrers in cocktails at company events, as part of its ‘Good Spirited: Building a Sustainable Future’ campaign.

This initiative is expected to stop 12,000 straws from going to landfill each year.

Straws are considered to be the fifth most common rubbish item entering the ocean.

“Plastic straws don’t biodegrade, and their use is ubiquitous across many industries, including the spirits market.”

As part of the campaign, it has partnered with several hotels, restaurants and bars.

In a statement, the company said: "As straws and stirrers are among the most collected pieces of trash in our oceans, coupled with the ten litres of water used to produce one bottle of a premium spirit, the company knows water is a critical resource for all its brands and local communities."

Bacardi director of trade advocacy Ian McLaren said: "Plastic straws don’t biodegrade, and their use is ubiquitous across many industries, including the spirits market. We are resolved to be part of the solution, and this includes reducing the amount of waste we produce."

The firm is also encouraging all offices within its global infrastructure to embrace the initiative.

Since 2006 Bacardi has begun tracking its global impact on the environment.

It claims to have improved its water use efficiency by 46%, and reduced greenhouse gas intensity ratio by almost 45%.

Bacardi has over 200 brands and labels, including Bacardi rum, and Grey Goose vodka.

Set up in 1862, it has 30 facilities and sells its brands in over 160 countries.