Overseas visitors try out an umbrella during the 25th China Yiwu International Commodities (Standards) Fair in Zhejiang province on Oct 21. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

The ongoing 25th China Yiwu International Commodities (Standards) Fair, or Yiwu Fair, is putting many eye-catching products on display, local media reported on Oct 23.

"Xiaoyi", the mascot for Yiwu-made commodities, was unveiled at the Yiwu International Expo Center on Oct 21 to promote the city's high-quality exports and logistics network.

Visitors can see him on the umbrellas produced by Zhejiang Xingbao Umbrella Co, also known as RST Umbrella in the international market. The company has already received several new purchases thanks to the character's undeniable appeal, said a staff member of RST Umbrella.

Edible straws made by Yiwu-based Soton Daily Necessities are on display. [Photo/zgyww.cn]

Soton Daily Necessities, the largest manufacturer of drinking straws worldwide, is winning favor with its edible straws made from agricultural products such as wheat, rice, corn, cassava, and potatoes.

The colorful straws provide a way to alleviate plastic pollution and are expected to start a new trend in the tableware industry.

"We've been worrying about the environmental damage caused by traditional plastic straws for years, which is why we've been developing alternatives that are both completely disposable and without health concerns," said a spokesperson for Soton Daily Necessities.

He hopes Yiwu Fair and Soton Daily Necessities will work together to promote the technology in more fields.