Paper Straws vs. Plastic Straws: Which One Is Best?

Beverages are some of the most commonly consumed items in our daily lives. However, have you ever thought about how every beverage can contribute to pollution? A study published in 2019 estimated that approximately 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world’s beaches. But the question is, where do these billions of straws come from? Discussed later!

Here is the good news: considering consumers’ demands, many brands are moving to paper straws, an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws. Paper straws have become very popular among brands and businesses, and over time, they will take the permanent position of plastic straws.

Still, paper straws vs. plastic straws: Which is the best option? This is a common debate among consumers. However, I am sure you will be clear about your concerns after reading this blog post. We will cover all of your worries regarding plastic and paper straws, such as the manufacturing process, environmental effects, cost comparison, and, last but not least, which one has the worst long-term impacts. So, read to the end. Let’s get started!

What Stats Shows?

Before discussing the main point, let’s have a look at the stats that shock me and you too. As we discussed in the first paragraph of this blog, a study published in 2019 estimated that approximately 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world’s beaches and sicken or kill seabirds. This issue is particularly relevant given the widespread use of plastic straws in many drinks, whether it’s a morning coffee, a smoothie at lunch, or a cocktail in the evening.

Here is the interesting fact that stocks you; 500 million straws are used daily in the US alone. That was only in the US, so just imagine the number of straws used worldwide daily, thousands of millions or maybe even billions.

Another research shows that people are aware of the harmful impact of plastic straws, and 82% of shoppers prefer to buy beverages in compostable cold cups or containers that come with sustainable straws such as paper or bamboo straws.

With this crazy demand, the question arises: Are paper straws as sustainable as they seem? To answer this question appropriately, we first have to discuss the manufacturing of both of these straws.

Manufacturing Process Of Plastic & Paper Straws

Comparing the manufacturing process of plastic and paper straws is crucial for better understanding. However, the manufacturing process of both of these straws varies depending upon the type of materials used.

Paper Straws

Are paper straws biodegradable? Yes, paper straws are biodegradable alternatives to plastic straws, typically made from paperboard and cardstock. These are naturally renewable raw material that comes from sustainable forestry practices. Here are the steps used in the manufacturing of paper straws:

• Cutting down the materials into thin strips.
• Strips get cut into the desired length and diameter.
• The coating is added to the straws to prevent them from being soggy.

Plastic Straws

Plastic straws are commonly made from a type of thermoplastic material called polypropylene. Here is the detailed process of manufacturing of plastic straws:

• First, nurdles, or plastic pellets are melted.
• An injection molding machine is used to shape them into hollow tubes.
• Lastly, a type of PLA (polylactic acid) plastic is used to reduce the harmful impact on the environment, which results in bioplastic straws.

After reading the manufacturing process, let’s quickly go through the pros and cons of these straws.

Pros & Cons Of Paper Straws Vs Plastic Straws

Which is Better for the Environment? Paper Straws vs Plastic Straws

Have you ever visited a restaurant or a cafe bar? Where you see cutlery placed over napkins, straws are also included in this cutlery depending on the course. But have you ever considered the environmental impacts of these straws?

The need for eco-friendly and sustainable options creates a serious debate on the environmental impacts of both of these straws. Let’s uncover all these debates:

 Also, the most commonly asked question is; are paper straws sustainable and better than plastic?

Decomposition & Sustainability

Paper Straws

How long do paper straws last? It’s a commonly asked question. Research accomplished by the UK Environment Agency shows that paper straws are made from renewable resources, which usually take 2 to 6 weeks to decompose.

Plastic Straws

On the other hand, plastic straws are made from polypropylene, which can take up to 200 years to biodegrade.

This research demonstrates that paper straws are more sustainable than plastic ones and have positive environmental impacts.

Pollution

Paper Straws

Made from renewable resources such as wood pulp, paper straws are the best alternative to plastic straws. Straws made from paper-based materials emit fewer greenhouse gases.

Plastic Straws

As discussed earlier, plastic straws are made from polypropylene, which is a byproduct of petroleum. Straws made from plastic emits carbon dioxide footprints and many other greenhouse gases. This will result in soil and water pollutants.

Human Health Risks

Paper Straws

According to the journal Food Additives & Contaminants, 90% of paper straws tested by researchers contain PFAS, which is comparatively higher than tested plastic straws that have a ratio of 75%.

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” is a man-made chemical that comes in paper straws in the manufacturing process that causes multiple health issues, including cancer and liver damage, which makes us stuck on this question: are paper straws worse than plastic?

Plastic Straws

Most plastic straws contain BPA, commonly known as Bisphenol A. This will be even more hazardous for human health when it combines with polypropylene. Plastic straws can create contamination in the juice or liquid we drink and cause various health issues.

Impacts Of Drinking Straws On Marine Life

The out-of-control consumption of plastic straws has significant impacts on marine life. But how? Let’s find out if plastic straws are non-biodegradable, and when reaching oceans and seas, they not only pollute water but also become one of the main problems for seabirds.

As 8 to 12 million tons of plastic straws end up in other oceans, sea birds such as fish, turtles, and whales mistakenly eat them in search of food, which leads to ingestion and physical harm.

Paper straws, in comparison to plastic straws, are quite safe for marine or underwater living things.

Cost of Paper Straws vs. Plastic Straws for Businesses

When evaluating the sustainability and environmental impacts of drinking straws, it is essential to consider paper straws vs plastic straws cost. In summary, plastic straws are generally more affordable than paper straws. However, it is important to understand the factors behind the higher costs of paper straws compared to plastic ones.

Cost Per Straw

While a plastic straw typically costs around 2 cents, paper straws usually range from 8 to 10 cents each.

Transportation Cost

The transportation cost of paper straws is higher than that of plastic straws for two main reasons. First, paper is heavier in weight. Second, paper straws are fragile and can become damaged easily, requiring special protection during transit.

Compostability

Some unmatched properties also affect the cost of paper straws, such as compostability and biodegradability. 

Plastic straws are an affordable option because of their lower unit price and ease of transportation. But the point here is when comparing costs, you must be aware of the pros and cons of these drinking straws, and each straw serves you from their respective prospects.

Paper Straws Vs Plastic Straws: Which Is A Better Option?

Which one is the better option for you? Answering this question or prioritizing one over the other can feel overwhelming. Researchers are further interested in exploring the safest option because paper straws are not likely the safest alternative to plastic straws in terms of food safety.

Here, the question comes to your mind: how are paper straws toxic, and why are they bad for health? It’s a good question because, from the beginning of this article, we see paper straws as a good alternative to plastic straws, right?

Why Paper Straws Are Bad

Here is the point; we consider paper straws good in terms of sustainability and safety for marine life but not as a good option for human health. As per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) found in paper straws, they are considered worse than plastic straws. 

Final Thoughts

To summarize, it appears that no single type of straw stands out as the best option. In the debate between plastic straws and paper straws, there is no clear winner based on the various perspectives and research findings.

Paper straws are a better choice than plastic straws in terms of biodegradability and compostability. To ensure they are safe for drinking and human health, it’s important to choose PFAS-free paper straws.

If you’re looking for a reliable supplier of PFAS-free paper straws at wholesale prices, look no further than Waxpapers.