What is the alternative to plastic straws?

According to data from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, in Vietnam, more than 2,000 tons of plastic waste are released into the ocean every day. Although there are no specific statistics on each type of garbage, it can be imagined that, in this huge volume of plastic waste, there are many plastic straws.

Meanwhile, it takes us 1 second to dispose of plastic straws, but it takes at least 200 to 500 years to decompose, and is one of the main contributors to marine pollution. When submerged in rivers and oceans, they become a toxic "food source" for seafood, thereby creeping into human meals in the form of microplastics.

Join Hale Bioplastics to learn 1 number of alternatives to straws from plastic

• Stainless steel straws

At the top of the list of straws that can be used many times, durable, good heat resistance, is stainless steel straws. Usually made from 304 stainless steel, this straw is almost not rusted or oxidized, so it has a long service life and can be used with many different drinks.

Regarding the feeling when used, many people commented that stainless steel straws have the "taste" of metal, and due to their good thermal conductivity, they are not very suitable for hot drinks.

A study has shown that, despite consuming quite a lot of energy and resources to produce (about 90 times more than producing plastic straws), only 3% of metal straws are released into the environment after 5 years. Meanwhile, this figure of plastic straws is 100%.

Therefore, to compensate for the energy consumed and the impact on the environment that comes from production, each metal straw should be reused at least 150 times.

• Glass straws

Also a popular type of reusable straw, glass straws are favored by their eye-catching appearance, and especially completely transparent, so it is very convenient to clean.

Compared to stainless steel, glass is brittle, broken. But in return, this material is more pleasant and safe to use. For those who are sensitive to the fishy taste of metal straws, glass straws will be an optimal choice.

Similar to metal, glass straws can be recycled easily. But to be truly "green", we should reuse them in a long-term way.

• Bamboo straws

Completely from nature, bamboo straws are a great solution to replace other types of artificial straws. However, because it is made of bamboo, this type of straw has a characteristic smell, which is quite difficult to clean and easy to store the smell of drinks.

Although it can be used many times, bamboo straws are not durable. Over time, bamboo can rot, break, and change color. The lifespan of this type of straw will therefore be quite short, about 2-3 years.

In return for some of the above limitations, bamboo straws are completely organic, can decompose quickly. If you want to reduce your impact on the environment, you should consider using this type of straw.

• Grass straws

Made from eagle grass, grass straws come in two main types: fresh and dried. While fresh grass straws still retain their green color, are quite brittle and have a short storage time, hay straws have undergone the drying process, so they are dry, tougher, and can be kept for a long time.

Because they are made from grass, these straws have a rather soft body, not suitable for use with hot or concentrated drinks.

Similar to bamboo straws, grass straws do not leave "trace" of their existence on the ground.

• Paper straws

Second only to plastic straws in terms of usefulness, the market size of paper straws in the world is expected to reach 2.44 billion USD by 2024. Due to its popularity, paper straws appear in many colors, different designs.

If stainless steel and glass straws are suitable for personal use, for businesses, especially in the fast-moving consumer goods industry, the solution to replace plastic straws with paper straws is considered a good solution. Optimal.

Although paper straws still have certain disadvantages such as being easy to soften and consumers are not familiar with how to use them, however, in terms of the nature of packaging and transportation, this is the most suitable choice in current time.

Paper straws are also very eco-friendly, taking only 6 to 12 weeks to decompose.

• Straws from Bio starch

Safety: Bio-plastic straws do not contain any harmful additives, so when they come in contact with drinks, they do not affect the health of users.

Certification: Passing food hygiene and safety

Let's learn about bio-starch bioplastic raw materials with Hale Bioplastics

Raw materials: derived from starch + PP/PE

Ability to decompose quickly: After only 6 months - 1 year in industrial composting conditions, it is completely decomposed into humus, CO₂ and water.