Traditional plastic straws are mainly made from polypropylene (PP) or polystyrene (PS). These materials are low-cost, heat-resistant, and easy to produce in large quantities. However, their biggest drawback is that they cannot naturally degrade, posing serious threats to the environment. Iconic images, such as sea turtles with plastic straws stuck in their nostrils, have sparked global attention on the “plastic ban” movement.
So, are plastic straws banned? The answer is partially yes. In recent years, many countries and regions have implemented restrictions on single-use plastic straws:
- European Union: Fully banned single-use plastic straws in 2021.
- United States: States like California and cities like New York have implemented plastic straw bans.
- China: Since 2021, non-degradable plastic straws have been banned in the food and beverage industry. When ordering bubble tea or takeaway, you’ll often see “PLA biodegradable straws” printed on the packaging instead of the old PP plastic straws.
Today, traditional plastic straws are being replaced by eco-friendly alternatives, with PLA straws (polylactic acid straws) emerging as the mainstream choice. PLA straws are made from renewable resources such as corn starch and sugarcane. Under industrial composting conditions, they can break down into carbon dioxide and water. Compared with paper straws, PLA straws are more durable, do not soften, and offer a mouthfeel similar to traditional plastic straws — combining both eco-friendliness and user comfort.
In addition to PLA straws, other alternatives include paper straws (biodegradable but prone to softening), and reusable options such as stainless steel, glass, or silicone straws. However, paper straws often receive negative feedback due to their poor experience, and reusable straws lack convenience. PLA straws strike the perfect balance between sustainability and practicality, making them the top choice in restaurants, takeout services, and bubble tea shops.
Although plastic straws have not completely disappeared, their market share is quickly being replaced by eco-friendly materials. With its biodegradability, eco-friendly nature, and plastic-like feel, the PLA straw is set to become the future trend in the straw industry.
