Straws have garnered significant media attention in recent years. With the ban on single-use plastics and the emergence of new materials, the market has witnessed a slew of alternatives. But which one to choose? That’s the question we’re about to delve into.
Since 2021, a ban on plastic straws has come into effect, along with the prohibition of many other single-use products in France. Accused of being an environmental disaster due to their frequent improper disposal, they have often ended up polluting our oceans.
To counter this ban, numerous new straw options made from various materials have flooded the market. Some have strong ecological credentials, while others are less so.
The most classic, widely used, and cost-effective are paper or kraft straws. However, they tend to soften or even disintegrate when immersed in a beverage for too long, making them perhaps the least durable option discussed here. They cost between $0.01 and $0.02 each and have long been considered the sole substitute for plastic, mainly due to their low cost compared to more resilient alternatives.
These straws are made from food-based materials like pasta or durum wheat, for instance. Pricier than paper straws (between $0.03 and $0.05 each), they are somewhat sturdier although they can still soften over time. From an eco-conscious perspective, it’s a bit unfortunate to use food to create a disposable product that won’t be consumed by the customer (unless they take a bite, of course!). Nonetheless, they spark curiosity among customers who may not encounter them often.
Available in glass or stainless steel, reusable straws are a zero-waste option. They can be used indefinitely and carry a strong eco-friendly appeal. However, their price, ranging from $2.00 to $3.00 each, might pose a consideration. They find a place in upscale establishments or smaller ones with less stock needs. It’s worth noting that the shift from disposable to reusable straws raises concerns about cleaning quality and hygiene.
These straws can be crafted from various materials—sugar cane, reeds, coffee grounds, fruit pit and peel fibers—the list goes on. These innovative materials aim, to varying degrees of success, to replicate the qualities of plastic straws. A wide range of qualities and prices (from $0.02 to $0.06 per unit) can be found among these options. Some require fresh material production for manufacturing, while others focus on recycling or even circular economy principles. Fairbird, for instance, is a notable player in this field, producing high-quality, affordable straws from recycled materials.
Whether it’s your customers’ preferences, the quality you seek, the sourcing considerations, or your budget, the options are expansive. Finding the straw that meets all your criteria may be a bit challenging. However, discovering the right fit aligns with your corporate social responsibility journey and adds an engaging narrative to share with your customers.
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