What’s the best choice for compostable straws: Paper Straws or 100% Plant-based?
What’s the best choice for compostable straws - Paper Straws or 100% Plant-based? As a cafe owner, it’s important to reduce the waste your business generates. One of the major contributors to this kind of waste is single-use straws. Compostable straws are one way you can reduce plastic waste in your establishment without compromising on convenience or quality. When selecting compostable alternatives to plastic, you need to consider two primary options: paper and plant-based (CPLA) options. But what should you choose? In this blog post, we explore both types of compostable straws so that you can make an informed decision.
Benefits of Paper Straws
Paper straws provide a great way to reduce the negative impact of pollution on the environment. They are biodegradable, making them an ideal alternative to traditional plastic straws. Not only do paper straws decompose much faster than plastic. Their production and transport require far fewer resources and emit less carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In addition, paper straws don't have the same toxic chemicals that can be released by plastic when they break down in landfills or oceans. Finally, paper straws come in a variety of colors, making them perfect for use at businesses or events that want an eco-friendly impression.
Disadvantages of Paper Straws
While paper straws have become increasingly popular due to their environmentally-friendly properties, there are some drawbacks.. Paper straws tend to degrade much more quickly than plastic straws when exposed to liquid, meaning that they can be too soggy after just minutes of drinking. Furthermore, they do not hold their shape as well as plastic ones and may require people to take additional breaks when consuming beverages in order to adjust a paper straw accordingly.
Benefits of CPLA Straws
Many consumers now look for more sustainable options when purchasing products and food, and one of the greatest alternatives is switching from paper to CPLA straws. CPLA, or crystallized polylactic acid, decomposes up to 200 times faster than paper, and produces 68% less carbon emissions in the biodegradation process.
These eco-friendly straws are also heat resistant, so they provide greater long-term durability compared to wood or paper, which makes them safe for hot and cold drinks alike. Furthermore, their ocean-safe properties make them an ideal option that’s gentle on the environment while still being strong enough not to break apart when used; an added bonus is that they retain their bold colour over time!
Disadvantages of CPLA Straws
Despite the many benefits, there are some notable disadvantages associated with CPLA Straws. One of the main issues is that most CPLA Straws take around 90 days to fully degrade in commercial compost facilities, and can take even longer when placed in household compost bins. Even worse, if deposited in landfills instead, CPLA Straws will degrade at a much slower rate and emit pollutants like methane gas into the atmosphere over time.
In addition, many CPLA products rely on tough-to-source materials like cornstarch or PLA plastic which can add additional strain on natural resources. Finally, CPLA can often be more expensive than standard paper.
What’s the best choice for compostable straws: Paper Straws or 100% Plant-based?
While paper straws are a step up from plastic, they’re not the best option on the market. CPLA straws are made of cornstarch and are fully compostable, making them a much better choice for the environment. They’re also sturdier than paper, so you don’t have to worry about them getting soggy and falling apart. With all of these advantages, CPLA straws are our top pick!.