The Different Types of Compostable Straws

Of the nearly eight million tons of plastic waste, plastic straws make up about 4% of that total. They are also among the top 10 contributors to ocean marine debris. Plastic straws are not recyclable, partly because of their size but also because most are tossed into the trash and end up in a landfill. 

Business owners and shoppers have become more committed to adopting alternative plastic straw options due to the increase in environmental impact research on single-use plastics. Businesses that switch to sustainable straws often report positive feedback from customers who appreciate their commitment to environmental sustainability. With this, compostable straws are starting to replace plastic straws, but with so many different types of straw materials on the market today, you might be wondering how to choose. 

In this guide, we examine different environmentally friendly drinking straws made from plant fiber and compare their sustainability and durability so you can make informed choices that align with your values to contribute to a healthier planet.

Term	Definition	Key Characteristics	Cons
Compostable	Designed to degrade in composting facilities under controlled conditions.	Breaks down into nutrient-rich compost. Diverts waste from landfills, enriches soil.	Rustic look may not suit all brands
Marine-Degradable	Breaks down in marine environments.	Disintegrates into harmless substances without impacting marine life. Combats plastic pollution in oceans.	Only available in blue, more expensive

Plastic Straws vs Compostable Straws

Plastic straws can take hundreds of years to decompose and often end up in landfills or oceans, where they can harm wildlife and pollute waterways. 

Compostable straws are made from renewable resources and if decomposed of correctly, will become compost through a commercial compost facility.

The Benefits of Compostable Straws

While compostable straws and post consumer recycled straws have multiple benefits over virgin plastic straws, they have different environmental impacts. PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) straws help reduce waste and conserve resources by being processed and from reused products or materials.

Compostable straws provide more benefits to the environment by combating environmental pollution:

• Environmental impact: Compostable straws break down naturally, reducing waste in landfills and oceans.
• Renewable resources: Renewable sources lessen straw manufacturing’s dependence on finite fossil fuels.
• Healthier option: Compostable straws are made from plant-based materials and offer a safer choice to health-conscious individuals than plastic straws that may contain toxic additives.
• No microplastics: Compostable straws can decompose in a composting facility without forming harmful microplastics that can impact ecosystems and human health.
• Greenhouse gas emissions reduction: Using compostable straws reduces the demand for plastic, leading to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production and disposal.
• Safety and hygiene: Compostable straws provide a safe and convenient alternative for situations where reusable straws are not available or practical.

What Are The Different Types of Compostable Straws?

Businesses and consumers have a choice of multiple plastic straw alternatives, from reusable straws to certified compostable drinking straws. Let’s compare some of the best eco-friendly straw solutions that can be used instead of virgin plastic.

PHA Straws

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a biodegradable thermoplastic produced from renewable resources such as cornstarch, sugarcane, and canola and soy seeds. Usually beige or tan in color, PHA straws resemble plastic straws, can withstand high temperatures and are FDA-approved for food service. Compared to paper straws, PHA straws are more versatile and have a longer shelf life, making them a more sustainable and durable option for restaurants and other food service outlets.

PHA Straws Pros

• Biodegradable in industrial composting, home composting, and marine environments
• Made from renewable sources and sustainable
• Durability performs and looks like plastic
• Lots of color, size, and style options

PHA Straws Cons

• Most expensive option in the market
• Limited supply
• Recycling programs for PHA materials are limited
• The degradation time of PHA materials varies depending on the conditions

PLA Straws

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a critical innovation in plastic alternatives. PLA straws are an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic straws. PLA is a bioplastic made from natural resources like agave, cornstarch, or sugarcane.

The process of making PLA straws involves a delicate balance of temperature, pressure, and chemistry to turn these raw materials into a sturdy, flexible, and environmentally safe product. Once heated, the material is molded into straw-shaped tubes and cut to size. The result is a product that can serve the same function as traditional plastic straws while reducing the environmental impact caused by non-biodegradable plastics.

PLA is biodegradable under certain conditions. PLA straws cannot be sent to landfills as they require high temperatures to break down. Proper disposal and efficient biodegradation of PLA require industrial composting.

PLA Straws Pros

• Compostable in Commercial Composting facilities
• Made from renewable sources
• Durable
• Sustainable
• Performs and looks like plastic
• Lots of color, size, and style options

PLA Straws Cons

• Will not biodegrade efficiently in a landfill
• Requires industrial composting

Paper Straws

Paper straws have gained popularity due to their biodegradable nature and eco-friendliness. Unlike plastic straws, they do not harm the environment and can be easily disposed of with regular trash or compost. Paper straws are a viable, cost-effective solution to reduce plastic waste and are significantly more sustainable.

Paper straws are made from FDA-approved food-grade paper and do not contain BPA plastics; however, use cases and durability are considerations. Paper straws will get soggy if left in liquid, and some consumers don’t like the feel of paper in their mouths.

Paper Straws Pros

• Degrade faster than plastic straws
• Safe and toxin-free
• Inexpensive
• Availability in various designs and colors

Paper Straws Cons

• Becomes soggy in liquid
• The majority contain chemicals known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that don’t break down in the body or the environment
• Food-contaminated paper straws are non-recyclable
• They can be just as energy-costly to produce as plastic straws

Agave Straws

Agave straws are known for their sturdy and natural composition. They’re made from a fiber produced from FSC-certified waste fibers from the agave plant. Using waste materials with no other purpose means we are upcycling plant waste and turning it into something useful.

The primary purpose of agave is to produce Tequila and Mezcal, an industry that uses quite a lot of the plant but leaves behind massive amounts of unusable waste. Turning that waste into products like straws and other single-use food packaging products is an excellent way to solve both problems—finding a durable, sustainable alternative to bioplastics and reducing the waste left behind by beverage alcohol manufacturers.

Agave straws are sturdy and long-lasting, making them a durable and sustainable alternative to plastic. Agave straws are non-toxic making them ideal for food service and hospitality industries that prioritize sustainability and customer demand for eco-friendly options.

Agave Straws Pros

• Durable and Maintains structural integrity even with prolonged use
• Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for upcycling plant waste
• Suitable for hot and cold beverages, including smoothies and juices
• Performs similarly to plastic straws

Agave Straws Cons

• Limited suppliers of this product
• Limited color and style options

Bamboo Straws

Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable resource that is durable and lightweight. Bamboo straws are known for their mild, neutral taste that doesn’t interfere with a drink’s flavor. They’re designed for multiple uses, further reducing waste.

Bamboo Straws Pros

• They are one of the best compostable straws since they break down naturally
• Chemical-free and safe for reuse, maintaining beverage taste integrity
• Renewable, organic resource that lowers deforestation
• Cost-effective option that supports sustainable practices
• Versatile shapes and sizes make it suitable for a wide range of drinks

Bamboo Straws Cons

• They can’t be recycled, but they biodegrade and compost quickly
• Over time, these straws can show signs of wear and need to be replaced
• Bamboo can be sensitive to moisture and may form mold or degrade without proper drying after every use or wash
• Bamboo straws have limited heat resistance to extremely hot beverages

Grass Straws

Grass straws are made from various natural grass types, such as wheatgrass or hay. They are biodegradable and compostable, and they are made by cutting, washing, and drying grass. 

Grass Straws Pros

• Since no chemicals are used, they pose no threat to wildlife if they’re accidentally ingested
• These straws undergo minimal processing during a simple production process
• Cost-effective alternative to plastic straws as it requires minimal resources

Grass Straws Cons

• Limited availability
• Shorter shelf life
• Less durable
• Not suitable for hot beverages

Sugarcane Straws

Sugarcane straws are created from bagasse, a byproduct of sugarcane processing, making them eco-friendly and sustainable options. The bagasse is cleaned and processed to remove impurities, then molded using heat and pressure.

Sugarcane Straws Pros

• They’re strong, durable, and water-resistant, which makes them suitable for cold beverages
• Sugarcane straws aren’t edible but are biodegradable and safe for wildlife
• They last longer in beverages than paper straws and are taste-free
• These straws are fully home compostable

Sugarcane Straws Cons

• Limited availability
• Unsuitable for hot beverages
• Energy-intensive production
• Limited shelf life

Where Can You Get Compostable Straws?

You can find compostable straws at various places, both online and in physical stores. Here are a few common places where you can purchase them:

• Online retailers: Well-known retailers often offer compostable straws for purchase.
• Eco-friendly businesses: Local and online eco-friendly businesses sell a wide range of plant-based compostable straws along with other sustainable products.
• Supermarkets: Some larger supermarkets or grocery stores may have an eco-friendly section that includes compostable straws.
• Restaurant supply stores: Stores that cater to restaurants and food service businesses may carry bulk quantities of compostable straws.
• Specialty shops: Shops that focus on sustainable living, organic products, or environmentally friendly goods are likely to have compostable options.
• Farmers’ markets: Some farmers’ markets may have vendors selling eco-friendly products, including compostable straws.
• Bulk stores: Wholesalers that sell eco-friendly products may offer compostable straw options in large quantities.

Home-Compostable vs. Industrial-Compostable Straws

Compostable straws, such as those made of bamboo, paper, or sugarcane, are classified as those that can decompose in a home compost bin or straws that require disposal in an industrial compost facility.

Under normal conditions, home-compostable straws can break down in home composting systems. As long as the heat, moisture, and microorganism conditions are similar to traditional composting, these straws will decompose effectively, although over a longer period of time.

Industrial composting facilities deal with a broader range of compostable products in controlled environments. Industrial-compostable straws require higher temperatures and microbial activity in industrial composting settings to fully break down within a shorter time frame.

Sustainable Agave Straws From Greenprint

Making environmentally conscious choices in everyday consumption habits will help create a more eco-friendly future. Sustainable straws, especially when made from sustainably sourced materials, provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic straws. Agave straws are biodegradable and compostable, making them ideal for businesses and consumers looking to reduce their environmental impact. 

Greenprint offers compostable straws as well as post consumer recycled straws that are sturdy and durable. Whether you need small or bulk quantities, you can have peace of mind that our products will help prevent unnecessary pollution.

Ready to make the switch to eco-friendly alternative straws? Get in touch with our team.