Plastic Straw Alternatives for Restaurants

The restaurant industry is at the forefront of a growing environmental movement—and plastic straws are a hot topic. These tiny, single-use items have become symbols of unnecessary plastic waste, polluting our oceans and harming innocent marine life. Meanwhile, consumers are demanding more sustainable options, with many choosing restaurants that prioritize eco-friendly restaurants.

If you’re looking to reduce your environmental footprint while attracting a loyal, sustainability-minded customer base, swapping plastic straws for greener options is a smart move. We’ll explain why and which alternatives best suit your restaurant.

Why Switch to Environmentally Friendly Drinking Straws?

Plastic straws may be small, but their impact is massive. Every year, billions of plastic straws end up in landfills and waterways, taking centuries to decompose. They break down into microplastics, harming marine ecosystems and contaminating food chains. As of 2024, scientists found that over 8.3 billion plastic straws land in our oceans. Daily, an estimated 500 million straws are used in the USA—that’s 1.6 straws per person. Still think plastic straws are worth the convenience?

With growing public awareness, many consumers are increasingly choosing restaurants that align with their environmental values. Regulations are catching up to these expectations, with many cities and countries banning plastic straws. For instance, California has implemented laws that heavily restrict single-use plastics in restaurants, requiring restaurants to provide plastic straws only upon customer request.

Showing your customers that you genuinely care about the planet is a good business move. Adopting eco-friendly straws can enhance your brand image and set you apart from competitors. Something as simple as an agave-based or bamboo straw can spark conversations, build social media buzz, and turn your commitment to sustainability into a powerful marketing tool.

Ready to make the switch? Let’s break down some of the best plastic straw alternatives.

6 Alternatives to Plastic Straws 

As the movement toward sustainability gains momentum, restaurant owners have a unique opportunity to lead by example. These alternatives cater to diverse preferences and service styles. Each option brings its own set of benefits, allowing you to choose eco straws that align best with your restaurant:

Agave Straws

Agave straws are a standout option for restaurants seeking sustainability and durability. Made from upcycled agave fibers—a by-product of tequila production—these straws help repurpose plant waste while offering a sturdy, long-lasting alternative to plastic. Unlike paper straws, agave straws hold their shape in hot and cold drinks. Plus, agave straws decompose in landfills within one to three years—a fraction of plastic’s life span. Agave straws are sleek and natural-looking, providing a great conversation starter for eco-conscious diners. 

Greenprint Products offers agave straws for businesses. Their vertically integrated manufacturing process ensures that their products meet their stringent quality control standards while having little impact on the environment. 

Bamboo Straws

Bamboo straws are a reusable, natural option that adds a tropical touch to any drink. Bamboo grows rapidly and regenerates without pesticides or fertilizers, making it one of the most sustainable resources out there. These straws are durable enough for multiple uses, easy to clean, and biodegradable at the end of their life. While they’re best suited for sit-down establishments rather than takeout, they offer a premium experience that eco-minded customers appreciate. 

Jungle Straws offers various bamboo straws that add an earthy aesthetic to your drinks while being eco-friendly and reusable.

Sugarcane Straws

Sugarcane straws are made from the fibrous remnants of sugarcane after juice extraction, making them an eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative to plastic. These strong and durable straws are perfect for hot and cold beverages. Sugarcane straws decompose naturally, returning nutrients to the soil, and are an excellent way to reduce plastic waste in your restaurant.

EQUO has sugarcane straws available in various shapes and sizes for you to purchase.

PHA Straws

PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoate) straws are a solution that mimics the texture and functionality of traditional plastic straws while being fully biodegradable. Made from plant materials, PHA straws offer a strong, flexible option that can withstand various temperatures without compromising quality. They are designed to decompose in marine and terrestrial environments, making them a responsible choice for eco-conscious restaurants.

Phade offers many different types of PHA biodegradable straws.

Woodpulp Straws

Wood pulp straws, made from sustainable wood fibers, provide a sturdy, biodegradable alternative. They are designed to be compostable and can decompose quickly in industrial composting facilities. They offer a rustic charm that appeals to customers while helping to minimize plastic pollution.

Earth Smart Packaging sells wood pulp straws in multiple sizes to suit your restaurant’s needs.

Paper Straws

Paper straws are one of the most common plastic alternatives, thanks to their affordability and widespread accessibility. They’re available in endless designs, can be customized with your restaurant’s branding, and break down very quickly In-home or industrial compost. There are drawbacks, though—they tend to get soggy in drinks. 

For an affordable and customizable option, try Basics Straws. These paper straws are available in multiple designs that you can tailor to fit your restaurant’s branding.

Sip Sustainably by Switching to Eco Straws

Choosing the right plastic straw alternative depends on your restaurant’s vibe, clientele, and service style. Regardless of your choice, transitioning to sustainable straws is a meaningful step toward reducing plastic waste and showing customers that you care about the planet. 

Greenprint is here to help you make this change. Reach out to learn more about agave straws to inspire positive change one drink at a time.