In the last few years, drinking straws have spent a great deal of time in the press and media spotlight. New health studies and environmental impact reports have revealed the dangerous impacts of plastic drinking straws. In fact, according to the Better Alternatives Now nonprofit, almost 7.5% of all plastic in the environment is from plastic straws and stirrers. Global governments soon took notice with the United Kingdom banning all plastic straws and Canada decreeing the end of all single-use plastics in 2023. Large corporations like McDonald’s and Starbucks followed suit, switching out the plastic straws across their stores.
So what exactly are governments and corporations using in place of plastic straws? Biodegradable straws. These straws are growing in popularity as a better alternative for consumers, businesses, and the environment.
What are Biodegradable Straws?
Biodegradable straws are a type of straw that will be broken down naturally by the organisms and microorganisms that exist in an ecosystem. In comparison, compostable straws will safely break down into natural elements within a compost environment. This environment allows microorganisms to thrive and efficiently work to decompose the material. Certain types of straws, such as sugarcane straws, can actually be both biodegradable and compostable. Technically, plastic straws will also break down over time, but are estimated to take over 200 years to do so. On the other hand, biodegradable options like sugarcane straws can be fully composted within 4-6 weeks.
Types of Biodegradable Straws
Recent interest in biodegradable straws from businesses and consumers alike has sparked a lot of innovation in the types of available straws. Today, there are a multitude of biodegradable drinking straws to choose from including: rice straws, grass straws, coconut straws, coffee straws, sugarcane straws, and paper straws.
The paper straw was initially the most popular option for biodegradable drinking straws because of their convenience and availability. However, the soggy texture and paper taste of paper straws has spurred many businesses into exploring other exciting options for their drinking straws.
The Benefits of Using Biodegradable Straws in Canadian Markets
Here are just a few of the benefits of switching to biodegradable straws in Canadian markets.
Biodegradable Straws are Eco-Friendly
Biodegradable straws are most known for being environmentally friendly, but few people realize just how beneficial they are to the environment.
- Marine Life: The World Economic Forum has projected that plastics in the world’s oceans will outweigh fish by the year 2050. Biodegradable straws can decompose over time, preventing the addition of harmful plastics in rivers, lakes, and oceans.
- Microplastics: Microplastics are simply small pieces of plastics, but their impact can be large. These microplastics can not biodegrade and can spread into water supplies, agricultural soils, and even the human body, causing inflammation, heart disease, and even cancers. With fewer plastic straws in the world, the total number of microplastics will also decrease.
- Decomposition: Plastic straws are quickly piling up in landfills across the planet. Biodegradable straws and compostable straws can break down as quickly as 4 weeks, helping to contribute micronutrients back to the soil and eliminate landfills.
Biodegradable Straws are More Affordable in the Long Term
Biodegradable straws are often perceived as being more expensive than plastic straws and, therefore, a burden for businesses. However, this is not always true. In some cases, biodegradable straws are slightly more expensive per unit than plastic straws in the short term. When focusing on the long-term costs and savings though, you may find that the right biodegradable straw is actually more affordable.
Sturdy biodegradable and compostable straws like sugarcane straws or coconut straws are durable and can even be used multiple times if properly cleaned. In the long term, these options will provide more savings than cost to your business.
Improve your Brand Reputation with Biodegradable Straws
Recent studies and trend reports have found that consumers throughout North America, Europe, and Asia are beginning to seek out green companies and organizations. When choosing where to shop or dine, a company’s environmental footprint can be the deciding factor for many consumers. A brand that demonstrates environmental consciousness is now more likely to generate sales than one that’s neutral or negatively impacting the environment. This means that small actions like switching to biodegradable straws are more than just a moral decision - they’re a business decision.
Give your Customers a Better Experience with Biodegradable Straws
By switching to biodegradable straws, you’ll also be giving your customers a superior experience overall. Compared to plastic straws, biodegradable straws are actually better for human health. Plastic straws are composed of polypropylene, which is a plastic substance that’s derived from petroleum. Polypropylene has long been considered food-safe, yet new studies show that chemical byproducts from polypropylene could impact hormone levels like estrogen.
In addition to health concerns, the right biodegradable straw also provides a better method for drinking. Paper straws, for example, become soggy the longer they’re exposed to liquids and leave paper particles in the drinker’s mouth or beverage. Sturdy options like sugarcane straws will never be soggy, letting your customers enjoy their beverages.
Biodegradable Straws are Versatile
When choosing straws for drinks, you’ll want an option that can be utilized for multiple beverage types. Ideally, you'll be able to invest in one type of drinking straw for all of your beverage needs. The correct straws should be stable enough to be used as bubble tea straws, while sturdy enough against liquid and acidity to double as straws for coffee. Luckily, biodegradable straws are extremely versatile. Depending on the type of straw you select, they can serve as smoothie straws, boba straws, coffee straws and more.
Conclusion
The benefits of using biodegradable straws in Canadian markets are innumerous. Not only are they better for the environment, but they provide a versatile, durable, and enjoyable experience for your customers. From coffee straws to bubble tea straws, Canada customers and businesses are making the switch to biodegradable straws.
At Straw Matters, we manufacture sugarcane fiber straws that are both biodegradable and compostable. We’re a Canadian-based company, so we understand the specific needs of the Canadian market. We offer sugarcane straws in bulk, but also offer free samples upon request. Get your free sample today to experience the difference of biodegradable sugarcane straws.
