When plastic straw bans rolled out, paper straws became the go-to replacement. They promised to be eco-friendly, simple, and effective. But businesses quickly learned the reality: higher costs, frustrated customers, and questionable sustainability.
That’s why more restaurants, cafés, and event organizers are turning to compostable straws as a smarter alternative. Let’s break down the differences.
1. Cost: Paying More for Less:
Paper Straws: Often 2–3x more expensive than plastic, and customers frequently ask for multiple straws because they disintegrate. This drives costs even higher.
Compostable Straws: Similar in cost to paper per unit, but they last the entire drink. No need for replacements, meaning fewer straws used and better value overall.
2. Customer Experience: Soggy vs. Sturdy
Paper Straws: Collapse in hot drinks, turn soggy in cold ones, and ruin the customer’s experience. Reviews often mention frustration with paper straws.
Compostable Straws: Designed to hold up in hot and cold drinks without going soft. Customers enjoy their drink without interruptions — a small detail that keeps them coming back.
3. Sustainability: Looks Good vs. Actually Good
Paper Straws: Many are coated with chemicals or glue, which makes them non-compostable and hard to recycle. They often end up in landfills, creating “greenwashing” risks.
Compostable Straws: Made from plant-based materials that decompose in 4–6 weeks in proper compost conditions. With Straw Matters, you’re guaranteed a product that’s both eco-friendly and effective.
|
Paper Straws |
Compostable Straws (Straw Matters) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Cost | 2–3x more expensive than plastic; often multiple straws needed per drink | Similar unit cost but lasts the entire drink, lowering total usage and expenses |
| Durability | Gets soggy in cold drinks, collapses in hot drinks | Strong and sturdy in both hot and cold beverages |
| Customer Experience | Frustrating; leads to complaints and bad reviews | Smooth, reliable, and enjoyable drinking experience |
| Sustainability | Often coated; not always compostable, many end up in landfills | 100% compostable within 4–6 weeks; Canadian-made, plant-based materials |
Why Businesses Are Making the Switch: At Straw Matters, we’ve seen countless businesses make the move from paper to compostable straws because they realize:
- They’re not wasting money on soggy replacements.
- Their customers are happier.
- They can genuinely stand behind their sustainability claims.
Paper straws were a quick fix, but the hidden costs — higher spending, poor customer experience, and questionable eco-impact — make them a bad long-term choice. Compostable straws, on the other hand, deliver on all fronts: cost efficiency, durability, customer satisfaction, and real sustainability.
Ready to make the switch? Visit our online store today to browse our selection of biodegradable straws and place your order.
