Paper Sticks

 The plastic straws have been the subject of discussion in recent years. As more and more people realize the devastating effects of plastic waste on the environment, especially in marine life, there is a global effort to reduce their use.

As the dynamics of demand grows, alternatives to plastic straws are being explored by individuals and companies. Some of these alternatives include paper straws, metal straws and PLA straws.

Some Facts About Plastic Straws

First of all, we must point out that plastic straws are indeed a problem. If they are thrown uncontrollably into the environment, they infect and create a problem. Plastic straws usually break down slowly and form microfibers when they do. They often find their way into the food chain through small animals or the fish that eat them. And that could mean that people would end up consuming the remnants of these plastics as well.

But it is a fact that plastic straws are not the biggest problem of our garbage. There are other much larger sources of plastic diffusion into the environment. However, they serve as a starting point for us as a global community to open up the big topic of discussion about disposable plastics.

Paper Sticks

Paper straws were used for many decades before the use of plastics. They are made of pulp that has been processed so that the straws can acquire specific characteristics. These are the characteristics that allow them to be suitable for use in cold drinks.

An important parameter is their cost. Paper straws can cost 2 to 10 times more than traditional plastic straws. However, their prices are expected to become more and more affordable for restaurants as their use will expand.

In terms of the imprint they leave on the environment, paper straws are clearly friendlier than plastics and are considered a more responsible choice for the environment. 

Starch-based

straws Starch-based plastic straws have been on the market for over a decade. But with the recent crackdown on traditional disposable plastics, they are gaining more and more public attention.

Plastic straws of this type are based on polylactic acid (bioplastic), a substance also known as PLA. PLA is derived from corn starch or cane. It is expected that the straws based on PLA are fully assailable by the environment under the right conditions. This means that the material decomposes into harmless natural compounds and leaves no imprint on the environment when it undergoes the proper recycling process.

And in these the cost per unit is even higher than plastic, given their limited use to date. However, their adoption by large catering chains will give the production companies the opportunity for investments that will surely reduce their costs in the near future.

Metal straws

Metal straws have been stealing the public's attention lately. These are made of stainless steel. These straws are rigid and can be used for a long time without being damaged by use. All they need is to be cleaned after each use.

VSF Hellas & Avant-Garde

VSF has been a pioneer in its field for the last 30 years mass catering Custom packaging. Our company, following the modern trend that wants the custom packaging for small business to consist of environmentally friendly materials, offers its customers metal, plastics from starch and paper straws for drinks. Along with the classic plastic straws, we have a full range of products and materials that can meet every need of the catering business.