A petition calling for McDonalds to bring back their plastic straws recently reached more than 42,000 signatures.
Why? Well, petition-backers have claimed the fast-food chain’s new paper straws can turn soggy when left in drinks for too long.
The so-called ‘Attenborough effect’ – following BBC’s Blue Planet II documentary series – has seen a huge increase in demand for eco alternatives to single-use plastics.
While major brands such as McDonalds, Waitrose and Costa Coffee have switched to paper straws, clearly some consumers are not happy with the substitutes on offer.
So, what can you do if you're thinking about replacing plastic straws with paper alternatives?
Pick Plant-Based Substitutes
PLA and CPLA straws are ‘plastic’ Straws. But not as you think.
Made entirely from plant-based materials, they combine the look, feel and strength of traditional Plastic Straws with superb sustainable qualities.
The organic materials mean these straws can be commercially composted, returned safely to the Earth and used as life-promoting nutrients to help grow more plants.
Unlike standard oil-based plastics, PLA and CPLA are also made from renewable materials - usually corn starch. This means the straws put less of a demand on the Earth's natural resources than their oil-based plastic cousins.
Unlike standard oil-based plastics, PLA and CPLA are also made from renewable materials - usually corn starch. This means the straws put less of a demand on the Earth's natural resources than their oil-based plastic cousins.
Want to learn more about compostable products? Our eco-friendly glossary and guide on the benefits of compostable packaging have all the information you could possibly need.
Crucially, PLA and CPLA straws stay firm for as long as it takes customers to enjoy your drinks. So if you want to completely eliminate the risk of soggy straws, plant-based substitutes are the solution for you.
In Defence Of Paper
If left for too long, paper straws can eventually turn soggy. But that shouldn’t stop you from serving them with your drinks.Our paper straws are made from the highest quality materials, meaning they resist softening for longer. This should give your customers more than enough time to enjoy their soft drinks and juices.
But if you’re serving drinks that take a little longer to sip on – think smoothies, milkshakes and cocktails – plant-based alternatives may be the better choice for you.
Why Should I Go Green?
Switching to these green substitutes can help to cut off the flow of harmful plastics to landfill, our oceans and the wider environment.
Whether it’s paper or plant-based alternatives, your customers will be far more open to using eco-friendly straws if you highlight the environmental benefits behind your choice.
For more advice on going green, check out our guide on how to be an eco-friendly catering business.
