What Are the Advantages of PLA Straws over Paper Straws?

Today, whether in street beverage shops or at home, straws are a common convenience in daily life. However, this seemingly minor item has become a significant environmental concern. With increasing plastic pollution, countless plastic straws are carelessly discarded, resistant to degradation, and ultimately end up in oceans, rivers, and even the food chain—becoming an invisible threat to global ecosystems.

Driven by environmental awareness and plastic bans, traditional plastic straws are being phased out. In their place, eco-friendly alternatives like PLA straws are emerging as a promising, sustainable solution.

What Are PLA Straws?

PLA straws are biodegradable straws made from polylactic acid (PLA), a bio-based plastic derived from renewable resources such as corn or cassava. The production process involves extracting starch from plants, converting it into glucose, fermenting it into lactic acid through microorganisms, and then polymerizing it into high-molecular-weight PLA, a biodegradable material.

PLA straws combine the environmental benefits of paper straws with superior water resistance and impermeability. After disposal, they can degrade in soil within a few months, leaving no harmful residues—truly embodying the principle of "from nature, back to nature."

Advantages of PLA Straws

Heat Resistance

PLA straws can withstand temperatures ranging from -10°C to 80°C, making them suitable for hot beverages without easily softening or deforming. In contrast, paper straws typically tolerate temperatures below 40°C. Beyond that, they tend to soften or even dissolve, affecting the taste and comfort of the drink.

User Experience and Structural Stability

PLA straws offer a smooth, sturdy drinking experience similar to that of traditional plastic straws, without the use of plasticizers. Paper straws, however, tend to absorb liquid and lose their shape over time—especially in hot drinks—resulting in a less comfortable user experience.

Aesthetic Appeal

As a leading PLA straw manufacturer, GoodBioPak offers fully customizable PLA straws in a variety of colors, with your brand logo or unique designs. These eco-friendly straws not only enhance visual appeal but also help businesses showcase their commitment to sustainability, combining style with environmental responsibility. 

On the foundation of environmental responsibility, PLA straws strike a balance between functionality and user comfort. While both PLA and paper straws are biodegradable and help reduce plastic pollution, PLA straws more closely replicate the performance of traditional plastic straws in everyday use. This makes them a more practical and scalable solution.

As a product of technological innovation and sustainability, PLA straws are gradually matching—and even surpassing—conventional plastic straws in performance. They represent a powerful step toward a plastic-free society. With ongoing advancements in manufacturing and reductions in cost, PLA straws are expected to see broader global adoption, injecting fresh momentum into the worldwide push for sustainable living.