Both paper straws and PLA straws have their own characteristics in terms of environmental friendliness, but all things considered, PLA straws are superior in terms of environmental friendliness. Here is a comparison of the two in terms of environmental friendliness:
Paper straws:
Biodegradable: Paper straws are made from natural plant fibre materials such as wood pulp or bamboo, which are biodegradable and do not cause long-term pollution to the environment when discarded.
Raw materials are environmentally friendly and economical: paper straws are made from renewable resources such as wood and bamboo, which helps to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
Safe and harmless: Paper straws do not release toxic substances under normal use, making them safe and harmless to users.
However, paper straws also have some environmental shortcomings:
Higher production costs: Paper straws are more than twice as expensive to produce as plastic straws, which increases the economic costs of production and use.
Consumption of large amounts of wood resources: the production of paper straws requires the felling of a large number of trees, which may cause some pressure on the environment.
Potential environmental and health risks: some studies have found that paper straws may contain chemicals that cause chronic poisoning, posing a potential threat to the environment and human health.
PLA straws:
Renewable raw materials: PLA straws are made from renewable plant resources such as corn starch, which has good biodegradable properties.
Fully degradable: PLA straws can be completely degraded within a short period of time after use, and will not cause long-term pollution to the environment.
Comfortable to use: PLA straws are similar in shape to plastic straws and do not cause discomfort during daily use.
Bio-safety: PLA straws comply with food safety regulations in all physical and chemical indicators, and are safe and harmless to users.
Although PLA straws are more expensive, 2-3 times more expensive than plastic straws, they have obvious advantages in terms of environmental friendliness, comfort of use and biosafety. Therefore, all things considered, PLA straws are superior to paper straws in terms of environmental friendliness. Of course, the choice of straws should be weighed according to the actual situation and individual needs.