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Entrepreneurs join the fight against disposable plastics and launch models of biodegradable, compostable and even edible straws

Image: Lolistraw Edible Straw

Plastic straws have become a major ecological problem. They already represent 4% of all plastic waste produced in the world and, as they are made from polypropylene and polystyrene plastics, they are not biodegradable and recycling is difficult. They can take up to a thousand years to decompose in the environment. But are they really necessary? The market has adjusted to the fight against disposables and alternatives are beginning to emerge. The paper straw is increasingly common and there are already models of biodegradable and even edible straws.

The plastic straw is an item to be avoided. Even when properly disposed of, it can escape into nature and be carried by rain to seas and rivers, impacting all aquatic fauna. It is estimated that 90% of marine species have ingested plastic products at some point. In addition, on beaches and seas, these straws are also a source of microplastic formation, the worst possible shape for plastic and which is already present in food, salt, drinking water and even mineral water bottles! Learn more about the impacts and alternatives to plastic straw consumption.

Concerned about the environment and the impacts of plastic waste, some entrepreneurs have already launched alternatives to plastic straw. The paper straw is increasingly present, as it is a biodegradable option, but it also ends up being a source of pollution until its complete biodegradation, since the model was designed as a disposable. Better options are edible straws and compostable straw models.

Find out about some alternatives available or under implementation:

1) Sorbos

The Spanish model is an edible straw that is already on sale. The straws are 100% biodegradable and manufactured in strawberry, orange, lemon, cinnamon, ginger and green apple flavors. They do not change the taste of the drink and have no added sugars. The straws can also be customized through the company's website, which delivers free of charge in Spain and Portugal.

2) Hay Straws

In the United States, it is also possible to buy straws made from wheat stalks. The raw material is a natural by-product of commercial wheat farming, so the straw is not a resource competitor to the food industry. The straw is biodegradable and compostable.

3) Wisefood

Food engineer Konstantin Neumann and his colleagues at the University of Hohenheim, Germany, created edible straws made from the residues of German apple juice production. Germany produces around 100 tonnes of apple waste a year in its juice industry and this organic matter would be enough, according to the researchers, to replace 50% of all plastic straws used in the country. The straw launched by Wisefood it has a strawberry flavor and a lemon flavor is under development, it is biodegradable and edible and has already been sold to restaurants, hotels and supermarkets.

4) Lolistraw

Another product under development is the lolistraw, who created a campaign to crowdfunding for its feasibility. Conceived by two industrial designers who already work with edible cups, the straw is in the testing phase and should start being sent to the campaign's supporters in the middle of the year. It will be edible, compostable and 100% biodegradable.