Get to know about the pros and cons of PLA straws

Posted by Claire Smith on January 24th, 2021

There are devastating consequences of using plastic straws, so it has become a trending topic nowadays. It has affected the overall globe, especially marine life, so many countries find the solution for this and make alternatives to plastic straws.

Some of the best alternatives of plastic straws are Pla straw compostable, bamboo, paper, and stainless steel straws. They are now widely used on the business level as well as individual level.

Polylactic acid (PLA) turns out to be the best alternative made from fermented plant starch such as corn. Moreover, it is quickly becoming a common alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Also, it is the cost-saving and the cheapest bioplastic on the market these days.

Further, found in food packaging, clothing, cosmetics, and home furnishings. However, PLA is more often fragile than regular plastic and doesn't stand up well to heat.

Aside from the benefits, these alternatives have some side-effects as well. Sometimes the reusable straws are unhygienic, and even paper straws can become moist and soggy after using them for a longer duration. But the PLA straw seems to be a perfect solution and has more significant benefits than any other alternative. Let's look at some cons and pros of PLA that everyone needs to be considered before use.

Pros Pla straw compostable

PLA straws have several benefits as they are made from renewable plant-based substances and require less fossil fuel, about 68 percent, than the usual regular plastic. It is more commercially compostable and is more durable. Moreover, it holds the drink better than the standard plastic and is more hygiene as they can single time used. That is why it is a more sustainable and a better choice than other traditional plastic.

Another benefit of this plastic is biodegradable at a much faster rate than plastic and environmentally friendly. Even nowadays, everything in medical dispensaries and food outlets prefers to use PLA straws and products, causing a drastic change in the environment by reducing its carbon footprint.

Moreover, during production, PLA straw produces less carbon dioxide, and some bioplastics use a smaller amount of water during production than conventional choices.

Cons Pla straw

Despite being the best alternative, PLA straws have some side effect because it might not be the best choice for some people. PLA straws require a specific break down condition and cannot be broken down with standard plastic, which turns out to be a significant side effect. It can be used commercially, but if it is thrown on streets and roads like standard plastic and not in a bin, there will be a minor difference between traditional plastic and PLA plastic.

So, it needs to be kept separated when being recycled, and it contaminates the recycling stream. To use it, you need to have disposed of composting facilities.

Conclusion

PLA is the best alternative to traditional plastic and is preferred by many business owners, restaurants, and even household as biodegradable and eco-friendly.