According to a 2017 study from researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, a massive 91 percent of the plastic we use is not recycled and instead ends up in landfills or in sea. Plastic straws are estimated to be 4% of all pollution on earth and are a hazard to the environment, wildlife, and human health.
The major problem is that, while convenient, plastic is not biodegradable — it does not break down into compounds and end up as landfill waste or pollution. It takes years to break down plastic particles; even then, they do not fully decompose. Because of this, when plastic is not recycled and ends up in the ocean, it stays there, forever. On the other hand, paper straws are biodegradable and take much less amount of time to decompose.
Starbucks is one of the first globally recognized brands to announce it will be moving away from plastic straws. Many other companies have also started to look for alternatives. In coming future, the government is expected to completely ban the use of single use plastic and plastics products. With increased consumer pressure and government policy for reducing single-use plastic consumption, paper straws are back in fashion.
At Empowera, we are at the forefront of delivering solutions to water based paper straw adhesive manufacturers so that their straws can perform as well as their plastic counterparts. Each straw is made of 3 plies of paper with a small quantity of adhesive which binds the paper and gives it strength. Our products offer excellent water resistant performance, a very good price point, and are exceptionally easy and clean to use on machines enhancing efficiency and reducing machine downtime. Together with our customers, we are delivering environmentally responsible drinking straws that are plastic free. In order to know more, please get in touch!
