Evaluation of Paper Straws versus Plastic Straws: Development of a Methodology for Testing and Understanding Challenges for Paper Straws

摘要: New alternatives to plastic straws are being considered due consumer demands for sustainability and recent changes in government policies regulations, such as bans on single-use products. There concerns regarding paper straw quality stability over time when contact with beverages. This study evaluated the performance properties of commercially available their counterpart various intended applications. The physical, mechanical, compositional characteristics, well liquid interaction straws, were determined. composed mainly hardwood fibers that hard sized a hydrophobic sizing agent achieve angle 102° 125°. results indicated all lost 70% 90% compressive strength after less than 30 min. Furthermore, absorbed at approximately 30% weight exposure Increased temperatures caused lower strengths higher uptake straws. report provides directions methods testing defines current property limitations relative