The awareness of preserving nature has increased. One of the example is using paper straws as the alternative of plastic straws, it has becoming more popular among entrepreneurs and consumers. Utilization of paper straws has a positive impact on minimizing the amount of plastic waste as they are more easily decompose, environmentally friendly, and safe if accidentally swallowed by humans. In the manufacturing process, paper straw in its circulation must meet the applicable food packaging safety rules and requirements, including the manufacturing materials.
According to the data projection from Ellen MacArthur Foundation, if there is no preventive action, there will be 12 billion tons of plastic waste scattered in the ocean, exceeding the number of fish populations. From the aspect of sustainability, compared to paper straws, plastic straws are very difficult to biodegrade in nature and still consumed very massively. Therefore, a joint effort is necessary to take steps towards change. The use of paper straws as a substitute for plastic straws is an effective solution. According to the data from the UK Environment Agency, paper straws can be decomposed in 2-6 weeks, while plastic straws can take up to 200 years to biodegrade. According to the time needed for it to be decomposed, paper straws definitely have more positive impacts that is sustainable.

 

In terms of health, many plastic straws still contain harmful chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which have negative impacts on human health. BPA is a chemical that is often used in plastic production and has been shown to have negative effects on the human hormonal system. Meanwhile, phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and can trigger health problems such as reproductive disorders and cancer.

The projection of using paper straws as an alternative to plastic straws is very promising in the future, especially with the increasing awareness of plastic waste negative impact for the environment and human health. Some restaurants, cafes, and other businesses have starting to adopt paper straws as alternative way to replace to plastic straws. The participation of all parties is also necessary to be able to save the environment by moving together and synergizing to continuously use paper straws as a substitute for plastic straws.

 

Despite paper straws various positive impacts, there are several challenges in the use of paper straws as alternative substitute for plastic straws. One of the challenges is the strength and durability of paper straws, which is still not as strong and tight as plastic straws. Generally, paper straws can function normally for up to 60 minutes at room temperature and 4 hours at a low temperature of around 4°C.

 

Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper, under the Sinarmas Group, has created a leading innovative paperboard for food packaging, Foopak Bio Natura. Foopak Bio Natura is an eco-friendly food packaging material made from renewable resources. It is biodegradable, compostable, and recyleable, making is a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics coated paper board. Foopak Bio Natura is water resistance and heatsealable, suitable for both hot and cold cup application. It is also microwaveble and freezer safe. Overall, Foopak Bio Natura offer excellent strength and product features while reducing the environmental impact of food packaging waste.

Foopak Bio Natura has received the plastic-free certification from Flustix, this certification verifies that Foopak Bio Natura is entirely free of conventional plastics, microplastics, and nanoplastics, making it a truly sustainable packaging option. Foopak Bio Natura plastic-free certification from Flustix demonstrates its commitment to reducing plastic pollution and supporting circular economy.

Foopak Bio Natura biodegradable raw materials from Asia Pulp and Paper is not only guaranteed for their top-notch quality, but it is the preferred choice for eco-friendly paper straw and proven to be used in any kind of shapes and size. Foopak Bio Natura also has a better water resistance as it was tested and was proved that it does not disintegrate despite being put in water for at least ten hours. Furthermore, it can be lasered with customized corporate logos without having the need to add any plastic, all this whilst maintaining high-standard inspection which meets the EU standards. Foopak Bio Natura can also be composted and recycled without the need for any additional substances. With its exceptional advantage Foopak Bio Natura is an excellent choice to substituting plastic usage and have more positive impacts on the environment.

Taking care of the environment can start with small steps, such as replacing plastic straws with eco-friendly paper straws. Let’s start using paper straws, a small step can create big impact for the future.