In 2021, the European Union (EU) implemented a ban on various single-use plastics, including plates, cutlery, balloon sticks, and straws, in an effort to combat plastic pollution. This led to food and beverage manufacturers seeking more sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic items. Paper straws emerged as a popular choice due to their perceived biodegradability, decomposing within two to six weeks compared to the 200 years it takes for plastic straws to break down.
However, recent research from Europe suggests that paper straws may not be the ultimate solution for both environmental and human health concerns. In the same year as the EU banned single-use plastics, US researchers detected ‘forever chemicals’ known as poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in plant-based straws, including those made from paper. The worry is that when individuals consume liquids through these straws, they may also ingest PFAS, albeit in unknown quantities. While PFAS ingestion is not expected to cause immediate harm, health risks can increase if significant amounts are consumed over an extended period.
PFAS compounds are highly persistent and potentially toxic to humans, animals, and the environment as they barely degrade over time. Although research on PFAS in plant-based straws had not previously been conducted in Europe, a study conducted in Belgium aimed to address this knowledge gap. The researchers examined 39 different commercially available straw brands, including those made from bamboo, glass, stainless steel, plastic, and paper, testing for 29 individual PFAS compounds.
The extensive analysis revealed that the majority of the tested brands (69%) contained PFAS, with a total of 18 different PFAS compounds detected. It was expected that paper straws would exhibit higher PFAS contamination compared to other types of straws due to manufacturers using PFAS to make the paper water-repellent. These chemicals can be added during the manufacturing process or may already be present in raw materials. Astonishingly, 90% of the paper straws tested were found to contain PFAS. The ‘forever chemicals’ were also present in 80% of the bamboo straw brands, 75% of the plastic straw brands, and 40% of the glass straw brands. However, none of the five types of steel straws tested contained any PFAS.
While the PFAS concentrations in the straws were low, it is important to note that these chemicals can accumulate in the body over time. While occasional use of straws may pose a limited risk to human health, the long-term presence of ‘forever chemicals’ in the body can have adverse effects when combined with other chemical exposures. The research did not explore whether the PFAS leached out of the straws into liquids, but it concluded that these allegedly eco-friendly plant-based straws may not be a more sustainable choice compared to plastic straws. Instead, the study suggests that stainless-steel straws, which can be reused, do not contain PFAS, and are fully recyclable, appear to be the most sustainable alternative.
It is crucial for the food and beverage industry to stay informed about trends and advancements in manufacturing, processing technology, distribution, sustainability, regulations, packaging, marketing, and consumer preferences. By actively monitoring these areas, businesses can adapt and proactively address emerging challenges and opportunities in the industry.
Source: Food Additives & Contaminants, ‘Assessment of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in commercially available drinking straws using targeted and suspect screening approaches’ (Published online: 24 August 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/19440049.2023.2240908). Authors: Pauline Boisacq, Maarten De Keuster, Else Prinsen, Yunsun Joeng, Lieven Bervoets, Marcel Eens, Adrian Covaci, Tim Willems, and Thimo Groffen.
