Paper? Plastic? Straw Eco-Friendly Controversy [NewsSeolCham]

Harmful Substances in Paper Straws? Plastic Coating Is the Cause
Domestic Paper Straws Use Biodegradable Coating
"New Research Reflecting Korean Standards Needed"

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Paper straws, highlighted as one of the eco-friendly policies to reduce plastic use, have sparked a debate as several studies suggest they may be worse for the environment than plastic straws. Furthermore, with recent executive orders signed by former U.S. President Donald Trump encouraging consumers to purchase plastic straws, there are concerns that South Korea's policy to introduce paper straws might face setbacks. Are paper straws truly more environmentally friendly than plastic straws?

The controversy over paper straws having a greater negative environmental impact than plastic straws intensified following a March last year report commissioned by the Ministry of Environment titled "Statistical Preparation and Management Plan for Single-Use Product Reduction Policy," conducted by a research institute. According to the report, whether disposed of by landfill or incineration, paper straws emit more harmful substances than plastic straws.

Assuming 500 million straws are used and landfilled, paper straws emit 2.58 million kg of carbon dioxide, approximately 4.5 times more than plastic straws (566,000 kg). Carbon dioxide is considered a major contributor to global warming. Sulfur dioxide, which affects soil acidification, was also significantly higher for paper straws at 1,850 kg compared to 845 kg for plastic straws.

Even assuming incineration, paper straws emitted more harmful substances. The emissions included ▲carbon dioxide (paper 2.7 million kg, plastic 1.39 million kg) ▲sulfur dioxide (paper 1,850 kg, plastic 869 kg) ▲phosphates (paper 518 kg, plastic 123 kg) ▲dichlorobenzene (paper 119,000 kg, plastic 27,600 kg).

The reason for these results is the plastic coating on paper straws. Paper straws require plastic coating to prevent the paper from mixing with the beverage, which prevents biodegradation. To decompose paper straws, the coating must be separated, incurring additional costs.

Therefore, this does not apply to domestically produced paper straws that use biodegradable coatings. The National Paper Straw Association, composed of paper straw companies, issued a statement in September last year asserting, "The coatings used on paper straws in Korea are biodegradable, non-toxic, and contain no microplastics," adding, "For eight years, we have received safety test certificates twice annually and on an ad hoc basis from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety confirming their safety." The Ministry of Environment also explained that concerns about the environmental impact of paper straws were based on "collected and compiled overseas research cases."

There are calls for new research reflecting the domestic situation. Plastic straws, made from petrochemical products, take over 200 years to decompose. The resulting environmental destruction and greenhouse gas emissions are well known. While it is difficult to prevent carbon emissions caused by cutting down trees to procure raw materials for paper straws, in Korea, where paper recycling rates are high, alternatives for recycling can be considered. Additionally, sourcing raw materials from managed forests where trees are replanted can offset carbon emissions.

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Another alternative is biodegradable eco-friendly straws. The main discomfort with paper straws is that they become soggy when drinking beverages, but several biodegradable plastic straws have been developed that maintain high water resistance while decomposing naturally.

However, even if biodegradable plastic straws become widely used, problems remain. Since Korea lacks a system to separately collect biodegradable products, disposing of them in standard waste bags prevents the advantages of natural decomposition. This is why there are calls to establish facilities that provide composting environments.

Currently, to meet the government's biodegradable plastic environmental label certification "Industrial Composting Biodegradation Conditions," the resin powder must decompose more than 90% within 180 days when placed in soil at about 58 degrees Celsius with sufficient oxygen and microorganisms, but such soil temperatures are rare in nature. Some European countries such as Switzerland, Italy, and Spain are making efforts to convert biodegradable plastics into circular energy by disposing of them with food waste to produce compost.