Paper Straws Carry Higher Environmental Toxicity Than Plastic

The report, presented by Representative Kim Wi-sang, assessed four common straw materials: conventional plastic, paper, biodegradable plastic, and bio-based polyethylene. Bio-PE emerged as the most hazardous, carrying a carcinogenic footprint 16.18 times greater than standard plastic. Paper and biodegradable alternatives followed, registering impacts 6.33 and 3.34 times higher, respectively. Researchers based these estimates on total emissions spanning production, usage, and disposal, noting that 73.6 percent of these items are typically incinerated.

Kim criticized the government for pursuing a "greenwashing" policy that prioritizes ineffective material swaps over genuine waste reduction. Because of their small size and complex coatings, straws remain notoriously difficult to recycle regardless of composition. Rather than mandating specific material shifts, the study authors suggest that retailers stop providing disposable straws by default, limiting their distribution solely to customer request.