Recent research from South Korea questions the environmental benefits of paper straws. The South Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment commissioned a study by the Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment to review the impact of various disposable straw types on health and the environment.
Straw Comparison and Environmental Impacts
Researchers evaluated paper, conventional plastic, biodegradable plastic, and bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE) straws, examining their influences throughout their lifecycle—from production to disposal. The assessment considered 16 environmental factors, revealing that paper straws caused 6.33 times greater cancer-related harm compared to conventional plastic straws. This figure reflects pollution from production and disposal rather than direct chemical exposure.
The study assumed that 74% of discarded straws in South Korea were incinerated, while 26% reached landfills. Conventional plastic straws performed best in 10 of the 16 environmental categories analyzed. However, none of the straw types excelled in all categories.
Health Concerns and Regulatory Criticism
The research did not investigate straw chemical leaching into beverages or examine health outcomes for users. It suggested stores should offer disposable straws only upon request to mitigate environmental impact.
Lawmaker Kim Wi-sang criticized limitations on plastic straw use, asserting that alternatives have not fulfilled their environmental promises. President Donald Trump echoed this sentiment, arguing paper straws are ineffective and potentially hazardous. In response, he signed an executive order in February 2025 aiming to phase out paper straws within federal agencies.
Findings and Broader Implications
Despite the findings, the study does not confirm an increased cancer risk from paper straws. Concerns about paper straws were also raised by Florida lawmakers. A 2023 study from the University of Antwerp detected PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in 27 out of 39 test straw brands, primarily paper.
European association 360° Foodservice stated their members adhere to a no-PFAS clause, promoting food-contact safety. Fox News Digital sought input from the Foodservice Packaging Institute and 360° Foodservice for further comments.
“I was tired of having straws melt in my mouth,” Trump previously remarked regarding paper straws.
Deirdre Bardolf contributes lifestyle content to Fox News Digital.
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