Summer is just around the corner. Going to the beach, hearing the sound of the waves, basking in the sun, and sipping a nice cocktail is always a good idea—as long as we pay respect to the environment by avoiding litter, especially with plastics.

Plastics are renowned as the major pollution in the oceans and affect marine life. There are an estimated 51 trillion plastic particles floating on the surface of the ocean, which together weigh 269,000 tonnes—the equivalent of the weight of 1,345 adult blue whales. One seemingly small component whose effects are often overlooked is plastic straws.

Plastic Straw Pollution is Threatening Marine and Human Life

A report from the National Centre for Biotechnology has warned that 206 freshwater species are threatened by plastic pollution. A particularly distressing example is the widely circulated video showing a sea turtle with a plastic straw painfully removed from its nose.

Plastic straw is one of the major contributors to marine pollution. These straws, often made from polypropylene, are lightweight and durable, characteristics that unfortunately make them harmful when they end up in the ocean. Approximately 8.3 billion plastic straws litter the world's coastlines, posing a severe threat to marine life.

Then, when exposed to sunlight, waves, wind, and temperature, plastic straws begin to break down into microplastics that can infiltrate the bodies of all living organisms, including humans. The next time we head to the beach, it's worth reconsidering our choice of straws for that cocktail with eco-friendly alternatives that won't be harmful to the marine ecosystem.

How Compostable and Marine-degradable Straws Protect Oceans

Started in 2021, a European-wide ban on single-use plastics took effect, targeting items such as straws, cotton buds, and disposable cutlery. In the US, Seattle became the first big city to ban plastic straws in 2018. This move was soon replicated by other municipalities in California, New Jersey, Florida, and other states.

Giant corporations like Starbucks and American Airlines also joined the movement by ditching plastic straws. Starbucks, for instance, introduced a new "sippy" lid for its cold beverages, diverting more than 1 billion straws annually. However, these lids were still made from plastic, which has a low recycling rate.

Despite being a worldwide movement supported by global citizens, the push against plastic straws has faced criticism from disability advocates, who highlight that flexible straws are essential for some individuals to drink liquids. Other eco-friendly alternatives, like paper straws, often become soggy and disintegrate quickly, more than just an annoyance - soggy paper straws can present a choking hazard to small children and people with disabilities. Reusable options, also have drawbacks - metal straws lack flexibility, and silicone straws present cleaning challenges.

These factors urge brands and manufacturers to reevaluate and innovate their straws using compostable and biodegradable materials like Solinatra. The goal is to develop alternatives that match the functionality and convenience of traditional plastic straws without contributing to ocean pollution or the environment in general. 

Compostable and biodegradable straws save marine life

Switching to compostable and biodegradable straws will help prevent further contributions to marine pollution. Compostable and biodegradable straws can break down naturally in composting systems, significantly reducing the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean. However, education on proper disposal methods and clear guidance for compostable and biodegradable straws or products can foster more responsible behaviour, preventing waste from ever reaching the marine environment or becoming litter on land or sea.

Compostable and biodegradable straws made of Solinatra are the truly sustainable alternative

Straws made of Solinatra are designed to mimic the functionality of traditional straws. Straws made of Solinatra don't go soggy and have the perfect level of flexibility to ensure safety and functionality. Straws can be produced at a range of widths and thicknesses, suitable for all drinks: milkshakes, boba tea, juices and iced tea!

After use, straws made of Solinatra can be home or commercially composted, and fully degrade within a short period of time. Solinatra is 100% natural and plant-based, and will decompose naturally. When exposed to environmental conditions like moisture and microorganisms, it breaks down into harmless substances, simply: water, carbon dioxide, and organic matter.

Compostable and biodegradable straws made of Solinatra are non-toxic

Solinatra materials are natural and plant based, and contain zero fossil based ingredients, zero PFAS and are non-toxic. Unlike traditional plastics, Solinatra does not leave toxic residues nor microplastics behind ensuring that the marine environment remains uncontaminated. 

Innovation + Sustainability = Solinatra!

This month, we are proud to introduce our ground-breaking new grades of material for extrusion and thermoforming - designed to revolutionise the production of everyday items such as straws, food trays, plant pots, and so much more - to pave the way to a truly sustainable way of living that is accessible to everyone.

Building on the success of our injection moulding grades, these new materials also integrate seamlessly with existing machinery and tooling, ensuring a simple transition for manufacturers and converters. All of our grades are 100% natural, plant-based, compostable, biodegradable, zero-plastic, and PFAS free.

Be at the front of the queue to supply the truly sustainable straws that everyone's been calling for! Contact us today to order samples, book a materials trial and connect with our team, get in touch here.