No More Paper Straws, Biodegradable Straws Are Here

Today, many eco-friendly companies are creating products that aim to solve the single-use plastic problem. These innovations include portable metal straws, a “living seawall,” and—thanks to the Mexican company Biofase—biodegradable utensils made entirely from avocado seeds.

Using pits predominantly left over from guacamole and oil production, Biofase produces forks, spoons, knives, and straws. These products are durable, suitable for both hot and cold beverages, and biodegrade in approximately 240 days under proper environmental conditions such as heat, moisture, and microorganisms. This marks a significant improvement compared to fossil-based plastic straws, which can take up to 100 years to break down.

Biofase’s straws are composed of about 70% avocado seed-derived biopolymer and 30% synthetic organic compounds, meeting international standards for biodegradability under the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM D6866-12). The company processes 15 tonnes of avocado seeds daily, sourced from companies like Simplot in the U.S., and produces 130 tonnes of bioplastic products each month, with 40% being straws. Most of these products are exported to countries such as the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Peru, with major clients including restaurant chains like Fiesta Americana, P.F. Chang’s, and Chili’s. This innovation reduces plastic waste by repurposing avocado pits that would otherwise be discarded or burned in landfills.

Other Eco-Friendly Materials

Eco-friendly materials for straws and other products, beyond avocado seed bioplastic, include:

1. Bamboo – Naturally durable, biodegradable, and reusable. Bamboo straws are handcrafted, compostable, and can be cleaned for multiple uses.
2. Wheat Stems – Made from agricultural waste after wheat harvests, these straws are sturdy, biodegradable, and decompose naturally.
3. Rice – Produced from rice flour and tapioca starch, these edible straws dissolve in hot liquids or decompose within months under natural conditions.
4. Cornstarch (PLA) – Polylactic acid derived from corn is used for compostable straws and utensils. It breaks down in industrial composting facilities under specific conditions.
5. Paper – Paper straws, made from FSC-certified or recycled paper, are biodegradable and widely used. They are less durable in liquids but decompose quickly in compost or soil.
6. Sugarcane Bagasse – A byproduct of sugarcane processing, bagasse is molded into straws and utensils. It is compostable and makes use of agricultural waste.
7. Stainless Steel – Reusable, recyclable, durable, and non-toxic. A zero-waste option, though not biodegradable.
8. Silicone – Food-grade silicone straws are reusable, flexible, and recyclable in specialized facilities, providing a long-lasting alternative to single-use plastics.
9. Grass (e.g., Lepironia or Reed) – Straws made from wild grasses like Lepironia articulate in Vietnam are biodegradable, naturally hollow, and compostable.
10. Coconut Leaves or Husks – Straws and utensils crafted from coconut byproducts are biodegradable, leveraging abundant tropical waste materials.

These materials help reduce dependence on fossil-based plastics by using renewable resources or agricultural byproducts. Most are compostable or biodegradable, while others, like metal or silicone, emphasize reusability. The choice of material ultimately depends on intended use, cost, and local disposal infrastructure.