We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Evaluation and future development direction of paper straw and plastic straw
ClearEvaluation of paper straws versus plastic straws: Development of a methodology for testing and understanding challenges for paper straws
This study developed a methodology for testing the performance of paper straws as alternatives to plastic straws, evaluating their structural integrity, taste neutrality, and environmental impact under realistic use conditions. The work addresses the need for objective evaluation of plastic straw alternatives as regulations drive substitution away from single-use plastics.
Plasticless: a Comparative Life-cycle, Socio-economic, and Policy Analysis of Alternatives to Plastic Straws
A life-cycle analysis compared ten types of drinking straws, finding that while plastic straws have the highest environmental impact, some alternatives like glass and metal require significant energy to produce and clean. This analysis illustrates that no single-use plastic alternative is without environmental trade-offs.
Bio-based alternatives to plastic drinking straws: are they more environmentally benign and consumer preferred?
This study evaluated bio-based alternatives to conventional plastic drinking straws, assessing the environmental footprint of paper and polylactic acid straws versus plastic and comparing their functional properties including user experience.
An Environmental and Cost Comparison Between Polypropylene Plastic Drinking Straws and a "Greener" Alternative: An Oberlin Case Study
This paper compares the environmental impact and cost of plastic versus paper drinking straws, finding that plastic straws are one of the most commonly littered items that harm marine ecosystems. The analysis supports policy arguments for reducing single-use plastic straw consumption.
Investigating interface adhesion of PLA-coated cellulose paper straws: Degradation, plant growth effects, and life cycle assessment
Researchers developed polylactic acid-coated cellulose paper straws as an alternative to single-use plastic straws and evaluated their environmental impact. The straws decomposed 35-40% within 4 months in soil and compost, though microplastics were detected in surrounding soil and plant tissues. Life cycle assessment showed that the manufacturing improvements reduced the ecological footprint compared to conventional plastic straws, though the release of microplastics during degradation warrants further study.
Sustainable management of drinking plastic straws is required to reduce plastic pollution: Are we using them more during COVID-19?
Researchers examined sustainable management approaches for single-use plastic drinking straws, finding that COVID-19 pandemic conditions increased plastic straw consumption alongside other pandemic-related plastic waste, underscoring the need for improved waste management policies.
Edible Straws as Promising Biodegradable Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics: A Comprehensive Review
Single-use plastic straws are a small but symbolic part of the microplastics problem, and this review surveys research into edible straws as a biodegradable alternative, covering materials ranging from cassava starch and seaweed to cellulose and proteins. Lab results are promising — cellulose-based versions show good strength, seaweed-based ones biodegrade quickly, and life cycle analyses confirm ecological advantages over plastic — but challenges including high production costs, short shelf life, and lack of regulatory standards are holding back commercial adoption. The review concludes that realizing the potential of edible straws will require coordination across material science, food engineering, and policy.
Does One Straw Really Matter?
This brief piece explores the environmental consequences of single-use plastic items like straws, examining where plastic waste ends up after disposal and what cumulative effects millions of small plastic items have on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health when they fragment into microplastics.
Evaluating the Environmental and Health Impacts of Disposable Plastics: Toward Sustainable Material Alternatives
This review synthesized evidence on the environmental and health impacts of disposable plastics, drawing on environmental science, health studies, and sustainability literature. The paper examined how plastic waste drives ocean pollution and wildlife harm while exploring sustainable alternative materials and policies.
Evaluating the Environmental and Health Impacts of Disposable Plastics: Toward Sustainable Material Alternatives
This review examined the environmental and health impacts of disposable plastics and explored sustainable alternatives, drawing on secondary literature across environmental science and health disciplines. The paper assessed plastic waste contributions to ocean pollution and proposed strategies to mitigate these challenges.
Un/Making the Plastic Straw: Designerly Inquiries into Disposability
This study uses design research methods to investigate the cultural and material life of plastic straws, examining how disposability is engineered and normalized in consumer products. The authors explore how design practices contribute to single-use plastic culture and how they might be reimagined to reduce waste.
Paper Bags vis-à-vis LDPE Bags: Gleanings from Peer-reviewed E-LCA Publications
A life-cycle analysis review comparing paper bags to low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags finds that paper bags generally have lower environmental impact across most categories, although LDPE performs better on water use metrics. The study touches on the microplastic problem as one reason to prefer paper, but its focus is broader environmental comparison rather than microplastic pollution specifically. The findings reinforce policy arguments for transitioning away from single-use plastic bags.
Role of Plastics in Modern Life: Benefits, Risks and Environmental Consequences
This review examines the dual role of plastics in modern society — their economic benefits alongside environmental and public health risks — and surveys strategies for more sustainable plastic production and disposal.
Life Cycle Assessment of Banned Single-Use Plastic Products and Their Alternatives
Researchers conducted a life cycle assessment comparing banned single-use plastic products in Canada with their alternatives, including paper, cotton, and bioplastic options. They found that while banning plastics reduces plastic pollution, some alternatives have higher carbon footprints or water usage. The study suggests that effective policy needs to consider the full environmental impact of replacement materials, not just plastic waste reduction.
Drinking Straw from Coconut Leaf: A Study of its Epicuticular Wax Content and Phenol Extrusion Properties
Drinking straws made from coconut leaves were studied as a plastic-free alternative, with testing showing they have natural wax coatings and structural properties suitable for use. The development of sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to plastic straws could help reduce single-use plastic waste.
Comparative Analysis of Bio-Based and Traditional Plastics: Life Cycle Assessment, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Health Impact Evaluation
This systematic review compares bio-based plastics with traditional petroleum-based plastics across environmental impact, cost, and health effects. The findings suggest that while bio-based alternatives may reduce some environmental harms, they are not without trade-offs, and understanding these differences is important for making healthier choices about the products we use.
A Review on Edible Straws
This review examines edible straws as a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic straws, synthesizing research on their material compositions, structural performance, sensory properties, and alignment with global sustainability goals to reduce microplastic accumulation from disposable plastic products.
Role of Plastics in Modern Life: Benefits, Risks and Environmental Consequences
This review examines the dual role of plastics in modern society — their economic and practical benefits alongside growing environmental and health concerns — calling for a balanced approach to plastic use and waste management.
Production of Cost-Effective Biodegradable Straw
Researchers developed a biodegradable drinking straw made from natural, chemical-free materials as an alternative to plastic straws. Plastic straws are a common source of single-use plastic pollution and potential microplastic generation in marine environments.
Ocena przydatności słomy z wybranych gatunków i odmian zbóż i traw do produkcji słomek do napojów
This Polish study evaluated the suitability of straw from various cereal and grass species for producing drinking straws as an alternative to plastic straws, which are a source of microplastic pollution. The research found several species with suitable stem dimensions, offering a biodegradable alternative to single-use plastic.
A critical review on plastic waste life cycle assessment and management: Challenges, research gaps, and future perspectives
This review examines the full environmental impact of plastics from production through disposal, noting that life cycle assessments often produce unexpected results when comparing bio-based and petroleum-based plastics. A major gap exists because microplastic pollution is not yet factored into these environmental assessments, despite growing evidence of its ecological harm.
Life Cycle Assessment of Selected Single-Use Plastic Products towards Evidence-Based Policy Recommendations in Sri Lanka
Researchers applied life cycle assessment to common single-use plastic products in Sri Lanka, quantifying their environmental impacts across production to disposal and providing evidence-based recommendations to guide national plastic pollution policy.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Bioplastic as an Alternative of Conventional Plastic towards Sustainable Plastic T
This review examines bioplastics derived from renewable biomass sources (such as corn starch, vegetable oils, and food waste) as sustainable alternatives to conventional petroleum-based plastics, evaluating their benefits and drawbacks across environmental performance, biodegradability, and scalability. The article explores whether bioplastics represent a viable pathway toward more sustainable plastic use given growing concerns over the non-biodegradable nature and resource intensity of conventional plastics.
Hospitals Should Offer Straws Only on Demand to the Public and Patients—An Environmental and Patient Care Imperative
This paper argued that hospitals should offer plastic straws only on demand rather than routinely, based on environmental sustainability data and analysis of patient welfare needs. The review found that most patients and visitors do not require straws, and a demand-based approach would substantially reduce hospital plastic waste without compromising patient care.