New research from South Korea suggests that paper straws may pose a greater pollution-related health risk than their plastic counterparts, raising questions about their environmental benefits.
Paper straws have long been promoted as a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic, but a recent life cycle assessment commissioned by South Korea’s Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment raises concerns about their actual impact on health and the environment. The assessment, conducted by the Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment, compared the effects of paper, plastic, and other disposable straws from production through disposal.
According to the findings, paper straws scored 6.33 times higher than conventional plastic straws on a measure related to cancer risk from pollution generated during their life cycle. This score reflects the potential harm from pollution associated with production and disposal, rather than the risk of chemical exposure or cancer from using the straws themselves, the researchers clarified.
The study evaluated four types of straws: paper, conventional plastic, biodegradable plastic, and bio-based polyethylene (bio-PE). Researchers assessed 16 different environmental impacts, assuming that approximately 74% of discarded straws were incinerated while 26% ended up in landfills, based on waste statistics from South Korea.
Conventional plastic straws performed best in 10 of the 16 environmental categories assessed, although no single straw type excelled in every category. Importantly, the study did not investigate whether chemicals leach from the straws into beverages or assess health outcomes among users.
In light of these findings, researchers recommended that businesses provide disposable straws only upon request, as reported by The Korea Herald. Lawmaker Kim Wi-sang, whose office received the report, criticized existing plastic straw restrictions, arguing that alternatives like paper straws have not delivered on their promised environmental benefits.
Former President Donald Trump has also expressed skepticism about paper straws, labeling them ineffective and suggesting they could pose health risks. In February 2025, he signed an executive order directing federal agencies to cease the purchase and use of paper straws, while also calling for the development of a national strategy to eliminate their use. Trump previously remarked, “I was tired of having straws melt in my mouth.”
Concerns regarding the safety of paper straws have been echoed by various lawmakers, particularly following a 2023 study from the University of Antwerp that detected PFAS, commonly referred to as “forever chemicals,” in 27 out of 39 straw brands tested, with paper straws being the most frequently contaminated. In response to these findings, 360° Foodservice, a European food-service packaging association, noted that its member companies have implemented a no-PFAS clause and established requirements for food-contact safety.
As the debate over the safety and environmental impact of straws continues, the findings from this South Korean assessment may prompt further scrutiny of the alternatives being promoted as sustainable solutions.
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