How Are PLA Straws Produced?

What Are PLA Straws Made Of?

The raw material used for producing PLA straws is the eco-friendly material "lactic acid". Lactic acid can be converted from sugars. GoodBioPak primarily produces PLA cornstarch straws. The sugars usually come from starch extracted from grains such as corn, and some can be directly extracted from food residues. Once the sugars are extracted, they undergo a fermentation process, after which the lactic acid monomers are specially concentrated, then the product is vacuum purified and polymerized under certain conditions to obtain PLA molecules.

GoodBioPak PLA Straw Production Process

• Raw Material Mixing: PLA granules are mixed uniformly in a certain proportion to prepare for subsequent extrusion molding.

• Extrusion Molding: Utilizing a specialized PLA straw extruder, the uniformly mixed PLA raw material is extruded through a mold under high temperatures to form hollow, long straws.

• Cooling and Solidifying: The extruded straws need to go through a cooling process to ensure their shape and size stability.

• Cutting and Inspection: Using a straw cutting machine, the long straws are cut to the required length and quality inspections are carried out to ensure that the performance indicators of the straws meet the requirements.

• Packaging: The inspected and qualified straws are packed for transportation and sales.

PLA Straws vs Paper Straws

PLA Straws

• Source of Materials: The main raw material of PLA straws is PLA, a high polymer material synthesized chemically from starch extracted from plants such as corn, wheat, and cassava. GoodBioPak mainly produces PLA cornstarch straws.

• Eco-friendliness: PLA straws have excellent biodegradability. After use and being discarded, in suitable conditions of humidity (like 50%-60% humidity and 50-70 degrees Celsius), they can be completely decomposed by microorganisms in nature, eventually generating carbon dioxide and water, without polluting the environment.

• Temperature Resistance: The suitable temperature range for PLA straws is relatively wide, approximately between -10℃ and 80℃, which can meet the needs for both cold and hot drinks.

• Physical Properties: PLA straws have high thermal stability and solvent resistance, with good glossiness, transparency, and tactile properties, providing a user experience close to that of traditional plastic straws.

Paper Straws

• Source of Materials: The main raw material for paper straws is wood pulp or other plant fibers, processed through bonding, winding, drying, and cutting.

• Eco-friendliness: Paper straws also have recyclable and easily degradable properties, generally decomposing within 3-4 months after being discarded in a natural environment.

• Temperature Resistance: Paper straws tend to soften, rot, or disintegrate when exposed to water or high temperatures, especially problematic when drinking hot beverages.

• Physical Properties: The surface of paper straws may not be smooth enough, increasing friction and affecting the user experience. Additionally, after prolonged immersion, paper straws may produce an odor.

In conclusion, PLA straws, as an eco-friendly material, have excellent biodegradability, compatibility, and absorptive properties. Used PLA straws can naturally degrade into water and carbon dioxide under composting conditions, without causing environmental pollution. Moreover, GoodBioPak's PLA cornstarch straws also possess good physical and processing properties, making them a feasible substitute for traditional plastic straws, meeting the market demand for eco-friendly products.