FLOSSI AND THE LAST STRAW

The energy required to produce paper straws vs. plastic straws can be compared in megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg):

Paper Straws use 25–50 MJ/kg (depending on recycled vs. virgin paper)

Plastic Straws (Polypropylene) use 8–10 MJ/kg

Paper straws require ~2.5 to 5 times more energy per kilogram than plastic straws.

• Plastic straws are lighter (about 1 g per straw) than paper straws (~2 g per straw), so per-unit energy usage is closer, but paper still consumes more.

• Paper manufacturing is energy-intensive, especially for virgin pulp.

• Plastic manufacturing is more energy-efficient, but plastic waste persists in the environment for centuries.

Paper straws cost more than plastic straws due to several factors:

1. Raw Material Costs

• Plastic straws are made from polypropylene, a cheap petroleum-based material.

• Paper straws require processed paper (virgin or recycled), which is more expensive.

2. Manufacturing Costs

• Plastic straws are produced through an efficient, high-speed extrusion, making them very cheap (often less than $0.005 per straw).

• Paper straws require multiple layers of paper, adhesive, and specialized machinery, leading to higher costs (often $0.02–$0.05 per straw).

3. Durability & Usage

• Plastic straws last longer and can be mass-produced at high speeds.

• Paper straws degrade faster, requiring better quality materials, which increases costs.
  
  Overall, paper straws can cost 4 to 10 times more than plastic straws, making them a pricier but more sustainable alternative.

Many regions have reported significant decreases in the use of single-use plastic bags after implementing bans. Studies indicate that such bans can eliminate nearly 300 bags per person annually, substantially reducing plastic waste and litter.

Shift to Alternative Bags

However, in response to these bans, there has been a marked increase in the production and use of alternative bags, including reusable plastic and paper bags. This shift has led to unintended environmental consequences:

• Increased Plastic Consumption: In New Jersey, after banning single-use plastic bags, the state experienced a nearly threefold increase in plastic consumption for bags. This was primarily due to the rise in production of thicker, reusable plastic bags, which require more plastic per unit.

• Higher Greenhouse Gas Emissions: These thicker reusable bags, often made from non-woven polypropylene, have contributed to a 500% increase in greenhouse gas emissions compared to previous levels. Additionally, these bags are not widely recyclable, posing further environmental challenges.