Paper straws worse for environment than plastic, South Korea study finds

Key facts

• Paper straws' carcinogenic impact is 6.33 times higher than plastic straws.
• Conventional plastic straws had the lowest environmental impact in 10 categories.
• Straws are difficult to recycle regardless of material.

A South Korean study commissioned by the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment suggests paper straws may be worse for the environment than conventional plastic straws. The research, disclosed by opposition lawmaker Kim Wi-sang, analyzed 16 environmental categories across the lifecycle of various straw materials. It found that paper straws had a carcinogenic impact 6.33 times higher than plastic straws, and that plastic straws performed better in 10 out of 16 categories. The study also highlighted the difficulty in recycling straws regardless of their material.