By Hello Straw Product Team
Last updated: January 2026
Choosing the right drinking straw has become a strategic decision for cafés, restaurants, hotels, stadiums, and event operators. Across Europe and the UK, sustainability expectations are rising while regulations around single-use plastics continue to tighten.
For businesses, this often creates confusion, especially when choosing between paper straws and PLA (bioplastic) straws.
In this guide, we compare the two in terms of cost, performance, sustainability, and legal compliance. Whether you’re sourcing for a small café or a large hospitality or events operation, this article will help you make a clear, compliant, and future-proof decision.
PLA Straws
Understanding what each straw is made of helps buyers evaluate safety, quality, and end-of-life impact.
PLA (polylactic acid) is a plant-based bioplastic made by fermenting natural starches from corn, sugarcane, or cassava. Once processed, the result is a material that looks and feels similar to conventional plastic but comes from renewable resources rather than petroleum.
- Smooth feel and durable structure
- Holds up well in cold drinks
- Marketed as a “compostable” option
However, PLA only breaks down in industrial composting facilities, which many regions (especially in Europe) do not widely offer. This means many PLA straws still end up in general waste streams, greatly affecting the environment.
Paper Straws
Paper straws are produced from FSC-certified or high-grade food-safe paper, layered and bonded using water-resistant, non-toxic adhesives. Compared to PLA straws, these biodegrade more easily and align more with environmental expectations from consumers.
General considerations:
- Quick breakdown in liquids
- Some customers dislike sogginess
- Widely accepted as a safer, eco-forward alternative
This is why at Hello Straw we care and want to support your business, with significantly improved durability, offering paper straws that stay firm for hours while maintaining full recyclability and compliance.
Law & Compliance (EU/UK Focus)
It is important to highlight that regulations are a major factor in choosing the right straw.
European Union
- Under the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, PLA is classified as plastic, even if plant-based.
- PLA straws are therefore banned in many EU markets for single-use applications.
- Paper straws are fully compliant, in accordance with EU regulations.
United Kingdom
- The UK restricts the supply of plastic straws, and PLA is again treated as a type of plastic.
- Food-service businesses can use paper straws freely.
For any business operating in the EU or UK, paper straws remain the safest and most compliant choice. This aligns with global trends: countries across the Middle East are phasing out problematic plastics, including Saudi Arabia’s multi-year phase-out and the UAE’s bans introduced since 2006, with Abu Dhabi now taking further action.
End-of-Life & Sustainability
When assessing the sustainability of disposable straws and paper products, end-of-life impact matters. Materials differ significantly in how they biodegrade, recycle, and fit existing waste systems, which directly affects their real-world environmental footprint.
PLA Straws
- Require industrial composting: high heat + a controlled environment.
- Cannot break down in nature or standard home composting.
- Often mistaken as recyclable due to them being plant-based (they are not).
Paper Straws
- Naturally biodegradable
- Fully recyclable
- Aligns best with consumer expectations of “eco-friendly” products
Hello Straw’s paper straws are made from responsibly sourced paper, offering a low-impact alternative that meets both legal and environmental standards.
User Experience for PLA Straws vs Paper Straws
Cold Drinks
PLA: Excellent performance, no softening
Paper: High-quality paper straws (like those from Hello Straw) perform well; low-quality paper straws may soften over time
Hot Drinks
PLA: Not suitable; can deform or release chemicals
Paper: Clearly the better choice for hot beverages
Food Safety & Chemicals
PLA straws are considered safe for use, but they don’t perform well with high heat and may release microplastics if they degrade improperly. Paper straws, on the other hand, must be food-grade and comply with EU and UK safety standards to ensure safe use.
All of our paper straws are manufactured to meet strict regulatory requirements and are produced without harmful coatings, ensuring a safe and reliable option for businesses.
Cost & Branding between Paper Straws and PLA Straws
PLA straws typically come at a higher unit cost and may offer a more premium feel, though they are often less customisable due to legal restrictions in many regions. Paper straws, by contrast, are generally more affordable for large-scale procurement and are easy to print and fully brand with a wide variety of colours, patterns, or logos. Many businesses have already opted for paper straws as a cost-effective way to strengthen their brand identity while staying compliant.
Buyer’s Checklist
- Market regulations in your region
- Your typical drink menu (hot vs cold)
- Branding and customisation needs
- Unit cost and availability
- Local disposal/composting options
- Customer expectation for sustainability choices
- Event type (short use vs long use)
Quick Verdict
When choosing between PLA and paper, the right option depends on where and how your disposable products are used. For businesses already relying on paper-based solutions such as paper cups and paper cutlery, material consistency, compliance, and waste handling often make the decision clearer.
Choose PLA if:
- You only serve cold drinks
- You operate outside the EU/UK
- You want a plastic-like durability and feel
- You have access to industrial composting services
Choose Paper if:
- You operate within the EU/UK
- You need full regulatory compliance
- You want lower cost and easy customization
- You want a waste option that aligns with consumer expectations
- You use straws for hot drinks or mixed menus
Conclusion
Both paper straws and PLA straws offer specific advantages, but the best choice depends on where and how your products are used.
For businesses operating in the EU or UK, paper straws remain the most compliant, widely accepted, and practical option, particularly for hot drinks, mixed menus, and large-scale use.
High-quality paper straws — such as those developed by Hello Straw — address durability concerns while meeting strict regulatory and sustainability requirements.
Before making a final decision, consider your local regulations, customer expectations, drink types, and available waste systems. Choosing the right material today helps protect your brand and ensures long-term compliance.
Hello Straw supplies compliant paper straws to stadiums, events, hospitality groups, and international brands across Europe and beyond.
