Plastic Straws and Sustainability: A Global Perspective

Introduction

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to reverse the Biden administration’s push for eco-friendly paper straws, stating that he intends to reinstate plastic straws via an upcoming Executive Order. This move, in line with his previous stance on environmental deregulation, has reignited discussions about sustainability, single-use plastics, and international efforts to reduce plastic waste.

At first glance, the debate over straws may seem trivial. However, it highlights a much broader conversation about balancing environmental responsibility with practicality, consumer preferences, and the effectiveness of government policies in tackling climate challenges.

Plastic Straws and the Environmental Challenge

Plastic straws are a small but highly visible component of the global plastic waste crisis. Most plastic straws are made from polypropylene, a petroleum-based material that does not biodegrade. Instead, it breaks down into microplastics, which persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Unlike other waste, plastic straws are difficult to recycle due to their small size and lightweight nature, meaning they often end up in landfills, oceans, and waterways.

According to research by the World Economic Forum, an estimated 8 to 12 million tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year. A study published in Science Advances found that plastic straws account for around 0.025% of ocean plastic pollution, a relatively small percentage but still a significant contributor. High-profile cases, such as the widely shared video of a sea turtle with a plastic straw lodged in its nostril, have propelled the issue into public consciousness, leading to widespread calls for action.

Regulatory Approaches: The U.S. and Beyond

The Biden administration previously supported initiatives to reduce single-use plastics, including federal guidelines encouraging paper straws and other biodegradable alternatives. In contrast, Trump’s decision to reverse this approach aligns with his broader stance on deregulation. His campaign has also commercialised the issue, selling plastic straws as merchandise, appealing to voters who view environmental policies as government overreach.

The U.S. is not alone in debating the role of environmental regulations in daily life. In contrast to Trump's stance, the European Union has taken a much firmer approach. Under the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), introduced in 2019 and implemented in 2021, the EU banned plastic straws, cutlery, and stirrers, among other disposable plastic items. The directive aims to reduce the most common types of marine plastic pollution and promote a shift towards reusable and compostable alternatives.

Ireland’s Leadership in Sustainability

Ireland has positioned itself as a leader in sustainability within the EU, actively advancing policies to reduce plastic waste. The Irish government introduced the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy (2020-2025), which aligns with EU directives and sets ambitious targets for plastic reduction. The plan focuses on phasing out single-use plastics, improving recycling systems, and fostering a circular economy that reduces waste at the source.

One of Ireland’s most significant sustainability successes was the introduction of the plastic bag levy in 2002, which led to a 90% reduction in plastic bag usage within a year. More recently, Ireland launched its Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) in 2024, which encourages recycling by placing a refundable deposit on plastic bottles and aluminium cans. Similar schemes have proven highly effective in countries such as Germany and Sweden, achieving recycling rates of over 90%.

Consumer Preferences and the Role of Innovation

While plastic straws have clear environmental downsides, their alternatives have also faced criticism. Paper straws, for example, are known to become soggy in drinks, a common complaint among consumers. Some alternatives, such as metal and silicone straws, offer durability and reusability but are more expensive and less practical for large-scale adoption in fast-food and beverage industries.

The challenge lies in finding materials that balance sustainability with convenience. Some businesses have turned to biodegradable plastic straws made from polylactic acid (PLA), derived from corn starch, which decomposes under industrial composting conditions. Others are exploring emerging innovations, such as seaweed-based straws, which are both biodegradable and durable. However, scaling up production of these alternatives remains a challenge due to costs and the need for supportive infrastructure, such as industrial composting facilities.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Single-Use Plastics

Globally, there is growing recognition that reducing plastic waste requires more than just banning individual products. The European Green Deal, which aims to make the EU climate-neutral by 2050, places a strong emphasis on transitioning away from fossil-fuel-based plastics. Measures include reducing plastic packaging waste by 15% by 2040 and mandating increased recycled content in plastic products.

For Ireland and other EU nations, the focus is shifting towards extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, which require manufacturers to take greater accountability for the entire lifecycle of their products. Such policies encourage the development of packaging and materials that are designed to be more recyclable and sustainable from the outset.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., regulatory approaches remain fragmented. Some states, such as California and New York, have enacted their own bans on plastic straws and other single-use plastics, while others have taken a more lenient stance. The potential reinstatement of plastic straws at the federal level under a Trump administration would represent a departure from the global trend towards stricter plastic regulations.

Conclusion

Trump’s proposed reversal of paper straw policies in the U.S. is part of a larger discussion about how governments approach sustainability and environmental regulations. While plastic straws represent a small fraction of global plastic pollution, their prominence in public discourse reflects the broader challenges of reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

The EU and Ireland continue to pursue ambitious sustainability goals, with policies aimed at fostering a circular economy and reducing plastic waste. However, transitioning to a more sustainable future will require ongoing investment in new materials, improved waste management systems, and consumer education.

As governments and businesses navigate these challenges, the focus must remain on long-term solutions that balance environmental responsibility with practical implementation. Whether through regulations, innovation, or shifts in consumer behaviour, the goal remains the same: reducing plastic waste and moving towards a more sustainable future.

*By Anne Hayden MSc., Founder, The Informed Farmer Consultancy.