High-performance, low-cost, chemical-free, and reusable bamboo drinking straw: An all-natural substitute for plastic straws

Abstract

The environmental problems caused by disposable plastic straws have been widely concerned around the world. Developing degradable straws made of eco-friendly materials is an effective solution. Nevertheless, the popular alternatives, for example, polylactic acid (PLA) straw and paper straw are far from satisfactory because of the restrictive degradation conditions, low mechanical performance, poor water stability, and the use of chemicals. As an abundant and sustainable natural resource, bamboo has been widely used in many fields. This study developed a mechanized and industrialized process with high efficiency and automation, including the preparation of bamboo sticks, hydrothermal treatment, and drilling holes in sticks to produce bamboo drinking straws. The production avoided chemicals and bamboo drinking straws retained the natural structure and degradability of bamboo. The performance evaluation shows that bamboo straws had superior mechanical properties (highest compressive strength of 71.65 MPa, bending strength of 123.90 MPa, and ring stiffness of 0.61 MPa), good wetting stability (high appearance quality and wet strength), reusability, high recovery value, and low manufacturing cost (around 17.5–35% of commercial degradable drinking straw costs). Bamboo drinking straws enrich the types of degradable straws and contribute to reducing plastic pollution.