South Korean government study finds paper straws score worse than plastic on cancer-risk measure
A life cycle assessment commissioned by South Korea's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and carried out by the Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment found paper straws scored 6.33 times higher than conventional plastic straws on a cancer-related pollution measure covering production through disposal. Conventional plastic straws outperformed paper, biodegradable plastic and bio-based polyethylene straws in 10 of 16 environmental categories assessed. The findings add to a policy debate that has already seen the United States, under an executive order signed in February 2025, direct federal agencies to stop buying or providing paper straws.
Why this mattersA government-commissioned assessment ranking plastic straws best on 10 of 16 impact measures gives critics of South Korea's plastic straw restrictions new material and weakens the environmental case for paper substitutes.
- Paper straws scored 6.33 times higher than conventional plastic straws on a cancer-related pollution measure, from production through disposal.
- The Korean Society for Life Cycle Assessment compared paper, conventional plastic, biodegradable plastic and bio-based polyethylene straws across 16 environmental impact categories.
- Conventional plastic straws performed best in 10 of the 16 categories; no straw type led in every category.
- The assessment assumed about 74% of discarded straws were incinerated and 26% landfilled, based on South Korean waste statistics.
- Lawmaker Kim Wi-sang, whose office received the report, criticised existing plastic straw restrictions.
- The US President signed an executive order in February 2025 directing federal agencies to stop buying or providing paper straws.