Drewsen, in partnership with paper straw manufacturers, has developed an alternative to plastic straws – PROSTRAW – which it says provides high water resistance and absolute safety for direct food contact.
Thanks to its mechanical properties, Drewsen argues that PROSTRAW Classic can be processed very well at high production speeds, to form a rigid and durable drinking straw. In addition, the product is recyclable and compostable.
To manufacture straws with an increased shelf life for more demanding applications such as industrial applications, Drewsen has developed PROSTRAW Smart with water-repellent properties.
Not only does this grade reportedly provide a smooth and pleasant feel on the lips, but the anti-fizz effect also prevents the degassing of carbonated drinks. According to the company, normal paper surfaces are hydrophilic and quite rough, which leads to C02 forming at the surface and bubbling out of the drink. With the surface treatment of PROSTRAW Smart, the company argues, this effect is much less pronounced, and the drink stays “fresh” much longer.
Both varieties can be recycled via recycling bins, but should any paper straws find their way into the environment, unlike many plastic straws, they will reportedly disintegrate within a short period, without any damage to wildlife or the environment.
Dr. Matthias Rauhut, Managing Director of Drewsen said: “Our goal is to develop the world’s best paper for straws. We are proud to present our PROSTRAW papers Classic and Smart as a first milestone in accomplishing this goal.”
