Paper Straw Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Material (Virgin Paper and Recycled Paper), By Product (Printed and Non-printed), By Application (Foodservice and Household), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global paper straw market was valued at USD 1.51 billion in 2023 and is projected to be worth USD 1.58 billion in 2024 and reach USD 2.69 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.86% during the forecast period. North America dominated the paper straw market with a market share of 38.41% in 2023.

A paper drinking straw is a tube-like structure designed to make it convenient for the user to consume beverages. Drinking paper straws can be printed or non-printed and are manufactured in different shapes such as straight straws, u-shaped straws, and others. The application of such straws is found in foodservice and households on an extensive level. Furthermore, the market has recently been observing an increased demand due to the government's ban on single-use plastics. For instance, in June 2022, the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change announced the ban on identified single-use plastic products, including plastic straws.

However, the manufacturing process of paper straws is different from the manufacturing process of plastic straws. By material type, which includes types of papers and water-based adhesives and types of machinery such as slot machines and core winding machines used in the process, significantly impacts the production rate. Thus, the material used for manufacturing paper straws is virgin paper or recycled paper. The market has observed growth in the number of new market entrants, paper product developments, and launches by market players in the plastic packing industry. For instance, in April 2022, UFlex Limited, a material packing and polymer science company based in India, announced the launch of its new U-shaped paper straw production line, which produces around 2.4 billion straws annually.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the global economy and multiple industries due to restrictions imposed in the second quarter of 2020, when a peak in the virus spread was observed. These government restrictions and regulations, such as lockdowns and closing of borders, put several industries on halt. In addition, as the borders were closed and travel restrictions were active, the supply chain was disrupted. Thus, the closure of manufacturing units, supply chain disruption, and economic slowdown severely impacted this industry. In addition, the implementation of social restrictions resulted in the restriction on the mobility of people. Paper straw application is mostly found in households and foodservice. As the hotel, restaurant, and catering businesses were shut down during the start of the pandemic and the mobility of people was restricted, the market saw a decline in sales.

Paper Straw Market Trends

Shift Toward Adoption of Bio-based Economy Among Industry Players to Fuel Market Growth

The bioeconomy is designed to use all types of sustainable biomass sources such as residual biomass, organic waste, and others. Technological advancements in biorefinery have improved the use of biological resources. In addition, the valorization of discarded parts of plants and animals has observed an upgrade.

The increasing adoption of paper straw manufacturing machines is revolutionizing the global paper straw industry. Equipment manufacturers are increasingly focusing on developing innovative machines to manufacture environmentally friendly paper straws as a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to plastic straws. In recent years, industry participants have capitalized on technological advancements to create innovative products. For instance, in July 2022, LAMI PACKAGING (KUNSHAN) CO., LTD., a Chinese packaging company, launched its new U-shaped paper straws in India. The company intended to target beverage companies operating in the Indian market impacted by the countrywide ban on single-use plastics, including straws. Governments across countries imposing bans on single-use plastic straws strongly indicate that the straw market is shifting toward more sustainable/environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic straws. This is creating a lucrative business opportunity for paper straw manufacturers.

Technological advancements will also contribute to the launch of better-quality raw materials required to manufacture paper straws. For instance, in April 2019, Ahlstrom-Munksjö launched a new fiber-based bio solution called CelluStrawTM, consisting of specialty-grade paper for the inner and outer plies of paper straw. Awareness regarding climate change and the impact of single-use plastic on the environment resulted in the growing demand for bio-based products. Thus, major companies which have operations in plastic and polymers are shifting toward bio-based products to fulfill the growing demand. For instance, in February 2019, SIG, one of the leading packaging solution providers, announced the launch of paper straws as an alternative to plastic straws to its customers.

Paper Straw Market Growth Factors

Ban on Single-use Plastic Products to Drive the Paper Straw Market Growth

The key use of conventional plastic straws is on juice carton packs. Although if not properly disposed, they contribute to the growing plastic waste problem. Single-use plastic waste harms terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. According to SIG Combibloc Group AG (SIG), 8 million metric tons of waste are dumped in oceans annually. Addressing the pollution caused by single-use plastic products has been a major challenge for most countries. The growing consumer awareness has brought governments to introduce new policies and regulations to ban single-use plastic products, fueling the global market growth. For instance, in July 2021, the European Union banned certain single-use plastic products such as plates, balloon sticks, cutlery, straws, and others. In addition, in November 2022, seven of eight Australian states banned single-use plastic products, including plastic straws.

The demand for straws is massive, with a rising number of applications in the foodservice sector. Therefore, multiple alternatives to plastic straws are being introduced such as edible straws, metal straws, glass straws, and paper straws. Producers face the challenge of choosing the right alternative that balances sustainability issues, cost, functionality, and convenience. These straws have been observed as a viable alternative since they are renewable, can be produced from recycled paper, decomposes quickly, and are safer for wildlife. Thus, the ban on single-use plastic products is driving the growth of the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Negative Impact Due to the Quality and Manufacturing Process to Hinder Market Growth

In terms of disposability, paper straws are more environment-friendly than plastic straws. However, the manufacturing process of paper straws negatively impacted the environment due to the emission of certain polluted substances. In addition, the manufacturing process requires a lot of energy due to a longer manufacturing process, which includes lumber transportation, kraft paper production, paper cutting, and gluing, resulting in higher greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, according to Strawlific, a biodegradable straw company, 96 kilojoules of energy emitting 4.1 grams of carbon pollutants is required to manufacture a single paper straw. As the demand increases, the production rate and meeting the growing demand shall result in a higher rate of deforestation. Thus, the number of trees would be less to absorb the carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, increasing global warming.

Paper straws are also single-use waste products as they turn soggy if used for about 30 minutes, and the stability tends to change based on the drink consumed. This results in a higher consumption rate as users might need more than one straw for a single drink, leading to a rise in production rate, which shall negatively impact the environment. In addition, the aftertaste of paper in the drink has been a concern for many users. For instance, in April 2019, around 90,000 people signed a petition to stop paper straws in the U.K. as they get soggy quickly.

Paper Straw Market Segmentation Analysis

By Material Analysis

Rising Demand for Higher Quality Paper Straws to Fuel the Demand for Virgin Paper

The material segment is divided into virgin paper and recycled paper. The virgin paper segment has a higher share in the market owing to its quality and durability. As paper straws come in direct contact with food, the quality of these straws is closely monitored as it can affect a person's health. Hence, the market has a strict requirement for product quality and needs healthy and food-grade materials used in manufacturing. For instance, in March 2021, 360° Foodservice, a non-profit collaborative platform for sustainable food and drinks service in Europe, launched a new Charter of Trust, a catalog of all rules & regulations for material used in manufacturing straws.

Paper made from virgin fibers is called virgin paper. In recent times, technological advancement has made the production process of virgin fiber more sustainable. For instance, in October 2022, Smurfit Kappa, a well-known paper mill in the U.K., announced its new invention in the drying process, which reduced CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The new drying process of Smurfit Kappa has reduced 6% of steam energy consumption and 5% CO2 emission. Furthermore, paper mills using virgin fiber do not rely on fossil fuels to generate energy; they store energy by burning waste. Virgin paper has a higher absorbency rate, better retention of ink color, and is more durable. Recycled paper does not sustain for long as the overused paper results in inconsistency, low quality, and poor performance.

By Product Analysis

Rising Preference for Non-printed Paper Straws to Fuel the Market Growth

By product, the market is divided into printed and non-printed. Printed paper straws are biodegradable and similar to the non-printed ones. The paper, ink, and other raw materials used in production are food-grade; even if consumed, they will cause no harm to the human body and can be excreted easily. However, the ink used for printing is human grade but can affect the taste of beverages and has a negative impact on the market. Thus, more foodservice outlets prefer non-printed paper straws, making them a leading segment.

Furthermore, various prints, patterns, and color options are available, making customization more convenient. The printed straws can be customized, allowing companies to print their logo, organization name, and others. Thus, this gives food joints and restaurants an edge to highlight their name or logo and can be used for marketing. For instance, in September 2022, Karrie Laughton, owner of Lux Lounge, a popular lounge in New York state, launched its manufacturing unit of printed straws, the Roc Paper Straws. The unit is now distributing standard and custom-branded paper straws. Thus, the rapid growth in technological advancement and new products launched will contribute to a higher growth rate for printed straws in the forecast period.

By Application Analysis

Rise in Demand for Paper Straws Due to Growth in the Foodservice Industry

By application, the market is bifurcated into foodservice and household. Straws are one of the major products used in the foodservice industry. The food & beverage industry has recently observed rapid growth due to various factors such as technological advancement, urbanization, and others. The rapid growth in technological advancements in food delivery with the introduction of online food-delivery websites and applications has driven the growing demand for foodservice. For instance, in October 2022, the U.S. Food Holding Corp. announced the launch of its most advanced e-commerce application MOXē (Making Operator Xperiences Easy). MOXē is the only food service application with a one-stop solution for foodservices that can be used on mobile, desktop, and tablets.

Rapid urbanization and migration also significantly contribute to the growing demand for away-from-home food. Various food outlets have observed a speedy expansion post-pandemic. For instance, Zomato announced a rapid growth of 13.2 times in orders in 2020 as compared to 2018. Furthermore, Zomato mentioned approximately 10.7 million customers ordered food every month in 2020. This growing foodservice industry will result in market traction during the forecast period for cutlery and paper straw. Due to the ban on plastic products and rising awareness for sustainability, the demand has shifted toward paper straws. For instance, in April 2022, Japan banned single-use plastic products. To follow the regulations in October 2022, McDonald's announced it would adopt paper straws and wooden cutlery in all locations.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Geographically, the market is studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America and Europe hold a major share of the market and are expected to grow in the forecast period. Owing to the stringent regulations on single-use plastic products and the higher use of drinking straws in the food service industry has increased exponentially in this region. For instance, according to SIG Combibloc Group AG (SIG), 500 million plastic straws are used by the U.S. alone. In addition, as per the British government, 8.5 billion plastic straws are used in Great Britain.

Furthermore, Germany, France, and Italy are among the biggest drinking straw-consuming countries in Europe. The ban in Australia and India for single-use plastic products, including straws, shall further fuel the growth of the market in Asia Pacific. South America and the Middle East & Africa will further fuel the market growth, with major food outlets shifting their preference toward paper straws globally.

List of Key Companies in Paper Straw Market

The major players focus on innovations, product development, and advanced technological adoption. Manufacturers and developers are launching different products to cater to the growing demand. For instance, in July 2022, Lamipak launched its new U-shaped paper straw. Furthermore, new technological innovations, such as plant-based and manufacturing with recycled paper, have increased competition. For instance, in September 2021, SunRype Products, a division of A. Lassonde Inc., a Canadian fruit-based beverage company, announced its new bendable paper straw on all its beverage packs made from recycled paper. The manufacturers further focus on acquisitions to expand their product portfolio and manufacturing facilities. For instance, in October 2018, Duni Group acquired 75% of BioPak Pty Ltd.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED

• Fueling Technology (China)


• Footprint (U.S.)


• Charta Global (U.S.)


• Canada Brown Eco Products Ltd (Canada)


• Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland)


• Hoffmaster Group Inc. (U.S.)


• Transcend Packaging (U.K.)


• Duni Group (BioPak) (Sweden)


• Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. (Japan)


• Focus Technology Co., Ltd. (China)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• May 2022 - SIG India announced the launch of its wide range of recyclable paper straws in various dimensions, shapes, and utilities. The launch is focused on catering to the growing demand in India owing to the rising number of food chains, restaurants, and other foodservices.


• June 2020 - Intermarché, one of France's most popular retail chains, became the first retailer to launch SIG's paper straws with aseptic carton packs. This new launch would help to meet the growing demand for alternatives to single-use plastic products.


• July 2019 - The Paper Straw Co, owned by Hoffmaster Group Inc., launched the first fully-operational 180-degree paper straw for individual drink cartons such as water, milk, and juice. The cartons have a higher requirement for a plastic substitute owing to their dependency on straws. Hence, the launch would give the company a first mover’s advantage.


• May 2019 - The Paper Straw Co, U.K.'s first paper straw company, was acquired by Hoffmaster Group, Inc., a key premium disposable tableware manufacturer. The acquisition helped the company to gain an advantage in the changing global trend of consumers toward sustainable tableware products such as paper straws.


• March 2019 - The President of Nippon Paper Industry Co., Ltd., Fumio Manoshiro, announced the launch of a smoother surface paper straw with higher durability and safety owing to the growing demand for these straws, which do not get soggy quickly. The new launch would assist the company in maximizing its share in the market.


• February 2019 - Huhtamaki Oyj announced the launch of its new sustainable paper straws owing to the bans on single-use plastic and the growing demand for these straws. The company is known for sustainable packaging and thus is aiming to gain a competitive market share with this launch.

REPORT COVERAGE

The research report analyzes the market in-depth and highlights crucial aspects such as prominent companies, competitive landscape, material, product, and applications. Besides this, the report provides insights into the paper straw market trends and highlights significant industry developments. In addition, the report encompasses several factors contributing to the market growth.

Report Scope & Segmentation