PHA Straws
The PERFECT replacement for plastic straws! Made from PHA, a cutting-edge bioplastic derived from renewable plant source, our straws are certified compostable at home and in industrial settings, plus marine degradable. Wholesale Prices & Fast Shipping! Straw sample packs are available.
What does PHA stand for in straws?
PHA is a highly compostable bio-based polymer that is very similar to traditional plastic in look, feel and performance. Made with plant feedstocks, vegetable oils, sugars and starches are processed using a bacterial fermentation method. To learn more, check out our Guide to PHA!
Below are diameters for each of our straws.
- Cocktail Straws - 0.137" wide
- Standard Straws - 0.24" wide (Available in Standard or Long Lengths)
- Smoothie Straws - 0.276" wide (Available in Standard or Long Lengths)
- Boba Straws - 0.433" wide
PHA Straws FAQ
What does PHA stand for in straws?
“PHA” stands for polyhydroxyalkanoate, a naturally derived bioplastic produced by microorganisms through the fermentation of plant-based feedstocks like vegetable oils or sugars. PHA is a highly compostable bio-based polymer that is very similar to traditional plastic in look, feel, and performance. To learn more, check out our Guide to PHA!
Can I compost PHA straws at home or do they require industrial facilities?
PHA straws are uniquely versatile. They do biodegrade in home composting bins under proper conditions, though more slowly compared to industrial settings. They will break down even faster in industrial composting facilities due to higher heat.
What does "PHA marine degradable straw" mean?
PHA straws are certified marine degradable, meaning that unlike conventional plastics, they can safely break down in ocean or aquatic environments without leaving toxic residues or microplastics.
How long do PHA marine degradable straws take to break down?
The breakdown time depends on the environment:
• Marine environments: several months to ~15 months, leaving no microplastics.
• Industrial composting: typically 2–4 months.
• Home composting or soil: 3–6 months under suitable conditions.
How do PHA straws compare to PLA or plastic straws?
Plastic: Very slow biodegradability, persists for centuries, durable but polluting, produces microplastics.
PLA: Industrial compost only; not marine degradable, durable like plastic, requires controlled composting.
PHA: Home & industrial compostable and marine degradable, strong and reliable, superior multi-environment degradability.
What are the environmental benefits of using PHA marine degradable straws?
PHA straws offer several eco-friendly advantages:
• Lower carbon footprint: Made from renewable plant-based feedstocks, producing fewer greenhouse gases.
• Marine safety: Biodegrades in marine environments within about a year, avoiding microplastic pollution.
• Circularity: Organic degradation in soil or compost supports nutrient recycling and circular economy principles.
Are there recognized certifications I should look for with PHA straws?
Look for labels such as:
• BPI – certifies industrial compostability.
• TÜV Austria OK compost HOME – certifies home compostability.
• EN 13432 – European industrial compostability.
Many PHA products, like Nodax PHA used by Good Start Packaging, are FDA-approved for food contact and known for their biodegradability in diverse environments.
How should I properly dispose of PHA marine degradable straws?
To ensure proper degradation:
• Place used PHA straws in a commercial composting bin or facility if available.
• If composting is not accessible, they can go in home compost where they will still degrade, though slower.
• Do not dispose in recycling bins, as they are not recyclable and could contaminate plastic streams.
Their marine-degradable properties make them safer if inadvertently entering waterways.
The PERFECT replacement for plastic straws! Made from PHA, a cutting-edge bioplastic derived from renewable plant source, our straws are certified compostable at home and in industrial settings, plus marine degradable. Wholesale Prices & Fast Shipping! Straw sample packs are available.
What does PHA stand for in straws?
PHA is a highly compostable bio-based polymer that is very similar to traditional plastic in look, feel and performance. Made with plant feedstocks, vegetable oils, sugars and starches are processed using a bacterial fermentation method. To learn more, check out our Guide to PHA!
Below are diameters for each of our straws.
- Cocktail Straws - 0.137" wide
- Standard Straws - 0.24" wide (Available in Standard or Long Lengths)
- Smoothie Straws - 0.276" wide (Available in Standard or Long Lengths)
- Boba Straws - 0.433" wide
PHA Straws FAQ
What does PHA stand for in straws?
“PHA” stands for polyhydroxyalkanoate, a naturally derived bioplastic produced by microorganisms through the fermentation of plant-based feedstocks like vegetable oils or sugars. PHA is a highly compostable bio-based polymer that is very similar to traditional plastic in look, feel, and performance. To learn more, check out our Guide to PHA!
Can I compost PHA straws at home or do they require industrial facilities?
PHA straws are uniquely versatile. They do biodegrade in home composting bins under proper conditions, though more slowly compared to industrial settings. They will break down even faster in industrial composting facilities due to higher heat.
What does "PHA marine degradable straw" mean?
PHA straws are certified marine degradable, meaning that unlike conventional plastics, they can safely break down in ocean or aquatic environments without leaving toxic residues or microplastics.
How long do PHA marine degradable straws take to break down?
The breakdown time depends on the environment:
• Marine environments: several months to ~15 months, leaving no microplastics.
• Industrial composting: typically 2–4 months.
• Home composting or soil: 3–6 months under suitable conditions.
How do PHA straws compare to PLA or plastic straws?
Plastic: Very slow biodegradability, persists for centuries, durable but polluting, produces microplastics.
PLA: Industrial compost only; not marine degradable, durable like plastic, requires controlled composting.
PHA: Home & industrial compostable and marine degradable, strong and reliable, superior multi-environment degradability.
What are the environmental benefits of using PHA marine degradable straws?
PHA straws offer several eco-friendly advantages:
• Lower carbon footprint: Made from renewable plant-based feedstocks, producing fewer greenhouse gases.
• Marine safety: Biodegrades in marine environments within about a year, avoiding microplastic pollution.
• Circularity: Organic degradation in soil or compost supports nutrient recycling and circular economy principles.
Are there recognized certifications I should look for with PHA straws?
Look for labels such as:
• BPI – certifies industrial compostability.
• TÜV Austria OK compost HOME – certifies home compostability.
• EN 13432 – European industrial compostability.
Many PHA products, like Nodax PHA used by Good Start Packaging, are FDA-approved for food contact and known for their biodegradability in diverse environments.
How should I properly dispose of PHA marine degradable straws?
To ensure proper degradation:
• Place used PHA straws in a commercial composting bin or facility if available.
• If composting is not accessible, they can go in home compost where they will still degrade, though slower.
• Do not dispose in recycling bins, as they are not recyclable and could contaminate plastic streams.
Their marine-degradable properties make them safer if inadvertently entering waterways.
