US Disposable Straws

Report Overview

• Conventional plastic straws continue to be replaced by new alternatives

• Paper, bioplastic, and molded fiber straws all expected to see strong growth

This Freedonia industry study analyzes the $553 million US disposable straw industry. It presents historical demand data (2012, 2017, and 2022) and forecasts (2027 and 2032) by material (conventional plastic, bioplastic, paper, and molded fiber) and market (foodservice, consumer/retail, and beverage packaging). The study also evaluates company market share and competitive analysis on key industry competitors including Hoffmaster Group (Aardvark), D&W Fine Pack, WinCup, Pactiv Evergreen, and Fuling.

Featuring 56 tables and 16 figures – available in Excel and Powerpoint! Learn More This report includes data from 2012-2032 in 5 year intervals and tables featuring year-by-year data for 2019-2026.

The US market for disposable straws continues to face unprecedented disruption, with the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, sustainability initiatives, and bans on single-use plastics all combining to escalate changes in volume usage, pricing, and the types of materials used in produce straws. Foodservice is by far the largest market for straws and will continue to have an outsized impact on overall straw industry trends.

Demand for disposable straws is forecast to grow 1.5% annually to $597 million in 2027. However, this growth rate hides two opposing underlying trends:

• Growth in average prices will be supported by a transition from conventional plastics to higher value materials such as paper and bioplastics and this will support growth in market value.
• Demand in unit terms will decline as sustainability-driven efforts and bans aim to reduce or eliminate straw use.

Sustainability Becomes the Major Factor in Straw Choices

• a strong push toward using biodegradable alternatives – such as paper, molded fiber, and bioplastics – instead of polypropylene
• efforts to reduce usage by only providing straws upon request or eliminating straws altogether by using alternatives such as strawless lids

New Materials Compete for Market Share as Conventional Plastic is Phased Out

US Straw Production Ramps Up as Alternative Materials Flourish

Historical Market Trends

• the health of the overall economy and levels of disposable income, which impact the ability of consumers to spend on more expensive restaurant meals (compared to home cooking)
• changes in the population mix, especially in terms of age cohorts (such as young adults) that are likely to eat out more often
• trends in consumer spending, including spending on travel and entertainment, which impact foodservice sales at hotels and sports and recreation venues

• the share of total restaurant orders that are provided via drive-thru, curbside pickup, carryout, or delivery services
• the presence and diversity of drink options, as straws are mainly used for cold beverages such as soft drinks, iced coffee, and smoothies
• social factors such as health concerns, which not only influence the amount consumers eat out but their decision on whether to use a straw
• sustainability initiatives, which impact the overall level of straws used as well as the types of materials used

• regulations, especially restrictions on single-use plastics which often include straws

Demand by Material

• conventional plastics, mainly polypropylene
• bioplastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)
• paper
• molded fiber from sugarcane, bamboo, wheat straw, and other plant sources

• Plastic will continue to be the primary material used in the straw industry due to its combination of low cost and good performance. While demand for straws made from polypropylene and other conventional plastics will decline, overall use of plastic will be supported by strong growth in demand for bioplastic straws.
• Paper straw demand will continue to register above average growth as paper replaces conventional plastic straws in all markets. However, growth will lag that of other alternative straw materials due to the poor customer response to some early product introductions. Paper straw producers are working to address performance issues and develop improved adhesives and coatings that do not prevent biodegradability.
• Molded fiber straws are the newest entrant to the disposable straw market. Molded fiber straws have good market growth potential as they effectively balance sustainability and performance. However, prices need to decline in order for these straws to see widespread adoption.

Pricing Trends

• raw material and labor costs
• shipping and transportation costs
• supply and demand balances
• customization, design, and printing costs
• changes in the material mix
• increasing participation in and corresponding competition from products made of newer and more innovative materials
• import competition

• The price of plastic straws is largely determined by the price of polypropylene, which, in turn, is affected by crude oil and natural gas prices.
• Paper straw prices are linked to the price of bleached and unbleached kraft paper and food grade paper.