How to Store and Handle Biodegradable Straws: A Comprehensive Guide for Eco-Conscious Businesses

Biodegradable straws are a sustainable choice for businesses, but their benefits depend on proper storage and handling. From sugarcane to PLA, this guide offers eco-conscious businesses practical tips to maximize durability, reduce costs, and achieve sustainability goals.

Storage Guidelines for Biodegradable Straws

Optimal Conditions

Temperature: Keep biodegradable straws at 15–25°C (59–77°F). Avoid heat sources like ovens or sunlight to prevent degradation, especially for PLA.

Humidity: Maintain below 60% relative humidity to stop mold in sugarcane straws. Use silica gel packets or dehumidifiers.

Container Choices

• Breathable: Kraft paper bags or mesh for sugarcane and PLA to prevent mold.
• Sealed: Only in low-humidity settings with dry straws.

Material Tips: Use UV-resistant packaging for PLA; kraft boxes for sugarcane.

Shelf Life Optimization

Sugarcane: 12–18 months; PLA: 6–12 months. Use FIFO (First-In, First-Out) to minimize waste.

Handling Best Practices

Safe Transportation

Use rigid cardboard boxes with dividers, marked “fragile,” to protect straws during shipping.

Daily Use

• Staff Training: Teach gentle handling to avoid damage.
• Customer Education: Use sleeves or napkins to explain composting.

Disposal

Home Composting: Sugarcane straws work well; Industrial: PLA needs facilities. Partner with local composters for efficiency.

Case Study: A café chain cut waste by 40% with sugarcane straws, using kraft storage and clear compost bins (2023 Green Business Report).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Humidity: Excess moisture causes mold—use silica gel.
• Mixing: Store PLA and sugarcane separately due to different needs.
• Expiry: Check for brittleness or discoloration with FIFO.

About the Author

Max Jiang, Sustainability Expert at NatureBioEco, has over 10 years of experience in eco-friendly solutions.