PHA Outperforms Other Options - phade®
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PHA Outperforms Other Options

Not all bio-based alternatives are created equal. Here is a breakdown of how PHA stands out against the competition.

Carbon Impacts of PHA vs Other Materials

Plastics production continues to be one of the top sources of greenhouse gas emissions. While other bio-based options are more sustainable than traditional plastic from a climate standpoint, PHA produces significantly lower carbon emissions and energy requirements than all other bio-based polymers.

PHA

  • Naturally occurring biopolymer derived from fermentation of canola oil
  • Chemical structure is similar to traditional plastic, so it feels and acts like a normal straw
  • Multiple end of life options:
    • Marine Biodegradable
    • Home Compostable
    • Industrial Compostable
  • Won’t harm living tissue

Paper

  • Poor performance–becomes soggy and collapses
  • Often treated with chemicals or adhesives including PFAS that negatively affect human health as well as biodegradability and recyclability
  • Ecologically complicated
  • Paper industry is among the top industrial contributors to:
  • Global warming pollution
  • Deforestation pressures
  • Industrial consumers of freshwater
  • Timber suppliers to paper mills have often been implicated in violation of treaty rights previously agreed to with First Nations and other indigenous tribes.
  • Most paper straws purchased in the U.S. are obtained from Asian suppliers, where forestry regulations and paper mill operations are less protective of ecological & employee health – transport adding even more to the environmental cost.

PLA

  • Made from sugars in corn starch, cassava, or sugar cane
  • Expensive to make
  • Industrial compostable
  • Not home compostable
  • Not marine biodegradable
    • May exist in a marine environment for hundreds or thousands of years
  • Cannot handle high heat shipping

The Facts: phade® outperforms other
eco-friendly straws

Phade PLA Paper Straws
Consumer Benefits
High Level of Performance Yes Yes No
Great Customer Experience Won’t become soggy or collapse Yes Yes No
Free of Fibers that May Pose a Choking  Hazard for Children or People With Disabilities Yes Yes No
Eco Benefits
Free of Adhesives That May Not Biodegrade Yes Yes Maybe
Marine Biodegradable Yes No Maybe
Home Compostable Yes No Maybe
Industrial Compostable Yes Yes Maybe
Operator Benefits
Handles High Heat Shipping Yes No Maybe
Multiple End of Life Options Yes No Yes
Made in the USA Yes Maybe Maybe