A separate 2025 lifecycle study in Greece similarly concluded that paper straws had higher climate impacts than conventional plastic ones, with production, raw materials, and disposal all contributing to a larger footprint.
In response to the South Korean findings, lawmaker Kim Wi-sang sharply criticised both environmental organisations and the government.
“The government must acknowledge the failure of its greenwashing policy, which fixated on ineffective substitute materials,” he said in a statement.
In February 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending a US government restriction on using plastic straws.
