What Makes a Straw Truly Biodegradable?
Not every "eco" straw breaks down. Here is how to read the certifications before you place an order.
The word "biodegradable" is not regulated in most markets. A straw labelled biodegradable may simply be plastic that fragments into smaller plastic.
Look for EN 13432
This European standard requires 90% disintegration within 12 weeks under industrial composting, plus ecotoxicity testing. BPI (North America) and OK Compost (Europe) certify against it.
Ask for the test report
A certification number without the underlying report is worth little. Any serious supplier will send you the full document.
