Paper straw companies are strongly opposing the environment ministry’s revised plan to ease regulations on disposable products.
Lee Sang-hun, a director of the paper straw production company Nuridaon, expressed concerns during an interview with The Korea Times that the deregulation of plastic straw use drives paper straw makers to the brink of bankruptcy and signifies a regression in environmental policy for future generations.
The Ministry of Environment announced, Nov. 7, that it would no longer impose fines on restaurants and cafes using disposable paper cups, ultimately permitting the use of disposable items. The decision aimed to alleviate the burden on small business owners facing high prices and higher interest rates.
However, the move faced strong backlash from paper straw companies, which are now on the verge of bankruptcy.
Lee Sang-hun, director of the paper straw production company Nuridaon
“We sustained our business by securing financial loans despite the company’s financial challenges, anticipating an increase in the demand for paper straws after a year-long pilot period,” Lee said.
“But it seems there’s no hope for us if the environment ministry doesn’t ban plastic straws in cafes and restaurants,” he added.
The regulation to ban plastic straws was introduced as an additional clause in the regulation of disposable items, becoming effective on Nov. 24 last year. The ministry had designated a one-year pilot period for the regulation, with strict enforcement expected from Nov. 25 this year.
The ministry cited consumer complaints about the taste and discomfort of paper straws as reasons for the policy transition. Furthermore, businesses are grappling with consumer complaints and the financial strain of purchasing paper straws which are more expensive than plastic straws.
However, Lee argued that the inconvenience mentioned by the ministry pertains to imported paper straws.
“Domestic companies have addressed these issues by using white paper instead of kraft paper, eliminating the problem of smell,” he said.
He thinks that the use of paper straws began with the goal of eliminating plastic straws, and he believes that there is a need for societal awareness that, even with some inconvenience, people must endure it for the sake of future generations.
Disposable plastic cups are stacked in a cafe in Seoul, Jan. 6, 2022. Newsis
Expressing concerns over the indefinite extension of the guidance period, Lee also noted that perception is shifting towards the continued use of plastic straws in cafes and restaurants. According to him, contracts with companies preparing to use paper straws have been suspended.
Originally intended as substitutes for plastic straws, paper straws now face challenges as plastic straws are allowed back into use.
As reported by the council of Paper Straw Companies, the collective inventory of the council’s member companies is 140 billion straws in stock. Inclusive of non-member companies, the overall estimated stock of paper straws is approximately 200 million.
The council of paper straw companies, formed on Nov. 13 with 11 entities, held a meeting with the environment ministry, seeking measures to address the crisis caused by the policy change.
Production has come to a halt due to the circumstances, according to the announcement of the council, on Thursday.
A survey is underway to understand the extent of damage to each company, while a second meeting is scheduled for Nov. 24.
“We hope that the ministry will propose alternative solutions for the paper straw industry so that it can survive,” Lee said.
