Are plastic straws making a comeback?

Since 2021, Capri Sun has been including paper straws with its juice pouches, which have been enhanced with 42% greater vertical compression resistance, 36% increased bending force resistance, and 18% more strength against compression forces as of January 2024.

However, in a surprising shift that has not been well received, the brand now labels these new straws as “less functional” and “not always practical.” Capri Sun is petitioning the European Commission for permission to reintroduce its original plastic straws, despite the ban imposed by the Single-Use Plastics Directive.

The company aims to simplify the recycling process for consumers by enabling them to dispose of the entire package in the same bin. As the pouch body will transition to mono-polypropylene in March, incorporating the straw could theoretically make the entire package recyclable together.

One might expect a positive reaction, as consumers have often complained about the unusual taste of drinks through paper straws and their tendency to become soggy over time.

Manufacturers could also benefit from lower production costs, reduced energy and water usage. Additionally, a study has revealed higher levels of PFAS in paper straws compared to other materials, raising concerns about potential health risks.

Despite this, there is widespread opposition to the return of plastic straws. Critics on LinkedIn argue that the small Capri Sun straws can fall through recycling sieves or end up in fine reject fractions at recycling facilities. They also point out that the straws’ iconic orange color affects their recyclability, and on a larger scale, they argue that recycling alone cannot solve plastic pollution issues. Some view the move back to plastic as a form of greenwashing and criticize the use of Change.org for corporate purposes.

This puts Capri Sun in a challenging position, as rumors about switching from pouches to bottles have also faced backlash—consumers seem to enjoy the unique experience of poking a hole to drink the juice. It appears there is no solution that will satisfy everyone, as the brand tries to balance its unique selling proposition with a growing demand for easy recyclability.

Navigating this complex landscape of regulations and consumer reactions is no easy task. While it’s important to recognize Capri Sun’s efforts to gather feedback and experiment with solutions, further listening may be necessary to find a compromise that works for all parties involved.