Global Straw Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Global Straw Market, Product (Plastic, Bamboo, Metal, Paper, Glass, Silicone, and Others), Straw Length (20 cm), Sales Channel (Manufacturers, Distributors, Retailers, and E-retail), End Use (Foodservice, Institutional, and Households) – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031.

Straw Market Analysis and Size

The growing demand for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages has fueled the expansion of the straw market. Straws serve as essential accessories for sipping various beverages conveniently, whether it is a cocktail, smoothie, or soda. This demand surge has led to innovations in straw design, material, and sustainability to cater to diverse consumer preferences and environmental concerns. Consequently, the straw market has become a vital component of the beverage industry's supply chain, responding dynamically to changing consumption patterns and regulatory shifts towards eco-friendly alternatives.

Global straw market size was valued at USD 18.95 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 28.65 billion by 2031, with a CAGR of 5.30% during the forecast period of 2024 to 2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.         

Straw Market Scope and Segmentation  

Market Definition

A drinking straw is a small tube used to consume beverages by inserting one end into the mouth and the other into the drink. It is crafted from materials such as paper, bamboo, stainless steel, or plastic, and finds widespread use in cars, cafes, fast-food joints, lounges, and households. These thin cylinders facilitate sipping or transferring liquids from containers to mouths, accommodating a variety of beverages such as water, soft drinks, cocktails, and milkshakes, both hot and cold. From roadside eateries to residential kitchens, straws serve as indispensable accessories for convenient beverage consumption across diverse settings.

Straw Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growing Environmental Awareness Promotes the Adoption of Paper Straws

Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of single-use plastics, particularly on marine ecosystems. Paper straws are seen as a more sustainable alternative, as they are biodegradable and less harmful to the environment. This shift in consumer preferences has prompted businesses to replace plastic straws with paper ones, not only to align with consumer values but also to enhance their corporate social responsibility image. As a result, the demand for paper straws has surged, driving market growth and encouraging further innovation in eco-friendly packaging solutions.

For instance, In April 2022, UFlex Limited took a significant step towards sustainability by launching India's inaugural U-shaped paper straw production line. This initiative was specifically geared towards enhancing the company's aseptic liquid packaging business. UFlex launched paper straws into their product offerings, and aimed to align with growing environmental consciousness and cater to consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives to plastic straws.

• Rise in Food Industry's Preference for Straws Ensures Proper Hygiene

Straws provide a hygienic barrier between the consumer's mouth and the beverage, minimizing direct contact and reducing the risk of contamination. They are individually wrapped, ensuring cleanliness throughout the supply chain and preventing exposure to external contaminants. Moreover, straws offer convenience and ease of use, particularly in fast-paced environments such as restaurants and cafes, where quick service is paramount. With growing concerns about hygiene and sanitation, especially in the wake of health crises, the demand for straws as a hygiene solution has surged, driving the growth of the straw market within the food industry.

Opportunities

• Rising Innovation in Material Development Promotes Eco-Friendly Options among the Consumers

New materials such as biodegradable polymers or plant-based alternatives offer the potential to meet consumer demand for eco-friendly options. These innovative materials address sustainability issues and cater to changing regulations and consumer preferences for greener products. Investing in research and development for such materials opens doors for companies to capitalize on the growing market for sustainable straws, aligning with broader environmental initiatives and enhancing brand reputation. Businesses can stay ahead in the competitive landscape while contributing positively to environmental sustainability by embracing material innovation.

For instance, In February 2023, researchers from the National Research Council of Science and Technology developed 100% biodegradable paper straws that do not become soggy. These innovative paper straws are coated with a biodegradable plastic made from polybutylene succinate (PBS) and cellulose nanocrystals, ensuring they remain sturdy and functional even when in contact with liquids. This development offers a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional paper straws, addressing the issue of sogginess while being easily mass-produced.

• Increasing Disposable Incomes Lead to Increased Spending on Leisure Activities

Higher disposable incomes may lead to increased spending on leisure activities and dining out, where straw usage is common, further boosting demand. This trend can drive up the demand for straws in both retail and hospitality sectors, providing straw manufacturers with expanded market opportunities. Additionally, consumers with higher incomes may prioritize quality and sustainability, willing to pay premium prices for durable and eco-friendly straw options, thereby fostering the growth of innovative and premium-grade straw products.

Restraints/Challenges

• Government Regulations Limiting the Usage of Plastic Straw

Government regulations typically involve bans or restrictions on the production, sale, or distribution of plastic straws due to their detrimental environmental impact. Compliance with these regulations necessitates costly adjustments in manufacturing processes or the adoption of alternative materials, thereby increasing production expenses. The reduced availability of plastic straws due to regulations directly decreases market demand. This constraint prompts businesses to explore alternative products or innovate sustainable solutions to align with regulatory requirements and consumer preferences, thereby reshaping the market landscape and posing challenges for traditional plastic straw manufacturers.

For instance, On January 1, 2021, China implemented a nationwide ban prohibiting restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws, as part of a broader policy to restrict the production, sale, and use of various single-use plastic products across the country.

• Growing High initial Investment Limits Smaller Players from Entering the Market

High initial investment arises from the substantial capital needed to establish manufacturing facilities, procure raw materials, and invest in distribution networks. As a result, larger corporations dominate the market, limiting competition and innovation. Smaller businesses face challenges accessing financing or competing with economies of scale enjoyed by established players, further exacerbating their exclusion. Ultimately, this barrier hampers market diversity and potential for smaller enterprises to thrive.

This market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the straw market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an analyst brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions.

Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In November 2022, Tetra Pak's launch of the 'Whole Soya' technology has profound implications for the straw market. This innovation potentially diversifies raw material sources for packaging, offering eco-friendly alternatives. By reducing dependency on traditional materials such as paper, it could disrupt the market dynamics, prompting competitors to adapt or face obsolescence
• In January 2023, Stora Enso's sale of its paper production facility indicates a strategic shift away from conventional paper manufacturing. This move aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainability and innovation. As companies such as Stora Enso reallocate resources to higher-growth areas, it signals a changing landscape within the straw market, where traditional players are adjusting strategies to stay competitive
• In February 2023, Hoffmast Group's acquisition of Peterson Pacific Parchment Company expands its foothold in the parchment industry, potentially impacting the straw market indirectly. The consolidation of market players may lead to increased competition for raw materials, affecting supply chains across related sectors. Moreover, it highlights ongoing industry consolidation trends, which smaller players in the straw market might find challenging to navigate

Straw Market Scope

The market is segmented on the basis of product, straw length, sales channel, and end use. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Product

• Plastic
• Bamboo
• Metal
• Paper
• Glass
• Silicone
• Others

Straw Length

• <9 cm
• 9-15 cm
• 16-20 cm
• >20 cm

Sales Channel

• Manufacturers
• Distributors
• Retailers
• E-retail

End Use

• Foodservice
• Institutional
• Households

Straw Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by product, straw length, sales channel, and end use are referenced above.

The countries covered in the market report are U.S., Canada, and Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and the rest of South America in South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, and the rest of Europe in Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, and the rest of Asia-Pacific in Asia-Pacific, and U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, and the Rest of the Middle East and Africa in Middle East and Africa

The Asia-Pacific dominates the global straw market, primarily due to the significant presence of manufacturers enjoying substantial revenue. Moreover, there's a noticeable trend among consumers in the region towards embracing eco-friendly and health-conscious alternatives, further propelling market growth. This preference shift is expected to drive the expansion of the global straw market in the Asia-Pacific region throughout the forecast period, reflecting a growing awareness and demand for sustainable and health-centric products.

Europe is expected to experience rapid expansion in the global straw market, primarily driven by the burgeoning functional beverage sector and the rapid evolution of e-commerce platforms. Additionally, the growth of the foodservice industry and increasing sales of energy drinks are expected to contribute significantly to the market's upward trajectory in the region. These factors collectively create a favorable environment for the sustained growth of the European straw market, reflecting evolving consumer preferences and consumption patterns.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.

Competitive Landscape and Straw Market Share Analysis

The market competitive landscape provides details by competitors. details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width, and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the companies' focus related to the market.

Some of the major players operating in the market are:

• Hoffmaster Group, Inc. (U.S.)
• Transcend Packaging (U.K.)
• Footprint (U.S.)
• Huhtamaki Oyj (Finland)
• Canada Brown Eco Products Ltd (Canada)
• Alpha Charta d.o.o.(U.S.)
• Soton Daily Necessities Co., Ltd. (China)
• Tetra Pak Group (Switzerland)
• ALECOSTRAWS (Taiwan)
• Vegware (U.K.)
• Shakarganj Foods (Pakistan)
• Pactiv Evergreen Inc. (U.S.)
• Hellostraw (U.S.)
• STRAWLAND (U.S.)
• Gumi Bamboo (South Korea)
• BioPak (Australia)
• Wilbistraw (France)
• Sharp Serviettes (New Zealand)