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Moorim Develops Eco-Friendly Paper for Plastic Film Used with Paper Straws, Promoting Alternatives

Now, beverages with paper straws attached instead of plastic ones can commonly be found in marts and convenience stores. As inquiries from food companies continue for 'Neofore STRAW,' the nation's first eco-friendly base paper for attached paper straws, the related market is gradually expanding.
[Photo by Murim]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] In response to the growing consumer demand for value consumption such as using eco-friendly products, domestic food and beverage and distribution companies are gaining attention for taking the lead in practicing 'Plastic-free.'

Following the provision of eco-friendly paper straws at franchise coffee shops, companies are increasingly replacing and launching paper straws attached to beverages sold at large supermarkets and convenience stores, spreading the practice of plastic-free throughout the food and beverage and distribution industries.

Typically, commercially sold beverages in paper pack forms such as dairy products or juices come with U-shaped bendable plastic straws for user convenience. However, these attached U-shaped plastic straws are difficult to replace with paper because they risk damage during bending and straightening.

However, as an attachable U-shaped paper straw that overcomes these limitations has been developed, related food and beverage companies are showing strong interest. The leader in this is 'Seoil,' which holds the number one market share in the global straw market. Seoil manufactures its products using 'Neofore STRAW,' a paper straw base paper from 'Moorim.'

A Seoil representative said, "Above all, since it is the first thing to touch the user's mouth, food safety and hygiene management are fundamental," adding, "Seoil's eco-friendly paper straws have passed tests by the U.S. FDA and European BfR, and after thorough quality inspections, inquiries from companies are pouring in."

Seoil has supplied paper straws made from imported base paper to companies such as Maeil Dairies, Jeong Food, Dongwon F&B, Hanmi Healthcare, Seoul Milk, Yonsei University Yonsei Milk, Samyook Food, and Happy Fruits.

Recently, Moorim released the 'Neofore STRAW' base paper, which has enhanced durability suitable for processing pleated straws and minimizes softness during long-term drinking, complementing processing suitability with strength similar to existing plastic straws. This is expected to accelerate its global market share growth. Seoil plans to expand the application of paper straws produced with Neofore STRAW base paper to both domestic and export products.

Attachable U-shaped paper straws are especially used in health drinks and infant dairy products, making food safety a critical factor. Neofore STRAW, made from natural pulp, has received approvals from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the U.S. FDA, and European BfR, and has obtained certifications for recyclability and biodegradability, fulfilling eco-friendliness requirements.

As a product meeting the standards of discerning consumers who pursue value consumption has been developed, food and beverage companies considering their products and corporate image are showing strong interest.

An industry official from Jeong Food, which produces and sells the original soy milk Vegemil, said, "As interest in eco-friendly value consumption grows, many companies are researching various ways to participate," adding, "Among them, we are positively considering introducing paper straws made from domestic base paper that meet quality safety, durability, and eco-friendly material standards. We plan to pilot them in some items and gradually expand."

The market for attachable U-shaped straws (including plastic and others) is rapidly being replaced by environmentally friendly materials such as paper in line with the global eco-friendly trend. In response, Seoil produced about 5 billion U-shaped paper straws last year and is producing over 10 billion paper straws this year, exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide.

A Moorim representative said, "We have continuously researched replacing the packaging material used to attach paper straws to beverages from vinyl to paper, and recently developed packaging paper for paper straws. We are currently pursuing PTS certification (recyclability certification)," adding, "Once this product is fully commercialized, we expect to introduce a '100% eco package' applying paper to both paper straws and other packaging materials, completely eliminating the use of vinyl, plastic, and other chemical materials."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.