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SOFi Straws vs. Phade 7.75” Jumbo Eco-Straws

Phade Straws are marketed as eco-friendly because they are made from polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), a biopolymer derived from canola oil. However, PHA straws still require specific conditions in industrial composting facilities to decompose fully and may not break down effectively in natural environments like oceans or home compost bins. They can also leave traces of microplastics if not properly composted.

In contrast, SOFi Straws are crafted from 100% compostable paper, designed to naturally decompose in any environment within 90 days, without leaving behind microplastics. Made for true sustainability, SOFi Straws are a hassle-free solution for businesses and consumers alike.

Warning: Environmental Impact of PHA

Although PHA-based products, like Phade Straws, are marketed as biodegradable, they still require industrial composting facilities to fully break down. Without these specific conditions, PHA products may persist in the environment, potentially leaving behind microplastic particles and contributing to long-term pollution.

Phade

Decomposes within 180 days in any environment
No special facilities are required
Soil Biodegradable
Marine Biodegradable
Recyclable
PHA FREE
Microplastic-Free
Plastic-Free
PFAS-Free
Compostable Certified

Decomposes within 180 days with special facilities
Special facilities potentially required
Not Soil Biodegradable
Marine Biodegradable
Not Recyclable
Contains PHA
May produce microplastics during degradation under certain conditions
Plastic-Free
Potentially PFAS-Free
Compostable Certified

Detailed Comparison

SOFi Products Paper Straws

Phade 7.75” Jumbo Eco-Straws

Decomposes within 180 days in any environment

Might not decompose within 180 days in any environment

PHA can decompose within 180 days in composting conditions, which provide warmth, moisture, and microbial activity.

However, the decomposition process might take longer or be less efficient without special facilities like industrial composters or specific environmental conditions (such as temperature, humidity, and microbial presence).

No special facilities are required

Special facilities potentially required

PHA may decompose fully in industrial composting facilities within 180 days due to optimal conditions. In natural environments, they may take longer and might not break down completely without the right conditions.

Soil Biodegradable

PHA can break down in soil environments, although the rate of decomposition may vary depending on factors like microbial activity, temperature, and moisture levels. While they are designed to be biodegradable, complete degradation may take longer in natural soil compared to controlled conditions like industrial composting.

Marine Biodegradable

PHA does break down in marine environments, under the right conditions.

Recyclable

Not Recyclable

Many recycling facilities do not accept PLA due to the need for separate processing streams, so in many areas, PLA products often end up in landfills.

PHA-Free

Contains PHA

PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate) is a biodegradable biopolymer produced by microorganisms.

While PHA is biodegradable, it requires specific environmental conditions (e.g., exposure to microorganisms, moisture, oxygen) to break down effectively. In the absence of these conditions, such as in landfills or environments lacking active microbial life, it may not degrade as quickly as advertised.

Microplastic-Free

Potentially contains Microplastics

Although PHA is marketed as a compostable material, during its slow degradation process, it can break down into smaller particles, potentially contributing to microplastic pollution if it doesn’t fully decompose, especially in environments where ideal composting conditions are absent.

Why SOFi Cups

Limitations of PHA Straws

PHA straws may create a false sense of sustainability because they only decompose under specific industrial conditions. Outside of those conditions, they can persist in the environment for long periods, contributing to pollution similar to traditional plastics.

Make the Switch to SOFi

Join the thousands of businesses already making the switch to SOFi cups. Reduce waste, save on costs, and help protect the planet with products that break down naturally and leave no trace.