# Non-Soggy Biodegradable Straws Scientists Create a New Eco-Friendly Straw Using Lignin Materials By Amy Duong | Published 2023-03-08 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lignin References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/422540/Scientists-Finally-Develop-Biodegradable-Straws-That-Won-t-End-Up-Soggy/) & [pubs.acs.org](https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.2c07797?utm_source=DesignTAXI&utm_medium=DesignTAXI&utm_term=DesignTAXI&utm_content=DesignTAXI&utm_campaign=DesignTAXI)  Scientists at the Inha University in South Korea highlight a new material known as lignin as the solution behind the issue of soggy biodegradable straws. Lignin is a type of polymer that is found in plants and trees, functioning as the supporting tissue in nature. The team found that it can also function as a byproduct of the [pulp and paper](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tree-free-paper-towels) realm, which allows opportunities for it to become upcycled. To create the new straws, the scientists blended this with [potato starch](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-packaging-concept) or plant-based polyvinyl alcohol before citric acid is added. As a result of this, the mixture is then spread out onto a thin sheet that is rolled into a cylinder and dried, creating a [bioplastic tube](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natnov-bioscience) cut up to become straws. Image Credit: Radub85, Dreamstime.com ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 53% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 15% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Lignin-based Products:** Incorporating lignin in various products to create biodegradable and sustainable alternatives. - **Upcycling Byproducts:** Transforming unused materials from different industries into valuable resources. - **Plant-based Materials:** Developing products made from renewable and environmentally friendly sources. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Food and Beverage:** Developing sustainable solutions for packaging and containers in the food and beverage industry. - **Paper and Pulp:** Exploring alternative uses for waste materials in the paper and pulp industry. - **Plastic Manufacturing:** Incorporating plant-based and biodegradable materials in the production of plastic products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Straws](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-straw.md) - [Durable Juice Straws](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/capri-sun-1.md) - [Revamped Eco Juice Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caprisun-packaging.md) - [Bio-Based Single-Use Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/verigreen-plus.md) - [Biodegradable Styrofoam Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biodegradable-styrofoam-alternative.md) - [Sustainably Minded Straw Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bc-softwear.md) - [Eco-Friendly Coffee Cup Lids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/liplid.md) - [Eco-Friendly Ice Straw Molds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ice-straw.md) - [Onion Skin Plastic Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huid.md)