The most common form of drinking straw is made of the thermoplastic polymer Polypropylene. This plastic is known for its durability, lightness, and ability to be manufactured at a low cost.[30] Other plastic polymers that exhibit these traits include polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC).[31]
These attributes are what have made the traditional plastic straw ubiquitous in fast food establishments and take-out orders around the world. Additionally, other advantages of plastic straws include their ability to be molded into different shapes and sizes while also being able to withstand a wide range of temperatures without deforming.[32] This is important because straws must be temperature resistant and thermally insulated because they can be used in both hot and cold beverages.
One interesting variation of the plastic straw is the ``bendy straw``
commonly referred to in the industry as an “articulated straw”. This straw has a concertina-type hinge near its top to allow for improved maneuverability of the straw when drinking a beverage, especially from a low angle. The articulated straw was invented by Joseph Friedman in 1937.[5] He quickly developed the straw after he saw his daughter struggling to use a normal straight straw.[33]
Another variation of the plastic straw, the “spoon straw”, has a spoon-like tip at the bottom, and is often used with iced slush beverages
