1. What are U-shaped straws?
U-shaped straws are short, flexible straws with a distinct bend. Manufacturers typically attach them to the outside of small beverage boxes, such as milk and juice cartons. The “U” shape makes them compact, easy to use, and ideal for drinking on the go. The Tetra Pak system extensively uses U-shaped straws, and the dairy and juice industries commonly rely on them.
There are two types of U-shaped straws based on material:
• Plastic U-shaped straws—typically made from PP or PLA
• Paper U-shaped straws—made from food-grade kraft paper and water-based adhesive (with biodegradable or PLA coating), and made from food-grade kraft paper and water-based adhesive
Both types are made to be flexible so that they can bend without breaking and retain their U shape when packaged. They are popular because they are convenient, hygienically packaged, and compatible with automatic straw application systems.
2. Why are U shape straw for Tetra Pak packaging?
Tetra Pak packaging offers efficiency, shelf stability, and a compact design. U-shaped straws complement this format perfectly—they occupy minimal space and integrate seamlessly into automated packaging lines for carton use.
U-shaped straws are a top choice for Tetra Pak® applications due to several key advantages
• Space efficiency: The U shape allows the straw to nest within the limited space on small cartons.
• User convenience: These straws are easy to use (especially for kids) and require little effort to puncture the pre-punched hole on a drink box.
Automatic application compatibility: High-speed packaging lines can quickly and accurately apply them.
• Lightweight and hygienic: Whether plastic or paper, they are lightweight and individually packaged for sanitary reasons.
Simply put, the beverage industry relies on U-shaped straws—a purpose-built solution for Tetra Pak® cartons.
3. Paper vs. Plastic: Which U-shaped straw is better?
Plastic and paper U-shaped straws both have pros and cons, and the choice between the two depends on applications, sustainability objectives, and target markets.
Plastic U-shaped straws are typically made from polypropylene (PP) or polylactic acid (PLA) and are durable, inexpensive, and easy to produce.
Although PLA is biodegradable in an industrial composting environment, it has to be disposed of properly.
Plastic straws hold their shape well in humid environments and have been the industry standard for more than 40 years.
Paper U-shaped straws are gaining ground as a sustainable alternative.
Made on a paper straw making machine, paper straws are biodegradable and will be required by regulators, especially in Europe and parts of Asia.
They generally have a PLA or water-resistant coating to maintain functionality, and they must pass strict QC requirements for bend retention and liquid resistance.
Comparison
| Feature | Plastic U-Straws | Paper U-Straws |
|---|---|---|
| Biodegradability | ❌ (PP), ✅ (PLA) | ✅ |
| Water resistance | Excellent | Moderate to Good |
| Export compliance | Limited in EU | Preferred |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Brand perception | Neutral/Negative | Positive (Eco-Friendly) |
In summary, paper U-shaped straws are becoming the go-to choice for sustainable brands and export-ready products, while plastic versions remain common in cost-sensitive or non-regulated markets.
4. How are U-shaped straws manufactured and packaged?
The manufacturing and packaging of U-shaped straws follow several, different steps depending on the material used. However, the overall process always includesstraw formation, bending into a flexible shape, and finally U-shape packaging with specialized equipment.
4.1 Straw formation by material
Plastic/PLA straws are made on a plasteksprutningsmaskin that melts the raw material and extrudes it through a die into long, continuous tubes, which are cut into fixed lengths after cooling.
Paper straws are made on a pappersstråmaskin, which rolls multiple layers of kraft paper with adhesive around a mandrel to form a sturdy straw. The straws are cut and dried prior to further processing.
After forming, whether plastic or paper, the straight straws head to a straw bending machine that makes them into bendy straws (flexible straws). The bending process gives the straw its characteristic accordion-style elbow that allows the straw to flex without collapsing.
4.2 U-shape packaging process
When the bendy straws are done, they go through a Tetrapak straw packing machine. This machine does the final tight bending into the U-shape and completes the automatic packaging in the four-side-sealed strip format:
• U-shaped straws are lined up in a continuous row
• A roll of BOPP film wraps around the straws, and the machine seals the film on all four sides.
• The process produces a multi-straw strip—a series of connected individual straws ready for application to Tetra Pak cartons.
This method of packaging creates a clean, hygienic, and highly efficient process for straw application on high-speed production lines.
5. Applications & supplier considerations
Industries widely use U-shaped straws (both plastic and paper) in various applications.
• Dairy and juice producers (milk, yogurt and fruit juice boxes)
• School nutrition programs (small drink cartons with straws that are child safe)
• Airline catering (small beverage packs served during flights)
• Private label retailers and export brands, especially those targeting the EU, Japan or Southeast Asia where paper U-straws are desired.
When looking for U-shaped straws or Tetrapak straw packing machines manufacturers should consider
• Material compliance (EU regulations, FDA, biodegradable certifications)
• The supplier’s experience in high-speed automation and flexible material handling
• Customization (length, diameter, angle of bend and printing on the wrapper)
• After-the-sale service, availability of spare parts and support for export
Choosing the right partner will provide long-term consistency, less maintenance downtime, and smoother integration with Tetra Pak filling systems.
Conclusion
U-shaped straws are critical to today’s beverage packaging, especially in the Tetra Pak world. It’s up to you whether you use paper or plastic. Market expectations, regulatory requirements, and your brand positioning will drive your choice.
The whole process, from straight straw formation using either a plasteksprutningsmaskin or a paper straw making machine, through flexible straw bending, to final U-shaped packaging using a Tetrapak straw packing machine, is a well-planned system designed for hygiene, efficiency, and scalability.
As sustainable packaging becomes more in demand, paper U-shaped straws will be the preferred choice for conscientious brands everywhere. Choosing the right production and packaging scheme will allow manufacturers to provide both compliance and convenience for their customers.
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