Putting it on paper: Closure of plants feared over plastic straw ban

Paper straw shortages continue as demand has outstripped supply globally

Parle Agro, the makers of Frooti, might have to stop operating its plants making small tetra packs because the company fears the delivery of imported paper straws, made mandatory by the government, could be affected owing to global capacity constraints and logistical and distribution drawbacks.

Apart from Frooti, its flagship juice brand, it sells apple drink Appy and flavoured milk range SMOODH in tetra packs.

With the government banning plastic straws with effect from July 1, the Rs 6,000-crore small tetra pack (between 75 ml and 250 ml) industry making beverages, juice, and milk brands like Parle, Amul, and Dabur