The announcement of Donald Trump’s new policy on straws was met with a mix of reactions, but perhaps no one was more thrilled than Ross Boyajian, the president of Diamond Straws, a plastic straw manufacturing company based in Glendale, California. For Mr. Boyajian, an Armenian-American who has been at the helm of Diamond Straws since 1995, the news brought a sense of relief and renewed optimism. His factory, which churns out over 800 straws a minute, has long been a reliable supplier to major U.S. cafes and restaurants, including well-known chains like Peet’s Coffee and BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse. But in recent years, the plastic straw industry has faced significant challenges, as environmental concerns and shifting consumer preferences led to a decline in demand. Many in the industry feared that plastic straws might become a thing of the past, with cities and companies across the country opting for more eco-friendly alternatives like paper straws. However, with Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would be “going back to plastic straws,” Boyajian saw a lifeline for his business. “It was one of our happiest days when I heard him say that,” he remarked, expressing gratitude toward the former president. For Boyajian, Trump’s decision marked a turning point, reversing the downward trajectory of the plastic straw industry and breathing new life into his company.
Diamond Straws, which currently employs 15 people, is one of the few remaining plastic straw manufacturers in the United States. Much of the industry has shifted overseas, particularly to China, where production costs are lower and regulations are less stringent. But despite the challenges, Diamond Straws has managed to maintain its operations, thanks in part to its commitment to producing high-quality, American-made products. The factory is a testament to the resilience of domestic manufacturing, with cardboard boxes stamped “Made in USA” stacked around the facility. For Boyajian, Trump’s policy reversal is not just a business opportunity but also a validation of his decision to keep the factory in the U.S. when so many others in the industry chose to relocate. Now, with the federal government signaling its support for plastic straws, Boyajian is confident that Diamond Straws will experience a surge in demand, allowing him to expand operations and potentially hire more workers. The shift in policy has already revitalized the company’s outlook, and Boyajian is eager to capitalize on this newfound momentum.
The roots of Trump’s stance on plastic straws date back to his 2019 reelection campaign, during which he sold Trump-branded reusable plastic straws as part of his merchandise. This move was widely seen as a symbolic pushback against the growing trend of environmental activism, which had led many cities and businesses to abandon plastic straws in favor of biodegradable alternatives. Trump’s executive order on straws is the latest in a series of actions aimed at rolling back environmental policies implemented by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Specifically, the order reverses a Biden administration plan to phase out government purchases of plastic straws, cutlery, and packaging by 2027. Trump’s decision has been framed as a pro-business move, one that aligns with his broader agenda of reducing regulations and supporting American manufacturers. For companies like Diamond Straws, this shift in policy is a direct lifeline, providing a much-needed boost to an industry that had been struggling to stay afloat.
However, not everyone shares Trump’s enthusiasm for plastic straws. Environmentalists have long been vocal about the dangers of single-use plastics, arguing that they contribute to the growing problem of plastic pollution. Dianna Cohen, co-founder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, is among those who have been sounding the alarm about the environmental and health impacts of plastic. While many people focus specifically on plastic straws as a symbol of the problem, Cohen emphasizes that the issue is far broader. “It’s not the item, it’s single-use plastics,” she explains. “We need to really pay attention to reducing and moving away from using that material. Using plastic to eat and drink all of our foods is bad for our health and the health of our children.” Cohen’s organization works to educate the public about the effects of plastic on both the environment and human health, advocating for a shift toward sustainable alternatives and reusable products.
The concerns raised by Cohen and other environmentalists are supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Studies have shown that plastic pollution is pervasive, with microplastics found in everything from drinking water to the human bloodstream. The health implications of this are still being studied, but preliminary findings suggest that exposure to microplastics may be linked to a range of health issues, including fertility problems and other serious conditions. “Plastic is polluting all of us and our bodies,” Cohen warns. “It’s been linked to a number of different health issues, including fertility issues. Microplastics have been found in our brains and in testicles and placenta.” These findings highlight the urgent need for a broader approach to addressing plastic pollution, one that goes beyond straws to tackle the entire lifecycle of plastic products.
In the end, the debate over plastic straws serves as a microcosm for the larger challenges of balancing economic interests with environmental and public health concerns. For business owners like Ross Boyajian, Trump’s policy on straws represents an opportunity to revive an industry that has been on the decline. But for environmentalists like Dianna Cohen, the continued reliance on single-use plastics is a step in the wrong direction, one that exacerbates the growing crisis of plastic pollution. As the nation grapples with these competing priorities, the story of Diamond Straws and the future of the plastic straw industry serves as a reminder of the complex trade-offs involved in shaping policies that affect both the economy and the planet. Whether the U.S. continues down the path of embracing plastic straws or shifts toward more sustainable alternatives will have far-reaching implications for generations to come.
