Silicone is a very strong material. Silicone straws last for many years. The fact that the silicone is less rigid makes the straw perfect for children who are likely to injure themselves otherwise. The maintenance of the straw is also easier as it is dishwasher safe and will not be damaged if left in liquid for a long time. However, the straw is not biodegradable, but you can keep it for an extremely long time, which makes the use of silicone interesting. Single-use plastic should be avoided, but when it is a product that lasts a very long time, plastic can be useful. It's up to you whether you prefer a silicone straw or a bamboo straw, which also lasts a long time if maintained well and is also compostable.