Starbucks in Japan to ditch paper straws for Kaneka Green Planet® biodegradable polymer in 2025

Source: Starbucks in Japan to ditch paper straws for plant-based biomass plastic in 2025 - The Japan Times

Starbucks Coffee Japan announced Friday that it will replace paper straws with plant-based biomass plastic straws from January with the aim of reducing environmental impact and enhancing customer experience.

The new straws, trademarked as Green Planet and developed by chemical manufacturing company Kaneka, are made from 99% plant-based materials such as vegetable oil. Compared to paper alternatives, they significantly cut CO2 emissions and up to 50% of waste while maintaining functionality.

Colored green in line with Starbucks’ branding, the company also stated that the material is fully biodegradable in seawater and soil, addressing concerns over microplastic pollution.

Starbucks plans to introduce the straws at 32 stores in Okinawa on Jan. 23, with a nationwide rollout to follow in March.

Full adoption of the straws, in 6mm sizes for iced beverages and 10mm versions for seasonal Frappuccinos, is slated for April.

This marks Starbucks Japan’s first straw policy shift since adopting paper straws in January 2020.

While the paper alternative aligns with the company’s sustainability goals, customers frequently complain about their durability because they soften mid-use and ruin the flavor of drinks.

The new biomass plastic straws are touted to resist softening, preserving both the texture and taste of drinks. The same material is also used in 7-Eleven Japan’s straws for its Seven Cafe drinks.

“We have carefully considered customer feedback on drinkability,” Takafumi Minaguchi, Starbucks Japan’s CEO, said in the announcement. “This transition is part of our ongoing commitment to sustainable business practices.”

Other food service chains in Japan are also ramping up eco-friendly initiatives.

McDonald’s Japan has replaced straws, spoons, forks, knives, and stirrers with eco-friendly alternatives since October 2022, and has made a commitment to transition all customer packaging to renewable, recyclable or Forest Stewardship Council-certified materials by the end of next year.

Tully’s Coffee Japan has used straws containing 25% biomass since 2019, while Pronto Corp., which operates cafes, bars and restaurants, transitioned to bamboo and food-derived materials last year.