Starbucks introduces biodegradable plant-based straws across all stores in Japan

Starbucks introduces biodegradable plant based straws across all stores in Japan
Sustainability

Starbucks has expanded the rollout of its new biodegradable, plant-based straws across stores in Japan, following an initial announcement in December 2024. This move aligns with the company’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste and achieving its goal of cutting waste by half by 2030.

The new straws, made from Green Planet™, a plant-based biodegradable biopolymer, provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional plastic straws. Unlike oil-derived plastics, these straws use plant oils as their primary component, allowing them to naturally degrade into CO2 and water through microbial activity in seawater and soil. This innovation aims to help mitigate ocean pollution, including microplastics. Additionally, the Green Planet™ straws generate lower carbon emissions over their lifecycle compared to the FSC® certified paper straws Starbucks previously introduced.

After an initial roll out in 32 Starbucks stores in Okinawa Prefecture, the straws should now be available at all Starbucks locations across Japan. The company also plans to introduce a thicker version of the straw, designed for seasonal Frappuccino® beverages, in early April 2025.

© Starbucks

Starbucks has been making continuous efforts to reduce single-use plastic. Since transitioning away from plastic straws in 2018, the company has introduced FSC® certified paper straws in 2020, followed by a thicker version in 2021. Beyond straws, Starbucks Japan has also adopted FSC® certified paper cups, biomass-based cutlery for takeaway orders, and reusable resin cups for iced beverages served in stores, further reinforcing its sustainability initiatives.

Latest Packaging News

Rowlinson Packaging protects high-value AI hardware with timber crate solutions
Supplier News

Rowlinson Packaging protects high-value AI hardware with timber crate solutions

As artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates, the global demand for AI infrastructure...
Viscose Closures: Choosing the right cork – A guide for wine and spirits producers
Supplier News

Viscose Closures: Choosing the right cork – A guide for wine and spirits producers

Selecting the right cork stopper is a crucial decision for both winemakers and spirit producers....
London Packaging Week hosts first major industry discussion since EPR launch
Events

London Packaging Week hosts first major industry discussion since EPR launch

Leading experts from Defra, PackUK, and the Food & Drink Federation will discuss how recent...
JD Wetherspoon reports £2.4m packaging waste costs under EPR scheme
Business

JD Wetherspoon reports £2.4m packaging waste costs under EPR scheme

JD Wetherspoon has disclosed that it expects to incur around £2.4 million in costs this year under...
CalRecycle study finds 8.5m tonnes of packaging sent to landfill in California
Sustainability

CalRecycle study finds 8.5m tonnes of packaging sent to landfill in California

Nearly 8.5 million tonnes of single-use packaging and food-service items were sent to landfill in...