Starbucks Launches Plant-Based Environmentally Friendly Vacuum For Outlets In Japan

Green Planet plant-based suction launched in Japan. (Source: Starbucks)

JAKARTA - Seattle-based global coffee shop network, United States, Starbucks, last month launched a plant-based straw that is biodegradable for its outlets in Japan starting this month.

Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd., will replace the paper straws it uses with biomass alternatives originating from plants starting in January, aiming to halve waste and emissions by 2030.

The well-known coffee network operator plans to step up its initiative against microplastic pollution, by introducing more environmentally friendly straws in 32 outlets in the prefecture of the southern island of Okinawa starting January 23 for customers ordering cold drinks.

"We aim to promote sustainable practice in our business so that customers can align with our goals," Starbucks Coffee Japan CEO Takafumi Minaguchi said in a statement.

A biodegradable dose made from plant-based, which is colored in Starbucks dark green, will begin rolling out at all outlets across Japan from March, the company said.

These new doses are designed to be stronger when used, unlike the paper straws introduced in January 2020 as part of efforts to overcome marine pollution caused by plastic waste.

Made mainly from vegetable oil, not derivatives of petroleum, this straw eventually decomposes into carbon dioxide and water through microorganisms found in sea and soil water.

Starbucks is one of a number of companies that continues to grow in Japan's food and beverage services sector, such as the McDonald's Japan hamburger chain and the family restaurant operator Skylark Holdings Co., which has introduced environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic straws.

The use of a biopolymer straw, which emits less CO2 during its life cycle compared to the paper options currently offered by Starbucks, will halve the weight of the straw removed from the coffee chain, according to Starbucks.

Quoted from the Starbucks website, this innovation comes as Starbucks presents its experience of one cup and one outlet at one time at all outlets across Japan every day.

The company developed this new straw with valuable input from partners and customers to balance the environmental impact with user experience.

These environmentally friendly doses are available in the early stages of 32 Starbucks outlets in Okinawa Prefecture for customers who buy cold drinks, such as Frappuccinowas.

Next, the straw will be available at all Starbucks locations across Japan starting March 2025. After that, a thicker straw will be launched for seasonal Freppuccino finish at all Japanese outlets in early April 2025.