Starbucks Japan has announced that it will replace its current paper straws with new biodegradable ones made from plant-based materials. The transition will begin on March 24, 2025, and will be completed across 2,000 stores in Japan by the end of April, reports The Pinnacle Gazette.
The new straws, made from 99% plant-based materials, aim to improve the drinking experience while reducing waste. Starbucks initially introduced paper straws in 2020 as part of its effort to cut down on plastic use, but many customers found them inconvenient as they became soggy and difficult to use. After testing the new biodegradable straws in Okinawa earlier this year and receiving positive feedback, the company has decided to roll them out nationwide. At first, 6 mm straws will be available for regular drinks, followed by 10 mm straws for thicker beverages like Frappuccinos.
This move is expected to help reduce Starbucks Japan’s straw waste by approximately 200 tons per year. The new straws are half the weight of paper ones, meaning they will require less energy for transportation and disposal, ultimately contributing to lower carbon emissions. One of the most significant benefits of these straws is their biodegradability. Unlike traditional plastic straws, which can take hundreds of years to break down, these new straws decompose completely in just three to four months if they end up in the ocean, reducing the risk of pollution.
Starbucks Japan’s Sustainability Manager, Daisuke Furukawa, stated that this initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to reducing waste, water use, and carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. Starbucks is not alone in making sustainability a priority. Other major coffee and fast-food chains in Japan have also been making efforts to adopt more environmentally friendly packaging. Pronto Corporation introduced bamboo and food-based straws in 2023, while Tully’s Coffee Japan has been using straws with 25% plant-based material since 2019. McDonald’s Japan switched to paper straws in 2022 and is currently testing strawless lids.
Speaking at a press event in Tokyo, Furukawa expressed confidence that the new straws would meet both environmental goals and customer expectations. He emphasized that Starbucks has successfully developed straws that are more sustainable while also improving the drinking experience. As businesses continue to find ways to reduce waste, Starbucks Japan’s introduction of biodegradable straws marks a significant step toward a more eco-friendly future.
