If you’ve ever sipped from a paper straw, you might agree – they don’t always hold up well. They tend to get soggy quickly, and some are even coated with plastic, defeating the purpose of reducing waste.
Recognising this issue, Starbucks is taking a new step toward sustainability by introducing plant-based, biodegradable straws in its Japan stores.
Starbucks customers in Okinawa Prefecture will find new straws made from Green Planet, a plant-based biopolymer designed to break down naturally in the environment.
Unlike traditional plastic or coated paper straws, these eco-friendly straws are made primarily from plant oils. They degrade into CO2 and water through the action of microorganisms found in seawater and soil, helping to address the growing problem of plastic waste and microplastics in the ocean.
“Our goal is to be resource-positive, and reducing waste is a key part of that commitment,” said the coffee chain.
Starbucks said that besides its Green Planet plant-based straws being biodegradable, they also produce less carbon dioxide (CO₂) during their lifecycle compared to traditional paper straws. Plus, they weigh less, reducing the overall environmental impact of discarded materials.
The new straws were developed with employee and customer feedback to ensure they’re durable, strong, and pleasant to use.
Currently, these straws are available in 32 stores in Okinawa for iced beverages. Starbucks plans to roll them out across all stores in Japan next month.
