The giant convenience store, FamilyMart, will introduce charges for plastic spoons and straws provided in its stores.

FamilyMart Takes a Green Step: Charging for Plastic Cutlery to Reduce Environmental Impact. First Major Retail Chain to Implement Charges for Plastic Spoons and Straws.

The giant convenience store, FamilyMart, will introduce charges for plastic spoons and straws provided in its stores. Starting on the 29th, this initiative will be implemented first in approximately 100 directly operated stores in the Greater Tokyo area. The company plans to gradually expand this practice nationwide while closely monitoring customer reactions. This marks the first instance of a major convenience store chain charging for plastic cutlery. Given the substantial societal demand for reducing the environmental impact of plastic, similar initiatives may be adopted by other convenience stores in the future.

The items subject to charges include spoons, straws, forks, and dessert spoons, totaling six items. Prices are set at 4 to 6 yen, and the implementation will initially cover selected directly operated stores. Straws for shaved ice drinks, known as ‘Frappes,’ will be exempt from charges. FamilyMart will continue to provide wooden chopsticks for free.

If this environmentally friendly practice expands to all of FamilyMart’s roughly 16,400 stores nationwide, the estimated reduction in plastic usage would reach a commendable 715 tons. While this might represent only a fraction of the company’s total plastic consumption, FamilyMart sees it as a crucial step towards decarbonization.

In the broader context of reducing carbon footprint and fostering a more sustainable future, FamilyMart’s move underscores the importance of individual contributions from major players in the retail industry. As we witness this shift towards greener practices, it prompts us to reflect on our own habits and consider the positive impact we can collectively make on the environment.

Source; Nikkei 18th January 2024