Starbucks Japan Shifts to Biodegradable Biopolymer Straws, Phasing Out Paper Straws

Starbucks Coffee Japan to Introduce Biodegradable Biopolymer Straws “Green Planet®”

Starting January 23, 2025, Starbucks Coffee Japan will introduce straws made from Green Planet®, a plant-based biodegradable biopolymer developed by Kaneka Corporation, at all 32 stores in Okinawa. The rollout will expand nationwide by March 2025. With a biomass content of 99%, these straws offer both environmental sustainability and a smooth drinking experience.

By April 2025, straws with a wider diameter, used for seasonal Frappuccino® beverages, will also be replaced nationwide. Compared to paper straws, Green Planet® straws are more durable, lightweight, and can reduce waste volume by nearly half.

Since January 2020, Starbucks has been transitioning from petroleum-based plastic straws to paper straws but faced customer feedback about paper straws “becoming soggy.” This new initiative aims to enhance both customer experience and environmental sustainability.

This effort aligns with Starbucks’ “Resource Positive” corporate goal, supporting eco-friendly store designs and its coffee grounds recycling program, currently implemented at approximately 900 stores in Japan.

What is “Green Planet®”?

Green Planet®: A Biodegradable Biopolymer Developed by Kaneka Corporation

Key Features

• 100% Biomass-Derived Polymer: Produced by microorganisms using plant-based oils as raw materials.
• Biodegradable in Both Soil and Seawater: Decomposes naturally in various environments.
• Certified “OK Biodegradable MARINE” in 2017: Recognized for its ability to biodegrade in seawater.

Adoption Cases

Green Planet® has been adopted by various companies for a wide range of products, contributing to environmental sustainability:

• FamilyMart: Used for straws, spoons, and forks since 2021.
• Japan Airlines (JAL):
  • Introduced as the world’s first onigiri packaging material at Haneda Airport lounges in March 2023.
  • Scheduled for use in side dish containers for international in-flight meals from June 2024.
• Starbucks Coffee Japan:
  • To be used for straws starting January 2025 at Okinawa stores, with nationwide expansion planned.
• Tokyu Hotels & Resorts: Used in guestroom amenities such as toothbrushes and hairbrushes.
• 7-Eleven: Applied to straws for Seven Café beverages.
• ITO EN: Used in flexible straws for paper-packaged beverages.

With applications in food packaging, cutlery, and hotel amenities, Green Planet® is expanding its adoption across industries, playing a vital role in reducing environmental impact.

Source: Kaneka website , Startbucks Japan Press release November 6th 2024