Starbucks Japan has announced it will replace single-use plastic straws with paper straws starting in January 2020.
More than 200 million single-use plastic straws are used in Starbucks’ 1500 stores across Japan each year.
“Since we announced our global commitment to eliminate single-use plastic straws across all stores by the end of 2020, Starbucks Japan has focused tirelessly on finding a straw alternative that meets our quality standards,” says Takafumi Minaguchi, CEO of Starbucks Japan.
Standard-sized paper straws designed for iced beverages will be launched in select stores in January and larger straws designed for Frappuccino blended beverages will be available in all stores by May.
“As technologies and innovations evolve, we see opportunities to continue to develop the premium Starbucks experience that our customers love in a sustainable way,” Minaguchi says.
The Forest Stewardship Council has certified the sustainably sourced paper straws. They will be available in paper packaging detailed with positive messages about sustainability.
