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
Related Articles
On January 6, Ryohin Keikaku will open its first-ever hospital-based store, “Café&Meal MUJI” in the entrance building of St. Marianna University School of Medicine Hospital.
A MUJI retail shop will also be included, aiming to support the daily lives of inpatients, visitors, and local residents. Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; President: Satoshi Shimizu) will open its first-ever hospital-based store,...
Corporate Collaboration T-Shirts” Featuring 20 Companies and 28 Designs to Launch on January 1
AEON Co., Ltd. will launch “Corporate Collaboration T-Shirts” under its Doublefocus brand on January 1, featuring 28 designs from 20 companies. The T-shirts, priced at ¥1,580, will be available in sizes XS to 2XL at approximately 340 stores, including AEON and AEON...
KKR Considers Selling Seiyu Shares: AEON Shows Interest in Major Restructuring
The U.S. investment fund KKR is considering selling its 85% stake in Seiyu, with interest from major companies like AEON and other investment funds. This potential sale, including Walmart’s 15% stake, could accelerate the restructuring of Japan’s supermarket industry...