News Discussion

No More Soggy Straws: Starbucks Japan Debuts Bio-Plastic Alternative

In January, Starbucks Japan introduced new bio-plastic straws at all 32 of its Okinawa stores, replacing paper ones. This change aligns with the company's ongoing efforts to combat marine pollution caused by plastic waste.

Starbucks stores in Japan began switching from plastic to paper straws in January 2020. Now, the company is introducing bio-plastic straws, which have a lower carbon footprint and offer superior water resistance. This means customers can enjoy their Frappuccinos without having to contend with soggy straws.

Starbucks chose Okinawa for the initial rollout because its cold drink sales percentage in the region is approximately 15 points higher than the national average. The company will start introducing the new straws nationwide starting in early March.

According to Starbucks, these bio-plastics are made from non-petroleum-based materials that naturally decompose in the environment. They are also lighter than paper, which helps reduce waste.

Daisuke Furukawa, Starbucks' head of sustainability, explained, "We focused on balancing usability with environmental considerations."

The bio-plastics are created through a unique process. Microorganisms consume vegetable oil and produce polymers as an energy source, storing them in their cells, similar to how humans store fat. This extracted material is then used to manufacture the straws.

1. 1. align with　〜と一致する、合う；～と強調する、提携する
   This policy aligns with the company’s commitment to sustainability.
2. 2. contend with　（問題などに）対処する、取り組む；～と戦う
   Scientists are contending with the effects of climate change.
3. 3. non-petroleum-based　非石油由来の、非石油系の
   Non-petroleum-based fuels are considered more environmentally friendly.
4. 4. decompose　（物質が）分解する、腐敗する；（物質を）分解する、腐敗させる
   The fallen leaves decompose and enrich the soil with nutrients.
5. 5. microorganism　微生物
   Microorganisms in the soil improve plant growth.

1. 1. Why did Starbucks Japan introduce bio-plastic straws in Okinawa first?
2. 2. How are the bio-plastic straws made?
3. 3. What is Starbucks Japan’s goal in using bio-plastic straws?
4. 4. Do you think changing straws can really help the environment? Why or why not?
5. 5. What other small changes can businesses make to be more eco-friendly?

スターバックスコーヒージャパン（東京）は1月23日、植物油を主な原料とするバイオプラスチック製の新たなストローを沖縄県の全32店舗で導入した。従来の紙製に比べ、二酸化炭素（CO2）排出量を削減でき、耐水性も高いのが特長。同社の冷たい飲料の販売率が全国平均より約15ポイント高く、ストローの消費が多い沖縄で先行導入し、3月上旬から全国に順次拡大する。

同社によると、石油由来ではないバイオプラは自然界で分解され、紙製より軽量で廃棄物の減量も期待できる。古川大輔サステナビリティ部長は「使い心地と環境への配慮の両立を意識した」と語った。

本島中部北谷町の店舗ではこの日、早速新ストローで飲み物を楽しむ学生らの姿もあった。

スタバの国内店舗では、プラごみの海洋汚染に対応するため、令和2年1月以降、ストローをプラスチック製から紙製に順次切り替えた。