Starbucks Coffee Japan will launch and expand four initiatives in the spring of 2022 aimed at reducing disposable materials such as cups, lids, and cutlery.

Starbucks Iced Beverages served in in-store glasses

An initiative to serve Frappuccinos and other iced beverages in plastic glasses for in-store use was introduced on a trial basis at 106 stores in Japan. The number of experimental stores for this policy, which has been in trial operation at several stores in Tokyo, will be expanded, aiming to further reduce the use of disposable cups by increasing the number of reuse options.


Start date: April 18
Stores: 106 Starbucks stores in Japan
Beverages: All iced beverages (short/tall) including Frappuccino when used in the store

Grande and venti sizes are also available at some stores.
Some stores may offer Grande and Venti sizes.

Starbucks Cup Recycling Program Area Expansion

The "Borrow, Return, Reuse" cup recycling program, which began last fall at 10 stores in the Marunouchi area, has been expanded to 9 Starbucks stores in the Shibuya area. Under this program, drinks are served in durable, reusable loaner cups, which are returned to the store, cleaned by a partner company, and reused.


The goal is to reduce the number of disposable cups generated during TO GO (take-out). Since last year, we have continued trial operations and analysis of customer feedback. Currently, the program is being verified in South Korea, Singapore, the U.K., and other countries around the world based on the same concept with the aim of improving convenience.

Start date: April 4
Stores: 9 Starbucks stores in the Shibuya area, including the following
Shibuya Koen-dori store / Shibuya Parco store / MIYASHITA PARK store / Shibuya cocoti store / Shibuya Modi store / Shibuya Bunka-mura-dori store / Jingumae 6-chome store / SHIBUYA TSUTAYA store. Shibuya Fire Street store only accepts cup returns.

Starbucks Iced Beverage served without a lid

The initiative to serve iced beverages without lids for in-store use will be introduced first at 113 stores in Japan, with the aim of rolling out nationwide around summer 2022. Starbucks will begin serving beverages with straw-free lids in November 2020. The company aims to further promote this initiative and reduce the number of disposable plastic lids themselves. Hot beverages and TO GO beverages will be served with lids for convenience of transport and for fear of burns.


Start date: April 18
Stores: 113 Starbucks stores in Japan
Beverages: Iced beverages, including Frappuccinos, for in-store use (excluding children's beverages)

Lids can be provided upon request.

Starbucks Reusable Cutlery and 100% plant-derived cutlery provided

Addition of reuse options and switching of materials for forks, knives, and other cutlery offered at Starbucks stores nationwide. These changes are expected to reduce the use of disposable cutlery by up to 44% per year and reduce petroleum-based plastics by approximately 60 tons per year.


[Response for in-store use
In addition to the stainless steel forks and knives still in use today, stainless steel yogurt spoons have been introduced. Ensure that food is served with reusable cutlery.


Target materials: Forks/knives/yogurt spoons (stainless steel madrasah spoons will also be introduced at stores with plastic glasses)
Switchover schedule: Gradual switchover starting around the end of March
Stores: Starbucks stores nationwide

＜Correspondence at the time of TO GO＞ ＜Correspondence at the time of TO GO
Green Planet" cutlery, which is 100% plant-derived and certified as OK Biodegradable MARINE (*) for biodegradation in seawater, will be introduced for TO GO cutlery in place of conventional polystyrene cutlery.

Biodegradability in seawater (30℃) must reach 90% or more within 6 months. Vincotte took over the certification business from TÜV AUSTRIA Belgium NV in December 2017.


Target materials: Forks/knives/madras spoons/yogurt spoons
Switchover schedule: Gradual switchover starting around mid-March (date of availability will depend on store inventory).
Stores: Starbucks stores nationwide