Starbucks, which used to use paper straws instead of plastic straws, has decided to reintroduce plastic straws for the first time in seven years.
Starbucks Korea announced that it will use plant-derived plastic straws on a trial basis in addition to paper straws in more than 200 stores nationwide from the 25th.
Upside down, Starbucks Korea introduced paper straws to stores nationwide in 2018 instead of disposable plastic straws that cause environmental pollution.
However, in the meantime, consumer complaints have been continuously raised that paper straws are more inconvenient to use than plastic straws.
In addition, Kim So-hee, a member of the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, said on her SNS in February, “It is not eco-friendly to change disposable plastic straws into disposable straws of different materials,” adding, “The real climate response is not to change materials, but to reduce the use of disposable products itself.”
Starbucks explained that the new plastic straw introduced this time is expected to reduce carbon by using plant-derived materials such as sugarcane, not general petroleum-based raw materials.
The new straw will be provided first to tall (355ml) and grande (473ml) drinks. Existing plastic straws are planned to be recycled by setting up a collection box.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment eased regulations on disposable products in November 2023 by indefinitely extending the guidance period for banning the use of plastic straws and withdrawing the ban on paper cups in cafes and restaurants.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
