Society

Starbucks Japan ramps up drive against plastic waste

Mar 18 (Nikkei) - Starbucks Coffee Japan on Thursday said it is ramping up its drive against disposable plastics in its product packaging and stores, part of the global chain's push to halve waste by 2030.

The move comes as businesses around the world face mounting pressure from environmental activists to cut plastic waste, while many investors are increasingly focusing on companies' green credentials.

The coffee seller is introducing reusable plastic cups for iced drinks consumed in 106 of the around 1,700 Starbucks stores in Japan from April 18. At another 113 outlets, it will offer dine-in iced drinks without lids, before rolling out that shift to the rest of the country in the summer.

The chain did not disclose the amount of iced beverages drunk in its shops, but a representative of its sustainability department noted, "it will increase for the hot season."

The company said take-away drinks and hot beverages will continue to be served with lids considering "the convenience of carrying and the risk of burns."

The chain said Japanese outlets already have a higher "usage rate" for mugs than its stores in Europe and the U.S.

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