Beginning June 25, the coffee chain will offer both paper and plant-based plastic straws at around 200 stores (Image provided by Starbucks Korea)
SEOUL, June 25 (Korea Bizwire) — After a seven-year hiatus, Starbucks Korea has reintroduced plastic straws at select locations across the country, citing customer feedback and improvements in eco-friendly materials.
Beginning June 25, the coffee chain will offer both paper and plant-based plastic straws at around 200 stores, primarily located in hospitals and residential areas. The move follows customer complaints—especially from children, patients, and elderly individuals—about the inconvenience of paper straws.
The new plastic straws are made from sugarcane-derived bioplastics rather than petroleum-based materials, allowing for lower carbon emissions. Starbucks Korea also plans to install dedicated collection bins to recycle the straws after use.
Since 2018, Starbucks Korea has exclusively used paper straws in its nationwide stores as part of its broader sustainability initiatives. However, concerns over usability have persisted, prompting a trial run of the new straws. The company said it will gather customer feedback before deciding on a broader rollout.
Similar moves have been seen internationally. Starbucks Japan recently replaced paper straws with biodegradable plastic versions, while in the U.S., President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February encouraging the return of plastic straw usage.
In South Korea, the Ministry of Environment relaxed its stance on disposable products last year, indefinitely postponing a ban on plastic straws and reversing restrictions on paper cup usage in cafés and restaurants.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
