SEOUL, June 26 (AJP) - Starbucks has reintroduced plastic straws to its stores in South Korea for the first time in seven years — though this time, they come with a green upgrade.
The coffee chain has begun piloting new straws made from sugarcane-based bioplastics at approximately 200 stores nationwide.
Starbucks was among the first major coffee chains in South Korea to eliminate conventional plastic straws in 2018, replacing them with paper versions as part of a sweeping push toward sustainability. Yet the paper alternative has remained controversial, with customers citing complaints ranging from sogginess to altered drink flavors.
The new straws are available alongside existing paper options and are being offered for use with standard-sized beverages.
The latest move comes as South Korea’s plastic policy enters a more relaxed phase.
In 2019, under then-President Moon Jae-in, the Ministry of Environment announced a national roadmap to phase out single-use plastics, including a ban on plastic straws in cafes and restaurants by 2022.
However, in late 2022, the ministry suspended penalties for non-compliance, and by November 2023, it officially shifted from mandatory enforcement to a “voluntary participation” model — effectively rolling back the ban.
Many coffee chains responded by quietly reintroducing plastic straws. Starbucks, until now, had remained one of the few holdouts.
Now, under pressure from both customers and a more permissive regulatory environment, the company is cautiously testing a return to plastic — albeit in a form it hopes will be both sustainable and palatable.
“We are committed to finding solutions that meet our environmental goals while addressing the real-life needs of our customers,” a Starbucks Korea spokesperson said.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
View more comments