JAPAN – Starbucks Japan has announced plans to transition all 350 free-standing company-operated stores to 100% renewable energy by the end of October 2021.
The transition of the stores which account for approximately 20% of the company’s portfolio are part of Starbucks global commitment to decrease carbon emissions by 50% by 2030, the company said in a statement.
Starbucks says thatas of April 2021, the transition has been completed in 301 stores, and will extend to 350 locations including stores in Hokkaido, Tohoku and Okinawa by the end of October.
The company also has plans to improve the sustainability of their stores operating on shared power such as at malls and other commercial facilities.
It further notes that say that it is continuing to work with leasing facilities, licensees and business partners to find carbon-neutral solutions that will take the company closer toward its resource-positive aspirations.
Earlier in May, the company also launched a merch collection which it says will enable its customers make their regular coffee routine more eco-friendly.
The release is comprised of the Recycled Polyester Sleeve, Starbucks Upcycled Cotton Shopper Bag, and Reusable Straw and Silicone Case.
The reusable sleeve, perfect for protecting your hands from hot drinks, is made using recycled PET bottles.
Meanwhile, the shopper bag is designed based on Starbucks’ paper bags and is constructed with used denim scraps.
The new line which the company says is dedicated to sustainability follows the release of its color-changing cups which change from holly green to warm red when a hot drink is poured into it.
According to Starbucks, each colour change will last as long as your drink does, meaning you can keep track of how much you have left easily without opening the lid.
Once your drink is finished, or turns cold, the cup will revert back to Starbucks classic green, ready to be used again.
The limited edition, colour-changing reusable cup is part of Starbucks ambition to increase reusability and reduce waste, and follows the launch of the summer colour-changing cup earlier this year, which featured similar technology for a cold liquid.
As part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, Starbucks has been encouraging use of reusable cups for over two decades now.
For instance, in the UK and across several other EMEA markets, customers who bring their own cups to our store are offered a discount on their drink (25p in the UK).
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