Metallurgy / Chemicals / Rubber & Plastics

Recently, a reporter learned from Starbucks that, starting today, more than 850 Starbucks stores in Shanghai will be the first to introduce biodegradable straws containing extracted coffee powder for cold drinks, "slag slag pipes", and plan to gradually extend it to all mainland China during the year. Store.

This biodegradable "slag slag tube" uses advanced technology to reuse the extracted coffee powder and combines it with safe and widely commercialized food contact-grade polylactic acid material (PLA). It is processed within 4 months It can complete 90% degradation, which is higher than the 6-month standard required by domestic and foreign laws and regulations. At the same time, due to the tougher material, the "slag slag tube" has an upgraded experience compared with paper straws. It will not become softer after long-term soaking, and it will be more resistant to stirring, and it will not stick to the mouth easily. It will suck large fruit particles more smoothly.

This is another innovative attempt by Starbucks to reuse the extracted coffee powder. According to Starbucks, "Slag Pipe" received positive feedback from customers during its pilot store in February this year.

Simultaneously with the "Slag Pipe" appearing in Starbucks stores in Shanghai, there are also reusable store-use cold drink cups, which are also expected to cover all mainland stores in China by the end of this year. In addition, disposable plastic tableware for take-out food in all stores in Mainland China will also be temporarily suspended and replaced with newly developed biodegradable wooden tableware. Starbucks will continue to provide reusable stainless steel cutlery for in-store dining customers. . It is estimated that through these environmental protection measures, more than 500 tons of plastic can be reduced each year, and waste emissions can be reduced by about 350 tons.

In addition, continuing the tradition of Earth Day every year, from 11:00 to 12:00 on April 22, Starbucks will provide a total of 200,000 cups of oatmeal latte and more fresh drip coffee for customers who bring their own cups. Starbucks also set a preliminary goal for 2030 to reduce carbon emissions, water use, and waste emissions by 50%. It also announced another new goal last month: to achieve carbon neutral green coffee by 2030, Reduce water consumption by half during the processing of raw beans.