Starbucks debuts new eco-friendly straw at Shanghai stores

Global beverage chain Starbucks started offering coffee ground straws at its Shanghai stores on Thursday, which marked Earth Day, as part of its sustainability efforts.

Made using coffee grounds and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), a material suitable for food and beverage packaging, the special straw is now available across the city's 850 Starbucks stores. The straw will subsequently be introduced to its stores across the Chinese mainland by the end of the year, the company announced in a press release.

According to Starbucks, the new straw is 90 percent biodegradable within four months under standard conditions, which exceeds the six-month criteria under both national and international regulatory requirements. The material is more compact and resilient compared to paper straws, which will be gradually phased out.

The company on Thursday also launched reusable cold beverage cups made from food contact resin which customers can use instead of single use plastic cups.

All Starbucks stores in the Chinese mainland will also introduce newly developed biodegradable wooden flatware for to-go consumption.

The company unveiled a plant-based food and beverage menu for its China customers last year.