Starbucks Korea is reintroducing plastic straws after seven years.

Starting June 25, Starbucks Korea announced that it will offer plastic straws made from 100% plant-based materials, in addition to paper straws, at around 200 stores nationwide.

A Starbucks representative stated, "Reflecting various customer opinions, including those from patients and young children who find paper straws inconvenient, we are piloting plant-based plastic straws at approximately 200 stores, mainly located in hospitals and residential areas."

Previously, in 2018, Starbucks Korea introduced paper straws at all stores nationwide to replace single-use plastic straws, which contribute to environmental pollution.

In the pilot stores, plastic straws and existing paper straws are provided together. Provided by Starbucks

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However, there were complaints from consumers that paper straws, due to their material, become soggy when exposed to liquids for extended periods, causing inconvenience. In particular, patients and young children, who may have less physical strength, often had difficulty drinking beverages when the straws became soggy.

Starbucks plans to resolve these inconveniences by reintroducing plastic straws. The newly introduced plastic straws are made from plant-based materials, not traditional petroleum-based plastics. Starbucks also expects this change to help reduce carbon emissions. The company plans to install dedicated collection bins for straws to facilitate recycling.

At the pilot stores, both plastic straws and existing paper straws will be provided, allowing customers to choose the straw they prefer. Regarding the expansion of stores using paper straws, the company stated, "We will listen to customer feedback at the pilot stores and consider improvements accordingly."