In line with Starbucks global multi-decade aspiration to become resource positive, Starbucks Coffee Korea aims to reduce carbon footprint by 30% and eliminate single-use cups from all stores by 2025

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Starbucks Coffee Korea also plans to increase employment opportunities by 30%, and expand Community Store program and neighborhood cafés to reach 30 locations

Starbucks believes responsible growth includes doing the right thing for both people and the planet. Looking toward the future, Starbucks Coffee Korea today announced bold commitments in service of this vision: it will reduce carbon footprint by 30% by 2025 and increase employment opportunities by 30% by 2025.

“Since announcing our global aspiration to become resource positive, we continue to explore new ways to reduce our environmental impact across the Asia Pacific region,” said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “Starbucks Coffee Korea is a leader in sustainability for the company globally, and we are excited to leverage the learnings from this initiative to drive meaningful change in our stores and inform future innovation on a regional and global scale.”

“As we work to create a more sustainable future, we are honored to continue our sustainability journey with our partners and customers and do better together to protect the planet we share,” said David Song, ceo, Starbucks Coffee Korea. “Our goals are ambitious because we believe it is our responsibility to explore innovative ways to bring our communities and business partners together around this shared desire to make a positive impact for the planet.”

Pathway to a Resource Positive Future

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In line with Starbucks 2030 environmental goals to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">reduce its carbon, water and waste footprints by half</a> globally, Starbucks Coffee Korea will leverage local opportunities and infrastructure to drive innovation around three key strategies:

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Expanding employment opportunities for underserved groups

In addition to new planet-positive initiatives, Starbucks will continue to support the well-being and aspirations of its partners (employees) by empowering them through career development and growth opportunities, while fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive work environment.

By 2025, Starbucks commits to creating more than 5,500 new employment opportunities in South Korea, equating to 30% of its current workforce. Starbucks will also expand employment opportunities for underserved groups by 2025, with a focus on young graduates, returning mothers, elderly citizens, and people with disabilities.

Strengthening connections through expansion of Community Store model

Starbucks strives to strengthen every community it is a part of by being a good neighbor and creating a place of belonging, where everyone is welcome. The company will continue to expand and broaden its &nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-celebrates-opening-of-second-community-store-in-south-korea/">Community Store program</a> in South Korea, as well as neighborhood cafés across the market, to reach 30 locations by 2025.

At the same time, Starbucks will increase collaboration with local artisans and businesses to bring thoughtful merchandise collections to customers. 

Since entering the market in 1991, Starbucks Coffee Korea has grown rapidly to become Starbucks fifth largest international market, with more than 1,500 stores across 78 cities nationwide. South Korea is home to many firsts for the company – it is the first market globally to eliminate plastic straws through strawless lids and paper straw alternatives in 2018. It was also the first market in the region to introduce the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, and one of three Starbucks markets in Asia Pacific with the unique profit-sharing Community Store model.

Starbucks Korea Announces Bold Aspirations Toward People &amp; Planet Positive Future : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Korea Announces Bold Aspirations Toward People &amp; Planet Positive Future

Starbucks Korea Announces Bold Aspirations Toward People & Planet Positive Future : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Coffee Korea aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% and increase employment opportunities by 30% by 2025.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-korea-announces-aspirations/

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Starbucks Korea Announces Bold Aspirations Toward People & Planet Positive Future

Spring has arrived at Starbucks, and so has a new limited-edition designer merchandise collaboration with acclaimed fashion house 3.1 Phillip Lim, available for a limited time at select Starbucks® stores in Asia.

The Starbucks® X 3.1 Phillip Lim collection was inspired by the beauty of the natural world, and features a vibrant assortment of drinkware and lifestyle accessories in the vivid colors of nature to remind us to protect the planet we share. With three stunning designs by artist Isabel Souza, including bees in a colorful field of flowers, a dynamic coral reef ecosystem and bright red parrots in a lush rainforest, the designer collaboration is a beautiful interpretation of the critical role bees, coral and rainforests play in keeping the planet healthy. Each item honors the impact of sustainable, reusable choices, while offering a chance to express a unique personal style.

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Starbucks is also proud to launch the new Starbucks® X 3.1 Phillip Lim collection as we celebrate International Women’s Day and highlight the achievements of female leaders who are pioneers in their fields. Artist Isabel Souza, creator of the three vibrant prints featured in the collection, is a ceramic and textile artist based in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, where she is continuously influenced by the ocean and clay that surround her. In a world where we have become accustomed to disposable and unsustainable objects, Isabel’s goal is to create meaningful objects to appreciate with every use.

“Starbucks and 3.1 Phillip Lim are united by our aspiration to create meaningful experiences for our customers, designed for a sustainable future,” said Erin Silvoy, vice president, Product and Marketing, Starbucks Asia Pacific. “Together, we’re excited to bring this beautiful collection to our customers in Asia and offer them more ways to express themselves and their love of the planet through reusable drinkware.”

“The Starbucks® X 3.1 Phillip Lim collection embodies our shared vision to inspire customers to make sustainable choices in everyday life for the betterment of people and the planet,” said Phillip Lim, creative director and founder of 3.1 Phillip Lim. “I’m honored to work with Starbucks to bring this message to customers across Asia through Isabel’s stunning artwork.”

The designer collaboration will be available starting March 9, 2020 at select Starbucks® stores across Asia, including Australia, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam while supplies last.

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Starbucks x 3.1 Phillip Lim designer merchandise collection

Celebrate nature’s beauty with new Starbucks® X 3.1 Phillip Lim collection : Starbucks Stories Asia

Celebrate nature’s beauty with new Starbucks® X 3.1 Phillip Lim collection

Inspired by the beauty of the natural world, Starbucks® X 3.1 Phillip Lim collection is coming to Asia.

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Today, Starbucks announces all Starbucks stores in Indonesia will gradually transition to cold cups made with rPET (recycled polyethylene terephthalate). Incorporating recycled material into the supply chain will eliminate the equivalent of over 200,000 kilograms of virgin plastic per year across over 460 stores in Indonesia, reaffirming the company’s commitment to contribute to Starbucks global aspiration to be a resource-positive company. Starbucks will become the first major food and beverage retailer in Indonesia to switch completely to rPET.

“Through the Greener Nusantara initiative, Starbucks Indonesia has been focused on rolling out multiple programs in support of reducing waste across Indonesia. As part of the community, our company is committed to creating positive impact to the communities we serve in sustainable ways,” said Anthony McEvoy, leader of PT Sari Coffee Indonesia. “We will continue our Greener Nusantara initiative and strive to seek breakthroughs in maintaining sustainability.”

In 2020, the company eliminated over 30 million straws through the introduction of the strawless lid for iced beverages. The shift to rPET plastic cups and lids today will further contribute to plastic waste reduction as they are recycled into a new rPET packaging instead of going to the landfill. Currently, all Starbucks stores are also using recycled content packaging such as paper shopping bags, napkins and cup sleeves.

“Together with all partners (employees) in every store across Indonesia, we will focus on continuous improvement for our sustainability commitment in Indonesia” said Avolina Raharjanti, general manager, corporate pr and communications, PT Sari Coffee Indonesia. “In 2021, we are consistently looking and reviewing opportunities focusing on waste reduction and reusage of our coffee grounds. By carrying out these initiatives, we hope to inspire everyone to be responsible in their own communities.”

Starbucks continues to explore innovative ways to reduce single-use plastics and waste in stores throughout Indonesia. Since the launch of the “Bring Your Own Tumbler” program over 12 years ago, Starbucks stores in Indonesia has been encouraging customers to bring their own cups or tumblers by offering Rp5,000 discount. 

Starbucks introduces cold cups made with recycled content in Indonesia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks introduces cold cups made with recycled content in Indonesia

Starbucks announces all Starbucks stores in Indonesia will gradually transition to cold cups made with recycled materials.

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Today, Starbucks Coffee Korea announces four new plant-based menu items available at stores across South Korea starting February 25. The new menu includes:

The new line-up in Korea joins a growing number of plant-based menu items offered to Starbucks customers in Asia and around the world. Starbucks continues to observe the dominant shift in consumer behavior toward more plant-based choices as a top trend and focus area for the business. Expanding Starbucks plant-based menu globally is one of the ways the company is pursuing its goal to reduce its carbon footprint, as environmentally friendly menu items contribute to Starbucks global aspiration to be a resource-positive company.

Starbucks has offered soymilk at stores across Korea since 2005, and began introducing select seasonal beverages made with oatmilk in 2017.

Starbucks Korea introduces plant-based menu : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Korea introduces plant-based menu

Starbucks Coffee Korea announces four new plant-based menu items.

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Today, Starbucks announces the introduction of three new plant-based food choices at 57 select stores in Greater Jakarta and Bali, as well as almondmilk at all stores across Indonesia. The expansion of plant-based menu items in Indonesia will offer more choices to accommodate the evolving preferences and lifestyles of customers, and provide them with more ways to customize their Starbucks Experience. The new food choices include the Plant-Based Sloppy Joe Sandwich, Plant-Based Wellington Pocket and Plant-Based Patty Focaccia Bread.

The new line-up in Indonesia joins a growing number of plant-based menu items offered to Starbucks’ customers in Asia Pacific region and around the world. Starbucks remains committed to expanding plant-based food and beverage offerings in locally-relevant ways, as environmentally friendly menu items contribute to Starbucks global aspiration to be a resource-positive company.

“Starbucks offers customers many delicious food and beverage choices to enjoy throughout the day,” said Liryawati, Chief Marketing Officer, PT Sari Coffee Indonesia. “The new food menu and almondmilk beverage options offer everything customers love about their Starbucks favorites, made using plant-based ingredients. We are excited to be now providing the plant-based almondmilk alternative to dairy and soy milk, offering customers new ways to customize and enjoy their favourite Starbucks.”

Last September, Starbucks introduced a seasonal plant-based handcrafted beverage, the Almondmilk Hazelnut Latte to Indonesian customers, which quickly became a customer favorite. Almondmilk is the perfect complement to Starbucks hot, iced and Frappuccino® beverages with delicate nutty sweetness aftertaste.

The plant-based menu is available for customers to order at Starbucks® stores or using the Starbucks Delivers service.

Starbucks Introduces New Plant-Based Menu in Indonesia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Introduces New Plant-Based Menu in Indonesia

Starbucks announces new plant-based food and beverage choices in Indonesia.

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Today, Starbucks announces the introduction of new plant-based food and beverage options in select markets across Asia. Starting in September, Starbucks is adding two new seasonal plant-based handcrafted beverages, the Oatmilk Cocoa Macchiato and Almondmilk Hazelnut Latte to store menus in 8 markets, as well as plant-based food choices at stores in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. New plant-based milk options will remain available as part of core menu offerings in around 7 markets across Asia following the seasonal promotion. The new lineup in Asia joins a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-expands-plant-based-food-menu-in-singapore/">growing number of plant-based menu items</a> offered to Starbucks customers <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/plant-based-menu-innovation-at-starbucks/">around the world</a>. As customer demand for plant-based choices increases, Starbucks remains committed to expanding plant-based food and beverage offerings in locally-relevant ways, as environmentally friendly menu items contribute to Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.ca/en/stories/2020/kevin-johnson-letter-sustainability/">global aspiration to be a resource-positive company</a>. "We're thrilled to offer our customers more ways to personalize their Starbucks Experience and enjoy plant-based choices at Starbucks," said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific. "This menu expansion is designed to offer our customers the same flavors and handcrafted service they know and love from Starbucks, in a new way. We're excited to continue our journey toward becoming resource positive together with our customers in Asia."

According to Euromonitor, a global market intelligence company that tracks customer trends, the Asia Pacific region stands out as the largest region for plant-based milk options due to well established traditions in local food culture.

"A new wave of plant-based food and beverage products are making inroads in Asia and will continue to develop over the next few years, driven by customer interest in healthier lifestyles and eco-conscious behaviors,” said Maria Mascaraque, Industry Manager at Euromonitor. “Plant-based options such as soy are strongly ingrained in Asian culture, meaning innovation is key to meeting the taste preferences of consumers seeking out new flavors and modern takes on traditional diets.”

Classic beverages crafted with plant-based milk

Starbucks has created plant-based versions of two classic Starbucks favorites – cocoa and hazelnut – in addition to new customization choices with oatmilk, almondmilk and coconutmilk (available only in select markets). The new plant-based beverages include:

Oatmilk Cocoa Macchiato: Our signature espresso pairs perfectly with smooth, creamy oatmilk and vanilla syrup, topped with a drizzle of rich cocoa sauce. The Oatmilk Cocoa Macchiato is available as a hot or iced handcrafted beverage by request.

Almondmilk Hazelnut Latte: A beloved Starbucks favorite handcrafted with naturally creamy almondmilk, Starbucks® signature espresso and rich and nutty hazelnut syrup, topped with a sprinkle of crunchy almonds.&nbsp; The Almondmilk Hazelnut Latte is available as a hot or iced handcrafted beverage by request.

New plant-based food choices in Starbucks stores across Asia

Each of Starbucks new plant-based food offerings was developed locally to suit the tastes and preferences of local customers. The new items will arrive in participating stores throughout September, including:

For availability in your market, please visit your local Starbucks menu online or check on your Starbucks® App.

Learn more about Starbucks sustainability initiatives <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/2019-report-leading-in-sustainability/">here</a>.

New plant-based food and drinks from Starbucks in Asia

Starbucks Expands Plant-Based Choices in Asia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Expands Plant-Based Choices in Asia

Starbucks introduces new plant-based food and beverage choices in Asia this fall.

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Starbucks is partnering with design-driven accessories brand, Herschel Supply Co., for a limited-edition merchandise collection available exclusively at Starbucks® stores in Asia.

Thoughtfully designed for eco-conscious customers on-the-go, the Starbucks® X Herschel Supply collection includes an assortment of stylish bags made from recycled plastic and drinkware featuring bold colors and eye-catching messages focused on sustainability. Combining timeless design and premium quality, the Starbucks® X Herschel Supply designer collaboration proves quality and self-expression don’t need to come at the cost of a sustainable lifestyle. The collection’s unique designs embody style and authenticity, while giving recycled material a second life.

The limited-edition designer collaboration will be available starting April 22 at select Starbucks® stores across Asia while supplies last.

In January, Starbucks announced a bold, multi-decade aspiration to become resource positive, working with Starbucks partners (employees), customers and other stakeholders on the journey. The company will spend the next year continuing to test and learn before formalizing these sustainability targets as part of the company’s 50th anniversary in 2021.

Starbucks X Herschel Supply collaboration

Starbucks X Herschel Supply launches stylish new collection : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks X Herschel Supply  launches stylish new collection

Starbucks is partnering with design-driven accessories brand, Herschel Supply Co., for a limited-edition merchandise collection available exclusively at Starbucks® stores in Asia. Thoughtfully designed for eco-conscious customers on-the-go, the Starbucks® X Herschel Supply collection includes an assortment of stylish bags made from recycled plastic and drinkware featuring bold colors and eye-catching messages focused on sustainability. […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-x-herschel-supply/

New roasting facility in 2022 will be Starbucks largest manufacturing facility outside the U.S.&nbsp;

Investment of $130 million (USD) further deepens Starbucks long-held commitment to elevate specialty coffee in China

Starbucks China Coffee Innovation Park (CIP) will advance sustainable manufacturing and smart supply chain management

Starbucks Coffee Company, the global roaster and retailer of specialty coffee, announced today it will invest approximately $130 million (USD) in China to open a state-of-the-art roasting facility in 2022 as part of its new Coffee Innovation Park (CIP). As Starbucks largest manufacturing investment outside of the U.S. and its first in Asia, the CIP will incorporate a roasting plant, warehouse and distribution center, creating highly-skilled jobs and new career opportunities that will further drive smart and sustainable coffee manufacturing in China. The plant will serve as a key component of the Company’s global roasting network, and the bold infrastructure investment further deepens Starbucks multi-decade commitment to strengthen the specialty coffee industry in China, where it aims to have 6,000 stores by 2022.

“Starbucks has spent the past 20 years sharing its passion for coffee across China and helping to build a leading industry that makes us all proud. The roasting facilities at the Coffee Innovation Park will set a blueprint for the future of coffee roasting and supply chain management, and further elevate China’s coffee industry, while supporting Starbucks growth in China, with China,” said Belinda Wong, chairman and chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “Starbucks has always taken a long-term view in China, and our commitment to the market has never been stronger.” 

Building on Starbucks sustainability announcement in January, the CIP will incorporate advancements in sustainable manufacturing, smart supply chain innovation, and technology to support the aspiration to deliver the most energy- and water-efficient roasting operations for Starbucks in the world, while minimizing waste. The new roasting plant facility will be designed with the intent to apply for U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification, as well as China’s Three Star Green Building standards. 

“We recently announced a bold <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-multi-decade-aspiration-to-become-resource-positive/">multi-decade aspiration to become a planet positive company</a>. A company that gives more than we take from the planet. China is one of our most important markets and The Coffee Innovation Park is an important, strategic investment that has a positive impact on our carbon footprint and supports our long term sustainability goals,” said Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, Starbucks.&nbsp;

Elevating Premium Coffee in China

From farm to cup, Starbucks has helped shape the specialty coffee industry in China through continued investment in training and infrastructure, including the opening of the Starbucks Yunnan Farmer Support Center in 2012 to provide open-source agronomy resources to coffee farmers throughout the region. The new CIP, wholly-owned and operated by Starbucks, will source coffees from China and around the world directly from origin for processing, roasting, packaging and distribution, for the first time in China. Construction of the CIP will begin later this year in the city of Kunshan, an hour from Shanghai. 

“As the undisputed leader in specialty coffee, Starbucks is renowned for its tremendous contributions in developing China’s specialty coffee industry over the past two decades,” said Mr. Wu Xinming, Party Secretary of Kunshan. “We are delighted to welcome Starbucks reputed coffee expertise to help build a best-in-class coffee supply chain in Kunshan, which offers an ideal environment for Starbucks to invest and elevate its coffee leadership in China.” 

Smart and Sustainable Manufacturing

With the CIP set to handle Starbucks largest roasting capacity outside the U.S., the investment highlights the Company’s ambition to further globalize its roasting network and reinforces Starbucks strategic focus on the U.S. and China as its two lead growth markets. Currently, Starbucks operates six other roasting facilities—one in Amsterdam to support European markets, and five in the U.S. The warehouse, roasting and distribution capabilities of the CIP will lay a strong foundation for continued business growth and development in China.

However, Starbucks vision extends far beyond roasting. Once in operation, the CIP will integrate green coffee bean warehouse management and processing, with plans to co-locate a highly-automated and ‘intelligent’ distribution center that will become the heart of Starbucks distribution network in China. The facility also will serve as a training ground for coffee roasters and key roles across Starbucks coffee supply chain in China. 

Starbucks Coffee Innovation Park in China Elevates Manufacturing and Extends Global Roasting Network : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Coffee Innovation Park in China Elevates Manufacturing and Extends Global Roasting Network

Starbucks will open a new roasting plant facility in China in 2022, its largest outside of the U.S.

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Starbucks chief executive officer Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday a renewed focus on sustainability, all with an eye toward someday “<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/message-from-starbucks-ceo-kevin-johnson-starbucks-new-sustainability-commitment">giving more than we take from the planet</a>.”

“Our aspiration is to become resource positive -- storing more carbon than we emit, eliminating waste, and providing more clean freshwater than we use,” Johnson, wrote in a letter posted Tuesday.

His letter included preliminary targets for 2030 as well as the company’s commitment to be transparent in its reporting against short- and long-term goals. He also vowed to work with Starbucks partners, customers and other stakeholders on this journey. The company will spend the next year continuing to test and learn before formalizing these sustainability targets as part of the company’s 50th anniversary in 2021, he wrote.

“Our&nbsp;eyes&nbsp;are&nbsp;wide open&nbsp;knowing that&nbsp;we do not have all the answers or&nbsp;fully understand&nbsp;all&nbsp;the complexities and potential consequences,” Johnson wrote. “Now, it’s time to create an even broader aspiration –&nbsp;and it’s work that will require visionary thinking, new ways of working, investment of&nbsp;resource&nbsp;and urgent action.”

Starbucks has over 31,000 stores worldwide with 400,000 partners serving 100 million customers a week and the road ahead will require commitment and creativity from partners and customers across the globe as well as from entrepreneurs, non-profits and suppliers, he said.

Here are five important things to know about Tuesday’s announcement:

The announcement is an important moment for Starbucks, said Sheila Bonini, senior vice president leading private sector engagement for <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/">World Wildlife Fund</a>, the world’s leading conservation organization. Bonini said a lot of companies make environmental commitments, but what excites her most are the moments down the road when those companies get to celebrate each step toward meeting those goals.

“I’m impressed with Starbucks leadership – with their ambitious strategy to tackle sustainability as well as their humility and willingness to look at all parts of the business to try to achieve it,” Bonini said. “We are already starting to see some catastrophic effects of climate change. It’s clear our level of consumption and production today is more than the planet can take. We all need to address it. We need to address it yesterday.”

She believes it’s important for companies to not only make it easier for people to act sustainably, but to help them understand why it’s important. “People want to be green, but we have to help them get there,” she said. “We’re all partners in this.”

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Starbucks Sustainability Commitment Coffee Trees

5 things to know about Starbucks new environmental sustainability commitment : Starbucks Stories Asia

5 things to know about Starbucks new environmental sustainability commitment

On Tuesday, Starbucks announced “a bold, multi-decade aspiration” to cut carbon, water and waste each by 50 percent by 2030 and give back to the planet by becoming resource positive in the future.

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 It’s a ‘green’ birthday for the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai (‘Roastery’), as China’s coffee wonderland celebrates its second anniversary this month. Today, the Roastery received a meaningful birthday ‘gift’ in the form of a LEED Platinum plaque – a recognition of Starbucks partners’ (employees) tireless efforts towards operating not just a theater for immersive coffee experiences, but also one that lives and breathes environmental sustainability. 

 LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is a green certification program for building design, construction, operations and maintenance awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). Widely recognized as a leading international standard, it comprises a comprehensive list of categories, where projects earn points to achieve one of four certification levels. Platinum is the highest level of certification, awarded to only one in 10 LEED certified buildings. Platinum retail buildings make up an even more exclusive one percent of LEED certified buildings. 

The Shanghai Roastery set a new benchmark in green retail as the first in mainland China’s food retail industry to be certified LEED Platinum. Over 150 Roastery partners and onsite customers witnessed a simple plaque awarding ceremony, where they also heard inspiring, behind-the-scenes stories from partners who had contributed to the achievement. As part of the celebration, the Roastery’s iconic clacker board proudly shared the milestone with customers, who were invited to participate in interactive quizzes to win Starbucks memorabilia. 

“I feel immensely proud to be part of something bigger, to know that every little thing we do at the Roastery contributes towards taking better care of the environment, and that every little step we take brings us closer to a greener future for the planet and ourselves,” said Blues, a Roaster at the Shanghai Roastery.

The achievement is the culmination of the sustained, concerted efforts of countless Starbucks partners committed to not just creating a welcoming third place for customers, but also a greener one. From incorporating eco-friendly features and technologies into the building’s design and construction, down to planning every detail of the Roastery’s day-to-day operations, utmost care has been taken to enhance its environmental friendliness. 

As part of the certification process, the Shanghai Roastery was evaluated across six criteria – efficiency of water usage, quality of indoor environment, energy use, use of sustainable materials, and innovation and education. It stood out for the following features and achievements:

As the company expands at a rapid pace in China, opening a store every 15 hours, with the goal of operating over 6,000 stores in the market by 2022, the experience gained from the Roastery’s certification will prove valuable in further elevating Starbucks approach to green store design, construction and operation. The Shanghai Roastery is one of only three Starbucks stores to have achieved LEED Platinum certification globally. Altogether, the company has opened more than 1,600 LEED certified stores in 20 countries, and has committed to designing, building and operating 10,000 “Greener Stores” by 2025 as it seeks to advance greener retail and contribute to a sustainable future. 

LEED Platinum plaque on Shanghai Roastery

Shanghai Roastery Now LEED Platinum Certified : Starbucks Stories Asia

Shanghai Roastery Now LEED Platinum Certified

It’s a ‘green’ birthday for the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai (‘Roastery’), as China’s coffee wonderland celebrates its second anniversary this month. Today, the Roastery received a meaningful birthday ‘gift’ in the form of a LEED Platinum plaque – a recognition of Starbucks partners’ (employees) tireless efforts towards operating not just a theater for immersive coffee […]

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Change will eliminate 200 million single-use plastic straws per year from nearly 1,500 stores across Japan

Made of FSC® certified paper, the new paper straw and package are produced exclusively for Starbucks Japan

Today, Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. announced that it will eliminate single-use plastic straws from nearly 1,500 stores across Japan and begin providing paper straws to customers starting in January 2020. The new paper straws are made from responsibly-sourced paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), available in standard sizes for iced beverages and large sizes for Frappuccino? blended beverages.

The new standard-sized paper straws will be available in select stores beginning in January, with a complete rollout to all stores across the Japan market by March. Large-sized straws for Frappuccino? blended beverages will be available in all store by May. All paper straws will come in paper packaging with positive messages about sustainability. Straws made from plant-based PLA plastic will be available upon request.

“Since we announced our global commitment to eliminate single-use plastic straws across all stores by the end of 2020, Starbucks Japan has focused tirelessly on finding a straw alternative that meets our quality standards,” said Takafumi Minaguchi, representative director and ceo, Starbucks Japan. “We’re pleased to announce that we’ve achieved our goal. As technologies and innovations evolve, we see opportunities to continue to develop the premium Starbucks Experience our customers love in a sustainable way.”

Starbucks continues to explore innovative ways to reduce single-use plastics in stores throughout Japan. Since the first store opened in Ginza, Tokyo in 1996, Starbucks stores in Japan have offered a 20 yen discount for customers who bring their own cups or tumblers.

*Starbucks Coffee Japan FSC® LICENSE CODE: FSC® N002500

New paper straws in beverages from Starbucks Japan

Starbucks Eliminates Plastic Straws in Japan in 2020 : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Eliminates Plastic Straws in Japan in 2020

Change will eliminate 200 million single-use plastic straws per year from nearly 1,500 stores across Japan Made of FSC® certified paper, the new paper straw and package are produced exclusively for Starbucks Japan Today, Starbucks Coffee Japan, Ltd. announced that it will eliminate single-use plastic straws from nearly 1,500 stores across Japan and begin providing […]

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The journey a coffee bean follows from farm to cup is an arduous one. It usually begins high in the hills of the Coffee Belt, a band that wraps around the Earth’s middle between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Bucket by bucket, the beans are hand-picked and processed before trundling down winding roads to cargo ships destined for roasting plants and cafés around the world. 

To get the best beans, buyers from Starbucks have traveled to the source since the first store opened back in 1971. They journeyed to far-flung farms in places in Latin America, Asia and East Africa, taking time to get to know farmers and their communities along the way.&nbsp;&nbsp; 

When Starbucks launched its C.A.F.E. Practices sustainable sourcing program in 2004, the company knew that building on these personal relationships would be critical to the program’s success. It opened its first <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-farmer-support-centers/">Farmer Support Center</a> that same year in San José, Costa Rica, and hired a team of agronomists to bring farmers into the program.

Carlos Mario Rodriguez, director and global head of coffee research and development for Starbucks, was part of that first Farmer Support Center agronomy team. He drove his pickup truck over countless miles of narrow roads to visit farmers and help them with a range of sustainability issues and ensure a long-term supply of quality coffee. He helped them set up their own test plots, showed them how to space trees correctly and offered suggestions to manage erosion and reduce the use of pesticides.&nbsp; 

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William Chacon, owner of the Café Las Peñas farm in Sabanilla, Costa Rica, has been working with Starbucks agronomists for more than 10 years, even when his farm is not selling to Starbucks. 

“There are many problems related to deforestation, and the coffee gets damaged by disease, and so the quality suffers too,” said Chacon. “With Starbucks help, we are producing new varieties of coffee. The quality is good because the leaves and the plants grow healthy.” 

In the Farmer Support Center's first year of operation, 43.5 million pounds of green (unroasted) coffee were purchased from C.A.F.E. Practices-approved suppliers, representing 14.5 percent of total coffee purchases. In the 15 years that followed, purchases under the program continued to grow and Starbucks expanded its global network of farmer support. A satellite location in Guatemala City opened in 2006, followed by Rwanda in 2009, Tanzania in 2011 and Colombia in 2012. Field by field, farm by farm – this new approach to sustainable sourcing was taking root.

In 2012, Starbucks opened its sixth Farmer Support Center, and first in Asia, in Yunnan, China’s Pu’er region. Alan Tong was the first agronomist at the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2017/yunnan-single-origin-coffee/">China Farmer Support Center</a>, starting with just 25 coffee growers.

Since then, he and his team have trained nearly 10,000 farmers in China in sustainable farming practices and 1,200 farms are now verified through C.A.F.E. Practices. They are also putting resources toward <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-deepens-its-commitment-in-yunnan-communities/">creating pathways out of poverty in coffee farming communities</a> across the region.

After opening two more Farmer Support Centers in Ethiopia (2014) and Indonesia (2015), Starbucks’ oldest Farmer Support Center also became its newest. In 2016 the San José agronomy center moved from its downtown office building to a farm 15 miles up a mountain road to the foot of the Poàs Volcano. The 600-acre working farm and visitor’s center at <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/coffee-sustainability/">Hacienda Alsacia</a> serves as Starbucks global agronomy research and development center.

“I can show [farmers] how we have been doing things,” said Victor Trejos, general manager of Hacienda Alsacia. “How we have been planting, how we fertilize, soil tests … and how they can do the same.” 

The farm includes 14 hectares dedicated to research. It’s a testing ground to push the boundaries of agronomy research to breed trees that are resistant to coffee leaf rust, or roya, which is ravaging coffee crops in Latin America. The team also analyzes soil, fine tunes pruning techniques, and supports farmers in other ways to increase coffee trees’ quality and productivity. Its findings aren’t kept in a company vault; they are shared freely with researchers and farmers everywhere.

Starbucks opened its tenth Farmer Support Center in <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-opens-farmer-support-center-in-brazil-for-coffee-growing/">Brazil</a> in August 2021.&nbsp;To date, Starbucks has trained&nbsp;more than 200,000 farmers providing free access to education and resources through its Farmer Support Centers. Its aspiration is to&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/making-coffee-the-worlds-first-sustainably-sourced-agriculture-product/">make coffee the world’s first sustainably sourced agricultural product</a>.

But for Rodriguez, the accomplishment is best measured one farm, one farmer at a time.

“To me, as a professional, as a partner, it’s the best part really when you start working with a particular farmer and see that they are improving their living conditions and being able to keep producing coffee as a good business,” he said. “That’s the best. It’s really something that motivates us.” 

Farmer Support Centers help ensure coffee&#8217;s future, farm by farm : Starbucks Stories Asia

Farmer Support Centers help ensure coffee&#8217;s future, farm by farm

How Starbucks provide farmers across the globe free access to education and resources.

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2019/ensuring-access-to-agronomy-education-and-resources/