FamilyMart, a major convenience store, has announced that it will start charging for plastic spoons, straws, etc.
This is the first time for a major convenience store to do so in order to reduce plastic waste.
According to an announcement, FamilyMart will charge a fee for plastic spoons, forks, and straws provided to customers who purchase bento boxes, desserts, etc. starting from the 29th of this month.
Prices will range from 4 yen to 6 yen, and the plan is to start with approximately 100 directly managed stores nationwide and gradually expand to approximately 16,000 stores nationwide.
The company estimates that the annual reduction in plastic use will be approximately 4 tons for approximately 100 stores, and approximately 715 tons if expanded to all stores.
Regarding the spoons and forks that convenience stores have provided for free, 7-Eleven Japan has made efforts to reduce the amount of plastic used by incorporating 30% plant-based materials, and Lawson has made holes in the handles. However, this is the first time for a major convenience store to charge a fee.