How your favorite cup can change coffee chain’s waste problem in Japan

In summer, a cold drink when out and about is truly enjoyable. However, the cafes we frequent harbor significant waste problems. According to a research by the environmental group Greenpeace, the number of disposable plastic and paper cups used in 2020 by nine major cafe chains in Japan was 369.5 million, exceeding 1 million per day.

One of the most practical ways to curb waste is undoubtedly by using a reusable cup when you order coffee. If you are an environmentally conscious traveler in Japan, or aim to maintain earth-friendly practices as you do in your home country, it’s possible now to bring your own cup for your coffee. More coffee shops and cafes in Japan are becoming amenable to earth-friendly coffee lovers, offering incentives to mitigate the severe waste problem on both national and international scales.

Big coffee chains sail into zero waste

Given the global issue, large companies in Japan are getting serious and taking action to achieve a sustainable society. Here are some examples. The following chains not only encourage customers to bring their reusable cups, but also implement additional measures to effect significant change from a waste perspective.

Ueshima Coffee

Ueshima Coffee is one of the premier coffee chains in Japan. To promote and embody their sustainability vision, they passionately work on several projects. They offer a great deal: a 50 yen discount if you order with your own beverage container.

Additionally, they use brew machines that utilize cloth filters instead of paper to prevent waste.

 

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In terms of coffee grounds, they strive for utilization, such as composting, rather than unsustainably disposing of them—aligned with the sustainable actions taken by their parent company, UCC. In response to UCC’s lead, they diligently work on upcycling projects involving coffee waste. For instance, they dye aprons and create business cards with recycled paper and boiling water. Thus, by purchasing cups of coffee at their shop, you can participate in the conscious community.

Tully’s Coffee

Tully’s Coffee is another exemplar. Originating in Washington D.C., active efforts to address the environmental issue have been implemented in their Japanese branches. If you bring your favorite reusable cup or bottle to the shop, you are granted a 30 yen discount.

Some of their additional initiatives include using paper cups for cold drinks and transitioning to a lid design for to-go coffee cups that eliminates the need for straws. Both initiatives are being gradually introduced in branches. If these actions are successful, they could result in a waste reduction exceeding 100 tons.

Beyond these measures, they have developed new recycled straws in response to dissatisfaction with their original paper-based straws. The new straws are made from the skins of coffee beans produced in the roasting process. They are proud to have solved the problem of their straws being weak for drinks and imparting a paper taste, which had previously dissatisfied customers.

More places to welcome your reusable cup

Bringing reusable cups to coffee shops is still not the norm in Japan, and you may hesitate to order your coffee with your own cup. However, the reality is that more coffee chains and even convenience stores are willing to accept your cup and offer discounts. You are not required to purchase the original cups sold in the shops. All spots, including the two chains mentioned above, are happy to serve your drink in your favorite cup. I personally bring a Patagonia mug whenever I visit these places.

In addition to the above, some information suggests that CAFÉ de CRIÉ offers a 30 yen discount, and NEW YORKER’S Cafe, Segafredo Caffe, and Seattle’s Best CoffeeSeattle’s Best Coffee offer a 20 yen discount. While Doutor and Saintmarc Cafe do not implement discounts, there is information that they accept customers bringing their own tumblers.

A cup of coffee, as stated at the beginning, generates an egregious amount of waste annually. Nevertheless, your conscious choice can significantly influence these circumstances. Why not stop by a cafe for your next cup of coffee with your favorite cup?