TOUS les JOURS (TLJ), a French-Asian bakery café chain, has started introducing sustainable, plant-based plastic straws at locations across the United States.
The new straws are made with PHACT™ PHA biopolymer, produced by CJ Biomaterials, Inc. (CJ BMS). This biopolymer is derived from plant-based materials and is reported to be durable and flexible.
Regina Schneider, Chief Marketing Officer of TOUS les JOURS, stated that the introduction of the straws is a step towards sustainability. She emphasized the importance of reducing the environmental footprint as the chain expands to over 200 locations this year.
CJ BMS previously introduced PHACT™ PHA-based straws in South Korea in 2023. To enhance sustainability, the company developed a new biobased PHA compound that meets certifications for compostability and marine biodegradability.
In 2024, CJ BMS launched PHACT™ CB0400A, a new PHA compound certified by TÜV Austria for marine biodegradability and by the Biodegradable Products Institute for commercial compostability.
CJ BMS collaborated with ANU Drinkware to produce the new sustainable straws, which fulfill size and performance requirements for TOUS les JOURS.
Max Senechal, Chief Commercial Officer of CJ Biomaterials, stated that consumer expectations are driving the demand for compostable food service products. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration in accelerating the development of biobased products.
The production of PHACT™ PHA involves the fermentation of plant feedstocks, which capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This process results in a biopolymer that is both compostable and biodegradable in various environments.
