Teijin Frontier Introduces Marine Biodegradable Drinking Straws with High Transparency and Large Diameters
Tokyo, April 17, 2025 --- Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd., announced today that it has developed marine biodegradable drinking straws that can contribute to reduction of waste plastic in the oceans. These new straws use NEQAS™-OCEAN, a biodegradable cellulose acetate resin from NEQAS Corporation, as their raw material. The straws have earned the "Marine Biodegradable &Biobased Plastics" mark from the Japan Bio Plastics Association.
Teijin Frontier’s straws combine the high transparency and marine biodegradability of NEQAS™-OCEAN with the ability to be designed with a larger diameter than conventional cellulose acetate straws, thanks to the company’s specialized polymer processing technology. With a diameter of up to 11 mm, the straws can accommodate beverages such as jelly drinks and bubble tea containing tapioca. The new straws became available for sale in Japan in April 2025.
Cellulose acetate is a polymer that is chemically modified with acetic acid derived from plant-based cellulose. It ultimately biodegrades into natural substances, such as water and carbon dioxide, through the action of water and microorganisms.
Example of Biodegradable Straw Usage
Teijin Frontier has been pursuing its environmental strategy, THINK ECO®, by developing a wide range of environmentally friendly materials and products. These include ta polylactic acid (PLA) resin, BIOFRONT, which combines biodegradability and practicality. The launch of the new marine biodegradable straws further advances this strategy. Moving forward, Teijin Frontier will continue to offer solutions that contribute to reducing environmental impact by expanding the range of biodegradable plastic raw materials and products.
About the Teijin Group
Teijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group with two core businesses: high-performance materials and healthcare solutions. Established in 1918 as Japan’s first rayon manufacturer, Teijin today comprises some 170 companies employing 20,000 people in 20 countries. Teijin is committed to its Purpose, “Pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet.” Teijin works together with employees and external partners to achieve its Long-Term Vision, “To be a company that supports the society of the future.” Teijin posted consolidated revenue of JPY 1,005.5 billion and total assets of JPY 1,061.3 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.Visit www.teijin.com.
Press Contact
Corporate Communication Department
Teijin Limited
+81 (0)3 3506 4055
pr@teijin.co.jp
Teijin Frontier’s straws combine the high transparency and marine biodegradability of NEQAS™-OCEAN with the ability to be designed with a larger diameter than conventional cellulose acetate straws, thanks to the company’s specialized polymer processing technology. With a diameter of up to 11 mm, the straws can accommodate beverages such as jelly drinks and bubble tea containing tapioca. The new straws became available for sale in Japan in April 2025.
Cellulose acetate is a polymer that is chemically modified with acetic acid derived from plant-based cellulose. It ultimately biodegrades into natural substances, such as water and carbon dioxide, through the action of water and microorganisms.
Example of Biodegradable Straw Usage
Teijin Frontier has been pursuing its environmental strategy, THINK ECO®, by developing a wide range of environmentally friendly materials and products. These include ta polylactic acid (PLA) resin, BIOFRONT, which combines biodegradability and practicality. The launch of the new marine biodegradable straws further advances this strategy. Moving forward, Teijin Frontier will continue to offer solutions that contribute to reducing environmental impact by expanding the range of biodegradable plastic raw materials and products.
About the Teijin Group
Teijin (TSE: 3401) is a technology-driven global group with two core businesses: high-performance materials and healthcare solutions. Established in 1918 as Japan’s first rayon manufacturer, Teijin today comprises some 170 companies employing 20,000 people in 20 countries. Teijin is committed to its Purpose, “Pioneering solutions together for a healthy planet.” Teijin works together with employees and external partners to achieve its Long-Term Vision, “To be a company that supports the society of the future.” Teijin posted consolidated revenue of JPY 1,005.5 billion and total assets of JPY 1,061.3 billion in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025.Visit www.teijin.com.
Press Contact
Corporate Communication Department
Teijin Limited
+81 (0)3 3506 4055
pr@teijin.co.jp