February 13, 2025 – TOUS les JOURS Embraces Sustainable Innovation with Plant-Based Straws Across U.S. Stores
Renowned South Korean bakery chain TOUS les JOURS (also known as “TLJ”), a subsidiary of CJ Group, the largest food company in South Korea, has announced the nationwide rollout of innovative plant-based plastic straws at all its U.S. locations starting February 5, 2025. Since its establishment in 1997, TOUS les JOURS has opened over 1,600 stores worldwide, earning a reputation for its more than 300 handcrafted pastries, exquisite cakes, and desserts baked fresh daily in-store.
These groundbreaking straws are crafted from PHACT™ PHA biopolymer produced by CJ Biomaterials, based in Woburn, Massachusetts. According to industry insights from the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, this biopolymer is derived from plant sources through bacterial fermentation of sugars, making it not only safe and eco-friendly but also durable and resilient, maintaining its shape in beverages. Regina Schneider, Chief Marketing Officer of TOUS les JOURS, highlighted that this move marks a significant step in the company’s journey towards sustainability, aligning with its commitment to introducing customer-favorite plant-based menu options.
Notably, CJ Biomaterials successfully introduced PHACT PHA straws at TOUS les JOURS stores in South Korea in 2023. Building on this success, the company continued to innovate, launching the PHACT CB0400A composite material in 2024, which meets both compostable and marine biodegradable certification standards, earning multiple international certifications.
To meet the requirements of TOUS les JOURS stores, CJ Biomaterials collaborated with sustainable straw manufacturer ANU Drinkware to produce plant-based straws that adhere to the specified size and performance standards. Max Senechal, Chief Commercial Officer of CJ Biomaterials, emphasized that the successful adoption of PHACT PHA straws at TOUS les JOURS reflects consumers’ expectations for safe, compostable food service items and showcases the close collaboration among brands, processors, and biopolymer manufacturers in accelerating the commercialization of sustainable bio-based products.
The production process of PHACT PHA is low-carbon and environmentally friendly, starting with the photosynthesis of plant raw materials that converts atmospheric carbon dioxide into sugars, which are then fermented by bacteria to produce PHA biopolymer. This biopolymer boasts a low carbon footprint and can be composted and biodegraded in marine and soil environments, highlighting its promising future as a sustainable material.