TOUS les JOURS (TLJ), a renowned French-Asian bakery café chain, offers over 300 varieties of artisan pastries, gourmet cakes, and desserts that are freshly baked in-store every day. In a significant move towards sustainability, TLJ has started introducing new plant-based, biodegradable plastic straws in its U.S. locations. These innovative straws are crafted from PHACT™ PHA biopolymer, developed by CJ Biomaterials, Inc (CJ BMS), a leading manufacturer of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) biopolymers. Not only are the straws derived from a safe, bio-based material, but they also deliver durability and flexibility, ensuring they do not become soggy when used in beverages.
Regina Schneider, Chief Marketing Officer at TOUS les JOURS, stated, “Introducing straws made from safe, plant-based materials to our U.S. stores is a meaningful step in sustainability that complements our dedication to incorporating plant-based menu items our guests love.” She added, “As we expand to over 200 TOUS les JOURS locations this year, reducing our environmental footprint is more important than ever to meet our sustainability goals.”
This initiative builds upon the successful introduction of PHACT™ PHA-based straws across TOUS les JOURS stores in South Korea earlier in 2023. Subsequently, CJ BMS initiated the development of a new biobased PHA compound that meets certifications for both compostability and marine biodegradability. In 2024, they successfully launched PHACT™ CB0400A, which consists of unique grades of amorphous and semi-crystalline PHA biopolymers. These grades have received certifications as OK biodegradable MARINE from TÜV Austria and are recognized as commercially compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute, as well as biobased by the USDA BioPreferred program.
To manufacture these innovative straws, CJ BMS collaborated with ANU Drinkware, a company specializing in sustainable straw production. Together, they created straws designed to fulfill the size and performance requirements for TOUS les JOURS locations.
Max Senechal, Chief Commercial Officer of CJ Biomaterials, highlighted, “The success of PHACT™ PHA straws at TOUS les JOURS reflects the expectations of consumers looking to brands to adopt safe, compostable solutions for food serviceware, such as straws.” He also noted that this launch demonstrates how collaboration between brands, converters, and biopolymer manufacturers can expedite the commercialization of biobased products that are sustainable, circular, and functional.
The production of PHACT™ PHA begins with plant feedstocks that capture atmospheric carbon dioxide and convert it into sugars through photosynthesis. These sugars are then fermented by bacteria to produce PHA biopolymer, resulting in a low-carbon footprint material that is both compostable and biodegradable in marine and soil environments. CJ Biomaterials employs unique PHA technology to create a diverse range of PHA polymers, from fully amorphous to semi-crystalline.
For more insights about PHACT™ PHA and its applications in straws, cutlery, and flexible films, follow CJ Biomaterials on Linkedin or visit cjbiomaterials.com. Additionally, to stay updated on TOUS les JOURS and their locations, follow them on Instagram or visit tljus.com.
