Starbucks Japan releases new “Afterword” collection that gives coffee waste a second life

Exclusive range includes a planter cover, smartphone stand and a unique coffee-dyed Japanese tenugui.

A cup of coffee has a story that continues even after the final sip. That’s the idea that Starbucks Japan had in mind when it created “Afterword”, a new collection of everyday goods that’s set to hit stores in Japan on Friday.

Stylised as “AfterWaord” but pronounced “Afterword” – Starbucks hasn’t revealed the true reason for the “wa” in the title but it could be a nod to the Japanese concept of “wa” or “harmony” – the new collection is made from recycled materials generated during the coffee-making process.

By using recycled coffee grounds and other waste materials like straw, the chain has created a range of useful items for daily life, covering everything from coffee canisters through to pot plant covers and even a nifty smartphone stand, all in an effort to pave the way towards a more sustainable future.

With its simple design and coffee hues, this chunky tumbler has a minimalist look that easily fits into a wide variety of everyday settings without drawing a lot of attention.

It also includes a ticket for one free drink of your choice, and with the clever flip-top lid design, your drink will stay perfectly sealed inside.

We don’t recall ever seeing a product like this at Starbucks before, as the cup-shaped storage case comes with a unique lid that can also be used as a smartphone stand.

The lid has been creatively designed so users can place their phone on it horizontally for hands-free video viewing, making it ideally suited for use at home, in the office, or while unwinding at a Starbucks store.

The warm, coffee-inspired colour of this canister adds a cosy feel to your daily coffee routine, while storing approximately 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of coffee beans.

Though this clever product is designed to hold houseplants and conceal their plain-looking pots – up to approximately a size 3 – it can also be used to store other items like household goods and stationery.

With an embossed Starbucks Siren logo, this notebook has a very premium feel. The cover is made from recycled coffee grounds, and inside you’ll find 159 pages with a grid layout, made with FSC-certified paper.

Tenugui are long, thin cotton towels that can be used in a number of scenarios, from wicking away sweat, wrapping gifts, drying dishes and decorating homes.

Unlike a lot of other Starbucks merchandise collections, which tend to feature an array of motifs and colourful designs, this new Afterword collection keeps things focused on sustainability, with simple designs that celebrate the coffee that helped bring them into existence.

It’s a heartwarming reminder that the long journey of a coffee bean doesn’t have to end after the last sip, and the collection can be purchased at stores around Japan from 31 July and online a day earlier, from 8 p.m. on 30 July.