FamilyMart will soon become Japan's first major convenience store chain to charge customers for plastic cutlery. It says the aim is to cut down on waste.

FamilyMart will start charging up to four cents for every spoon, fork and straw from January 29. They are currently given free to customers who buy meals or desserts.

The first phase of the initiative will cover about 100 stores. The chain says approximately 715 tons of plastic will be reduced once the measure spreads to its roughly 16,000 outlets nationwide.

Other convenience stores in Japan have introduced similar moves. Spoons and forks at 7-Eleven are made from plastic containing 30-percent plant-derived materials.

Lawson has been providing cutlery with holes in the handles to reduce plastic use.