Starbucks has announced a major redesign of its plastic cups for cold drinks, using up to 20% less plastic compared to the current version. The company developed these new cups internally as part of ongoing sustainability efforts to reduce waste and carbon output by 2030. The goal is to cut down on plastic use, as the material is mostly made from polymers created from dangerous fossil fuels. The new cups will be rolled out at select US and Canada locations this year and are expected to be fully implemented by spring 2025. Starbucks projects that the new cups will save over 13.5 million pounds of plastic from going to landfills annually, in addition to reducing emissions and conserving water in the production process.
The redesign also includes new accessibility features such as black and white “fill lines” for contrast, and incorporates slight design changes to streamline operations for employees. For example, all sizes of cups will now use the same lid, eliminating clutter and confusion for baristas. Starbucks has conducted tests to ensure that the changeover does not affect the sturdiness or ability of the cups to keep drinks cold. The largest size, trenta, will still have a different lid size, maintaining consistency across the different cup sizes.
Cups and waste have been a long-standing issue for Starbucks, prompting the chain to explore sustainable alternatives and reduce plastic use. In January, Starbucks expanded the option for customers to use their own cups for drive-thru and app orders. Other initiatives have included a borrow-a-cup program, where customers pay a deposit for a durable cup that can be returned after use. However, sustainability advocates like Emma Priestland from Break Free from Plastic, believe that simply reducing plastic use without addressing the overall number of plastic items is not a comprehensive solution to the plastic crisis. Priestland recommends that Starbucks develop reusable and returnable on-the-go cups to fully achieve their sustainability goals.
While Starbucks continues to implement changes to reduce plastic waste, there is still work to be done to address the plastic crisis. The chain has tested various sustainable programs, including pilot programs in different regions where customers pay a deposit for reusable cups. These efforts aim to reduce waste entering the environment and promote a circular economy. However, sustainability advocates stress the importance of not only reducing plastic use, but also creating reusable and returnable alternatives to fully tackle the plastic pollution issue. Starbucks’ ongoing commitment to sustainability will likely involve further innovations and initiatives to meet its environmental goals and address the growing concerns about plastic waste.
Starbucks’ efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability are part of a larger trend among corporations to address environmental impacts. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of reducing their carbon footprint and adopting sustainable practices to meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products. By redesigning its plastic cups and exploring new initiatives, Starbucks is setting an example for other businesses to prioritize sustainability and work towards a more environmentally conscious future. As consumers become more environmentally conscious, expect to see more corporate initiatives focused on reducing waste and promoting sustainability to align with changing consumer preferences and global efforts to address climate change.
