Starbucks will begin offering fiber-based compostable cold cups in select stores.
“Based on local regulations, customers in 24 stores will be served their favorite Starbucks drinks in fiber-based, compostable cold cups,” Beth Nervig, Starbucks’ senior manager of social impact communications, told USA Today.
Cities, states, and local governments across the U.S. have enacted laws in recent years aimed at addressing waste and pollution, such as the Alameda Disposable Foodservice Tableware Reduction Act, which passed in the Bay Area in 2018 and encourages food businesses to promote the use of reusable containers when customers pick up food. However, if reusable containers are not available, the law states that food businesses may use “compostable fiber-based containers for carryout items.”
California is one of the states where Starbucks is introducing fiber-based cups.
Disposable cups will only be accepted for cold beverages – customers requesting hot beverages will continue to be provided with standard paper cups.
The cafe company says its mission is to “innovate both disposable and reusable cups.”
Here’s what you need to know about Starbucks’ compostable cold cups.
Starbucks: Introducing great value with new “pairing menu”
What does the cup feel like?
Starbucks has chosen to manufacture its compostable cold cups using environmentally friendly resources, featuring the company’s standard siren logo on the front of the cup.
“The new compostable cups and lids are opaque and made from double-walled fiber-based paperboard with a bioplastic liner, and the lids are also made from compostable molded fiber,” Nervig said.
Where can I buy compostable cold cups?
The compostable cups will be available at 24 locations across two states.
Nervig said the cups will be sold at 21 stores in California and three in Minnesota, but did not provide addresses for the stores.
Starbucks also allows customers to bring their own cups for drinks.
Starbucks has announced that it will allow customers to bring their own clean, reusable cups when visiting their local cafes in the new year.
“Customers who bring their own clean personal cups to participating stores in the U.S. and Canada will receive 10 cents off their drinks, and Starbucks Rewards members in the U.S. will receive 25 bonus stars,” Nervig said.
Additionally, Nervig said the company continues to test returnable cup programs in Petaluma, California, and Seattle, Washington.
The program, which will launch in 2022, will give customers the option to drop off their cold or hot beverage cups in a return bin, where they will be personally cleaned and reused, according to a company press release.
Ajane Forbes is a reporter on USA Today’s National Trends team. Ajane covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and Twitter. X (Twitter) From @forbesfineest.
Julia is a popular reporter for USA Today, covering a variety of topics from local Miami business and government to technology and pop culture. You can connect with or follow her on LinkedIn. X, formerly TwitterInstagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz
