Starbucks Reveals New Cup Design In Order To Reduce Waste

Earlier this year, Starbucks became the only national coffee chain in the U.S. to allow customers to use their reusable personal cups to refill beverages for in-store, drive-thru, and mobile purchases. Now, they are taking their pledge to reduce their environmental impact to the next level with a new and improved version of its reusable cold cups. These recently designed vessels contain 10 to 20% less plastic than their single-use predecessors and are a pivotal aspect of Starbucks' commitment to reducing its environmental footprint. Because cold drinks account for 75% of the coffee giant's U.S. sales, it's estimated that this contemporary construction will eliminate 13.5 million pounds of plastic waste from ending up in landfills each year.

The latest cold cups are modeled to not only be more sustainable but more accessible as well. Features like raised dots and embossed letters indicating the size of the container come from the inspiration of store partners with low visibility. They also feature a universal lid, making the lives of Starbucks baristas a little easier. The new cups will be available later this month at select locations across the U.S. and Canada, with a full rollout coming to all locations throughout the year.

The modern cup design is part of the java giant's commitment to cut its carbon, water, and waste footprint in half by 2030. As stated by Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson in 2020: "As we approach the 50th anniversary of Starbucks in 2021, we are looking ahead with a heightened sense of urgency and conviction that we must challenge ourselves, think bigger, and do much more in partnership with others to take care of the planet we share." The statement was part of a fuller announcement that Starbucks would be venturing on a multi-decade plan to become a resource-positive company by giving more than it gets.

Starbucks' vision is to reduce its carbon emissions and waste sent to landfills via stores and manufacturing facilities by 50%. They also plan to conserve or replenish 50% of the water used in coffee production. Some of the fundamental impact areas Starbucks aims to address by 2030 include expanding their plant-based menu items and shifting towards more reusable packaging for their products. 

While the company strides toward a cleaner environment, more than 18,000 Starbucks partners have enrolled in their Greener Apron sustainability and environmental stewardship course online to become more educated about their ecological footprint. Not only are they educating from within, but now they are incentivizing customers to participate in re-use as well.

In the few short months Starbucks has permitted customers to bring in their personal cups for refills, nearly 400,000 Starbucks Rewards members have taken advantage of the option. Even baristas are getting in on the action, with 20% using a reusable container for their shift beverage. But with the rollout of their newly designed cold cups, they are shifting from simply providing the option to refill a personal beverage vessel to actively encouraging it. In U.S. locations, Starbucks Rewards members will receive 25 points each time they refill a beverage with a reusable cup, and they will also get $0.10 off of their purchase.

As summer approaches and iced coffee drinks become even more alluring, it's a great time to consider using a reusable container for your Iced Lavender Oatmilk Latte or Iced Matcha. You can feel good about being a part of something positive as you delight in a refreshing iced beverage on your way to wherever life takes you next. And Starbucks Rewards points add up quickly. With the incentive Starbucks is offering to make the change, there's never been a better time to re-train your brain to grab your new personal cup before you make a trip to your local shop or nearest reserve location.