By 2025, Starbucks will provide reusable cups in stores in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa to reduce the amount of disposable waste that enters landfills.
According to a statement on Thursday, the Seattle-based coffee chain will begin trials in the United Kingdom, France and Germany in the next few months, and then expand the program to all 3,840 stores in 43 countries/regions in the region. The plan is part of Starbucks’ plan to become a “resource-active” company and to cut carbon emissions, water use and waste in half by 2030.
Duncan Moir, President of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Although we have made great progress in reducing the number of disposable paper cups leaving the store, there is more work to be done. Reusability is the only long-term option.”
In the past two decades, the number of people drinking coffee has increased rapidly in many countries, leading to an increase in disposable waste. An audit conducted with sustainability consultant Quantis and the World Wide Fund for Nature found that Starbucks dumped 868 metric tons of coffee cups and other garbage in 2018. This is more than twice the weight of the Empire State Building.
In April of this year, the coffee giant announced plans to eliminate disposable cups in cafes across South Korea by 2025. This is the company’s first such measure in a major market.
According to the company, in the EMEA trial, customers will pay a small deposit to buy a reusable cup, which comes in three sizes and can be used for up to 30 hot or cold drinks before returning it. Starbucks is launching a product that uses 70% less plastic than previous models and does not require a protective cover.
The program will run in conjunction with existing programs, such as providing temporary ceramic cups for stores and discounts for customers who bring their own water cups. Starbucks will also reintroduce paper cup surcharges in the UK and Germany.
Like its competitors, Starbucks suspended many reusable cup programs during the pandemic due to concerns about the spread of Covid-19. In August 2020, it resumed the use of personal cups by British customers through a contactless process to minimize risks.
Post time: Jun-17-2021