Starbucks Redesigns Plastic Cups for Cold Drinks, Focusing on Sustainability
(CNN) — The next time you order an iced coffee at Starbucks, you may not notice a significant difference in appearance, but there has been an important change. The chain announced on Thursday that the plastic cups for all sizes of its cold drinks have undergone a redesign aimed at reducing environmental impact by using up to 20% less plastic compared to the current version. This move is part of Starbucks’ ongoing sustainability efforts to halve its waste and carbon output by 2030.
The new cups, developed in-house at Starbucks, will debut in select US and Canadian locations this year, with a full rollout expected to be complete by spring 2025. In addition to using less plastic, Starbucks projects that the new cups will save more than 6,100 tons (13.5 million pounds) of plastic from landfills annually and also reduce emissions and conserve water in the production process.
The redesign includes new accessibility features, such as black and white “fill lines” for contrast with light and dark-colored drinks. Another change is that the tall, grande, and venti glasses now use the same size lid, reducing clutter and saving time for employees. Starbucks also added raised lettering to the bottom of the cup for easier identification during rush times.
Starbucks has been exploring various sustainability initiatives, such as allowing customers to fill their own glasses through drive-thru and app ordering. They have also tested a cup loaner program, where customers pay a deposit for a durable cup that they can return after use. However, some experts believe that more innovative solutions, such as reusable and returnable to-go cups, are needed to fully address the plastic crisis.
Overall, Starbucks’ efforts to redesign their plastic cups for cold drinks reflect a commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact in the food and beverage industry.