NEW YORK — In a move to minimize their environmental impact, Starbucks unveiled a new design for their plastic cups used for cold beverages. The redesigned cups promise to reduce up to 20% of plastic usage compared to the previous version, marking a significant step towards sustainability. This change is part of the company’s broader efforts to cut waste and greenhouse gas emissions by half within the next decade.
Developed internally by Starbucks, the new cups are set to debut in select locations in the United States and Canada this year, with a full rollout expected by spring 2025. By using less plastic in the cups, Starbucks anticipates saving over 13.5 million pounds of plastic from ending up in landfills annually. Additionally, the company projects that the new cups will help lower emissions and conserve water during the production process.
Starbucks conducted extensive tests to ensure that the redesign does not compromise the cups’ durability or their ability to keep beverages cold. The new design includes accessibility features such as fill lines that provide contrast for different-colored drinks. Moreover, the cups for tall, grande, and venti sizes now share the same lid, streamlining the process for employees and reducing clutter.
While Starbucks has implemented various sustainability initiatives in the past, such as allowing customers to bring their own cups, the company continues to face challenges in addressing the plastic crisis. Environmental advocates emphasize the need for more comprehensive solutions, such as the development of reusable and returnable on-the-go cups, to achieve long-term sustainability goals. Despite these challenges, Starbucks remains committed to reducing its environmental footprint and innovating for a more sustainable future.