Starbucks launches reusable cups program targeting 50% waste reduction by 2030

USA – Starbucks Coffee Company has introduced a new initiative allowing customers in the U.S. and Canada to use their clean personal cups for in-café, drive-thru, and mobile orders. 

This initiative, which includes a financial incentive for customers, is a significant step toward Starbucks’ commitment to reduce waste by 50% by 2030.

Starbucks, a pioneer in the coffee industry, has become the first national coffeehouse in the U.S. to offer customers the option to use their personal cups when mobile ordering. 

In Canada, Starbucks takes it a step further, being the first to allow customers to use their personal cups in mobile orders for all drinks and all sizes.

“With the majority of Starbucks beverages enjoyed on the go, this milestone unlocks a big opportunity for customers to choose reusables and supports Starbucks’ commitment to reduce waste by 50 percent by 2030,” the company stated in a press release. 

This initiative aligns with Starbucks’ 2022 goal of reducing cup waste sent to landfills, demonstrating a tangible effort to address environmental concerns.

Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, Michael Kobori, expressed the company’s vision for a future where every beverage can be served in a reusable cup. 

“Offering customers more options to use a personal cup when they visit Starbucks marks tangible progress towards the future. We know our customers are passionate about the planet, and now, they can join us in our efforts to give more than we take, no matter how they order,” Kobori stated.

The program comes with a financial incentive for customers who choose to use their personal cups. They will receive a ten-cent discount on their beverage, encouraging a shift towards sustainable practices. 

Additionally, Starbucks Rewards customers in the U.S. will receive 25 Bonus Stars for participating in the initiative.

Starbucks’ move towards sustainability has garnered support from environmental organizations.

Kate Daly, Managing Director and Head of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, commended Starbucks as a founding member of the NextGen Consortium, expressing pride in supporting Starbucks’ efforts to advance a waste-free world.

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