Starbucks announced on January 3rd, 2023 that it will now allow customers to bring their own reusable cups for nearly all order types, including drive-thru and mobile app orders. This major policy shift aims to reduce the coffee giant’s environmental impact by cutting down on single-use cup waste.
What Changed
Previously, Starbucks only allowed personal reusable cups for orders placed inside stores. With the updated policy, customers’ own cups can now be used when ordering at the drive-thru or mobile order pickup, which together account for over half of Starbucks’ sales.
As of January 3rd, the vast majority of stores across the United States and Canada have implemented procedures to handle reusable cups during busy drive-thru operations. Baristas have been trained on sanitization requirements to ensure personal cups meet food safety standards before being filled.
Environmental Impact
Starbucks estimates this change could eliminate over 100 million single-use cups from landfills annually in North America. With over 15,000 stores in the US alone, the volume of waste adds up quickly.
Consumer demand for eco-friendly options has also grown steadily in recent years. A 2021 survey found 72% of Starbucks customers want more sustainable cup options. This nationwide rollout aims to meet shifting consumer preferences while tangibly reducing the company’s environmental footprint.
| Year | Estimated Cups Saved (millions) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 100+ |
| 2025 | 150+ |
| 2026 | 200+ |
Projected single-use cups eliminated if 50%+ of customers adopt reusable options
How It Works
Customers simply need to ensure their personal cups are clean before visiting a store. Upon arrival, baristas will inspect and confirm the cup is sanitized and fits size requirements. A 10 cent discount will also be applied for reusable cup orders.
After placing an order, reusable cup users now have a designated pickup area separate from standard disposable cups. This streamlined approach ensures custom orders don’t slow down busy drive-thrus.
For mobile orders, customers can select “Personal Cup” in the app when ordering. After scanning their app at pickup, their drink will be ready in their own cup.
Customer & Expert Reactions
Early customer response to the change has been overwhelmingly positive:
“I’ve wanted this option for so long! It feels good to cut down on waste while still enjoying my Starbucks run.”
“Super simple change that makes customers happy and benefits the environment. Smart move on Starbucks’ part.”
“Finally! Bringing my own cup everywhere is a habit now, so I love having Starbucks fit my routine.”
Sustainability experts have also praised the move as an important step toward reducing waste, but note more work remains:
“Providing reusable cup options across all order channels is fantastic progress by Starbucks… But we still need industry-wide change and legislation targeting single-use items.”
“This is a great incentive for consumers to adopt reusables. But product redesign and new models like cup rental systems should complement policy shifts.”
Looking Ahead
With this latest reusable cup expansion, Starbucks continues to position itself as a leader in corporate environmental action. However, growing scrutiny on large chains means pressure to pursue sustainability will persist.
Some next steps for Starbucks could include:
- Experimenting with cup rental/return programs
- Scaling reuse/refill programs globally
- Phasing out plastic straws & cutlery items
- Adding more plant-based menu options
Consumer demand and regulation around single-use plastics will also likely spur faster change across the whole restaurant industry. Companies adopting reusables early can meet customer expectations and gain positive brand reputation.
While minimal compared to manufacturing processes, food services’ front-of-house waste still poses a major environmental issue. Encouraging reuse over disposal is an important pillar in addressing this – and Starbucks’ massive customer base gives it huge potential influence.
With containers making up 25-30% of total landfill volume, no business can ignore the pressing need to develop cleaner, closed-loop systems. January 3rd’s major policy update shows Starbucks grasps this reality and is willing to pivot operations to achieve meaningful impact.
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