Starbucks focuses on sustainable alternatives: An end to plastic straws

Starbucks has decided to offer beverages only in cups with strawless lids in all its stores in the USA and Canada starting September 10, 2020. With this step, the well-known coffeehouse chain aims to contribute to the reduction of plastic waste. Starbucks announced the gradual elimination of plastic straws as early as 2018. A specially developed strawless lid was tested in the USA and Canada in 2019. This lid contains about 9% less plastic than the traditional flat lid with a straw. The new lid is made of polypropylene, a highly recyclable material, and meets the design guidelines of the Association of Plastic Recyclers. Therefore, it can be widely recycled in many markets, including the USA and Canada. The lid will be used for almost all iced coffee and tea varieties, espresso beverages, and Starbucks Refreshers. However, for drinks like Frappuccino and those with whipped cream, the existing packaging will continue, except in markets where plastic straws are already banned. In such cases, alternative materials are used. Straws will still be available for customers with disabilities, although the previous plastic lid will no longer be offered. In South Korea, Starbucks introduced plastic-free alternatives as early as 2018 and is striving to extend this strategy to more countries. Sustainability remains an important topic even during the pandemic. According to a survey by GlobalData, 36% of global consumers (and 27% of US consumers) are interested in information on sustainable companies. Among millennials, interest rises to 39%. Starbucks' commitment to the environment could improve its brand image among environmentally conscious customers. Nonetheless, criticism remains, as the lid, despite being recyclable, is still made of plastic.