Discover Starbucks’ innovative step towards sustainability to reduce waste by 50% by 2030 through its nationwide acceptance of reusable cups.
Recently, Starbucks has announced its immediate acceptance of reusable cups for mobile orders, marking a pioneering move among nationwide coffee retailers. Additionally, customers now have the option to use reusable cups for drive-thru purchases, a first for the chain.
In response to health concerns linked to COVID-19, the Seattle-based coffee giant ceased permitting customers to bring their own “for here” ware in March 2020.
The coffee company’s latest initiative allows patrons to utilize a “clean, personal cup for every visit,” regardless of whether they place their order via drive-thru, mobile app, or in-store purchase. This policy applies to all company-operated stores and participating licensed outlets, as outlined in the release.
What is Starbucks’s target?
Starbucks highlighted this milestone as a significant step, emphasizing that most of its beverages are consumed on the go. The move is aimed at empowering customers to opt for reusable cups, aligning with Starbucks’ commitment to reducing waste by 50% by 2030, as stated in the release.
Moreover, the company underscored its efforts to promote the use of reusable cups, which aligns with its 2022 objective of minimizing cup waste sent to landfills.
Furthermore, the new initiative includes a financial incentive. Customers who opt for a personal cup will receive a ten-cent discount on their beverage. Additionally, Starbucks Rewards members in the U.S. who participate will earn 25 Bonus Stars.
The guidelines outlined in the release instruct customers at drive-thru locations to inform the barista about their reusable cups. Subsequently, “baristas will safely collect customers’ cups without the lid using a contactless vessel to ensure hygiene and safety. The beverage will be returned to the customer in the same manner.”
For mobile orders, customers are advised to choose “Customization” and “Personal Cup” options and hand over their cups to the barista upon arrival at the store.
The release underlines the critical importance of ensuring the cleanliness of personal cups. “For the safety of customers and our staff, baristas cannot rinse personal cups in Starbucks’ equipment sinks. Therefore, we are unable to accept dirty cups,” the company stated in the release.
To Conclude
Starbucks, following a successful “personal cup test” conducted at 200 drive-thrus across Colorado last spring, decided to expand the program nationwide.
In a press release, Starbucks clarified that these alterations are “part of a broader cultural movement spearheaded by the company to transition towards reusable items and reduce reliance on single-use plastics, making it convenient for customers to use their cups on every visit.”
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