Reusable cups are now available for use on all Starbucks trips, including drive-thrus and smartphone orders.
Why it is significant: The coffee company stated that it is a step toward reducing waste by 50% by 2030 and is part of a “larger cultural movement” to shift away from single-use plastics and toward reusables.
Starbucks claims to be the first national coffeehouse in the United States to allow customers to use their own cups while placing mobile orders.
Beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3, all company-operated and participating licensed stores nationwide will accept clean personal cups.
Extend your view: According to Axios, the company has tested reusable cup programs in countries such as Japan, South Korea, Singapore, London, France, and Germany.
Its largest test in the United States began last spring in 200 Colorado retailers. Since June 2023, all Colorado customers have been able to order with personal cups in drive-thrus.
What they’re saying: “As we know, the most sustainable cup is likely the one you already own,” said Kate Daly, managing director and head of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners, in a statement.
“Bringing your own cup to stores is a critical step toward reducing single-use packaging waste,” Daly said.
Starbucks has permitted customers to bring in their own cups for in-store orders since the 1980s.
Starting in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the corporation temporarily suspended the usage of reusable cups for 15 months. In June 2021, Starbucks will enable customers to bring back reusable personal cups for orders placed in cafés.
Using reused Starbucks cups
It operates as follows: Customers order their beverages at the drive-thrus and inform the barista that they brought their own cups.
At the pickup window, the personal cup is put without the lid in a “contactless vessel to ensure hygiene and safety.”
Customers who place mobile orders through the Starbucks app will select “Personal Cup” from the customization option and present their cups while picking up their order.
All cups must be brought in clean and given over with the lids removed.
Between the lines: Starbucks told Axios that “overall drive-thru times were not negatively impacted” when it tried personal cups in Colorado drive-thrus last spring.
Starbucks recyclable cup promotion
Be wise: Starbucks gives customers who bring and utilize clean reusable cups a 10-cent discount off a drink, and members of its loyalty program receive 25 bonus stars.
Customers can earn 25 stars for using the cups at participating businesses up to three times each day.
Starbucks 2024 Winter menu
Starbucks is welcoming the new year with a new winter menu with the introduction of the Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, new potato bakes, and a vanilla bean custard Danish.
Pistachio Cream Cold Brew and Pistachio Latte are also back on the menu. According to the Axios, holiday beverages such as Peppermint Mocha may still be available in some retailers.