Starbucks is enjoying a sip of victory after it successfully implemented a recyclable, strawless lid for iced beverages.
"Over the past year, Starbucks has trialed new lightweight, recyclable strawless lids in select markets across the U.S. and Canada. Due to the success of this test, the company is rolling out strawless lids to company-operated and licensed stores, marking a significant milestone in Starbucks effort to eliminate one billion plastic straws globally per year," the company said in a press release. "Starbucks will continue to shift away from single-use packaging and plastics as part of its resource positive commitment announced in January."
The new lids, which were modeled after the ones used for hot drinks, have approximately 9% less plastic than the flat lid and straw previously used for iced beverages.
Since straws are unable to be recycled do to their shape and size, Starbucks' strawless lid, made from polypropylene, meets the Association of Plastic Recyclers design guidelines for recyclability and can be recycled in many markets in the U.S. and Canada.
The Seattle-based coffee chain first announced the plan to phase out straws in July 2018 and began a rollout of sippy cup lids with the goal to eliminate straws by the end of 2020.
We're committed to a more sustainable way to sip. 💚
— Starbucks Coffee (@Starbucks) September 10, 2020
This month, we will complete our rollout of lightweight, strawless lids to stores in the US and Canada, eliminating an estimated 1 billion single-use plastic straws a year. pic.twitter.com/4847SpjqvQ
"Recyclable, strawless lids for customers across the U.S. and Canada is another step in our journey to reduce our environmental footprint," Michael Kobori, chief sustainability officer at Starbucks, said in a statement.
Blended drinks like Frappuccinos and other beverages with whipped cream will continue to have a domed lid made from recyclable plastic and may be accompanied by a straw, except where prohibited by local law. Straws will also remain available in stores for customers upon request.
The company is one step closer toward its 2030 target of a 50% reduction in waste sent to landfills, Kobori added.
"The long-standing history of innovation within Starbucks, partnership across the industry and changing consumer behavior remain fundamental to our purpose and our prosperity as an organization," he said.
