INDIANAPOLIS — Starbucks is expanding the use of lightweight, recyclable strawless lids to company-operated and licensed stores across the nation.
The coffee and beverage giant is trying to eliminate the use of one billion plastic straws globally per year.
“Recyclable, strawless lids for customers across the U.S. and Canada is another step in our journey to reduce our environmental footprint,” said Michael Kobori, chief sustainability officer in a Starbucks announcement on its website. “As we move closer toward our 2030 target of a 50 percent reduction in waste sent to landfills, 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.”
Starbucks will make its new lid standard for all iced coffee, tea, espresso, and cold beverages. Unlike straws that cannot be recycled because of their size, the 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, according to Starbucks.
Frappuccino blends and other drinks with whipped cream will continue to use a domed lid made from recyclable plastic and be accompanied by a straw, except where prohibited by local law. Straws will also remain available in stores for customers upon request.
In 2019, Starbucks introduced strawless lids in select markets across the U.S., Canada and China, in addition to introducing paper straws across the UK and Europe. The company said strawless lids and straws made from alternative materials will continue to be tested and rolled out to more markets in the coming year.
