In Massachusetts, Dunkin’ Donuts is eliminating all polystyrene foam cups in its global supply chain beginning in spring 2018, with a targeted completion date of 2020. The new, double-walled paper cup that is replacing the polystyrene foam cups is made with paperboard certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard and will feature the current re-closable lid that Dunkin’ customers know and love. The new paper cups are already in use at Dunkin’ Donuts’ next generation concept store in the company’s birthplace of Quincy, Massachusetts. It will be introduced at all Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in New York City and California in spring 2018, and will be phased in across the U.S. as supplier manufacturing capabilities ramp up.
The move complements Dunkin’ Donuts’ earlier commitments in the U.S. to have 80% of fiber-based consumer-facing packaging certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard by the end of this year; eliminate artificial dyes from its menu; build new, more energy-efficient restaurants; and partner with the Rainforest Alliance to source certified coffee.
The majority of Dunkin’ Donuts’ international markets are currently using paper cups, and the brand will work with its franchisees to eliminate foam cups from the remaining international markets by the 2020 goal.