In California and Minnesota, Starbucks will begin a trial using compostable paper cups with biobased liner and molded-fiber lids at several locations.
California and Minnesota locations were chosen for the pilot because both are implementing Extended Producer Responsibility laws. Starbucks hopes that the new cups and lids will help it reach its goal of having all of its single-serve items be 100% reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging by 2030. The company already missed its goal of doubling its use of reusable cups between 2016 and 2022.
Huhtamaki, which will manufacture the cold-beverage cups, told Packaging Europe many post-consumer recycled paper items, such as egg cartons, fruit packaging, and foodservice cup carriers, are made from materials such as old newspapers.