Compostable QSR Coffee Cups

Starbucks is taking a significant step toward reducing its environmental footprint in Europe with the phased rollout of a new line of sustainable hot beverage cups. As a part of its new business updates, the coffee giant is now leading with innovation, launching compostable and widely recyclable cups across its European markets.

Driven by Starbucks' EMEA division in collaboration with a cross-border manufacturing partnership, the new cups replace the conventional plastic-based polyethylene lining—commonly used in to-go cups worldwide—with a more environmentally responsible mineral-based barrier. This move not only enhances recyclability but also simplifies the waste disposal process for consumers and waste management systems alike.

What sets this initiative apart is the dual compostability and recyclability of both the cup and its lid, which is crafted from responsibly sourced wood fiber. According to Starbucks, the entire packaging solution can be composted in home or industrial composting setups or processed through traditional paper recycling channels.

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