Starbucks launches sustainability innovations in China stores

On Earth Day, which falls on April 21 this year, Starbucks is rolling out a range of new sustainable packaging at its stores in China, including coffee ground straws. It has invited customers to take actions that are good for the planet, part of the chain's efforts to become a resource-positive company.

The world-leading coffee house chain has launched reusable cold beverage cups and to-go wooden flatware, which marks the company's latest effort to reduce environmental impact at every stage of the coffee journey.

"Starbucks' new sustainable packaging solutions make it easier for our partners (employees) and customers to make small contributions towards a better planet in their daily lives," said Leo Tsoi, senior vice president, chief operating officer and president of Starbucks China Retail.

"We firmly believe that the cumulative impact of our every action, however small, can add up to effect real change and make a positive difference to the environment."

Starbucks' new coffee ground straws are made using coffee grounds and Poly Lactic Acid, and are 90 percent biodegradable within four months under standard conditions, far exceeding the six-month criteria under both national and international regulatory requirements.

Coffee ground straws were first piloted in selected stores in the market in February and will be launched in more than 850 Starbucks stores in Shanghai, before being rolled out to the rest of market by the end of the year.

Also, the specially designed reusable cold beverage cups made from food contact resin are able to withstand over 1,000 times of thorough washing and sanitizing. They will be rolled out to the rest of the market by the end of the year.

In addition, all Starbucks stores on the Chinese mainland will introduce newly developed biodegradable wooden flatware for to-go consumption, replacing plastic cutlery. Reusable serve ware will continue to be provided for all in-store consumption. The initiatives are estimated to eliminate a total of over 500 tons of plastic and 350 tons of waste per year when fully rolled out.

The introduction of the latest sustainable packaging solutions comes a year after Starbucks first launched its 'GOOD GOOD' movement, inspiring Chinese customers to explore new lifestyles that are good for the planet, starting with the market-wide offering of a plant-based food and beverage menu in partnership with plant-based brands Beyond Meat Inc and Oatly.

The company has vowed to set science-based preliminary targets for 50 percent reductions of carbon, water and waste by 2030.