Starbucks trials NextGen Cup solution

Starbucks, Seattle, has announced details for in-market testing of a more sustainable cup technology from the NextGen Cup Challenge. The NextGen Cup Challenge launched in 2018 as an open, global design competition seeking to identify and commercialize existing and future solutions for single-use hot and cold fiber cup systems. 

As of Monday, March 9, the company began to circulate a new BioPBS-lined cup at select stores in Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle; San Francisco; New York; and London. According to a news release from Starbucks, the tests are designed to provide insights into the partner and customer in-store experience with the goal of no noticeable differences in performance between the new cup and the current cup. 

Additionally, in conjunction with New York-based Closed Loop Partners, Starbucks plans to conduct separate tests designed to validate that this cup technology can be recycled more readily than its current cup model. 

In January, Starbucks had announced a multidecade aspiration to be resource positive, giving more than it takes from the planet. As part of the company’s sustainability commitment, the company is focusing on ways to better manage its waste, both in Starbucks stores and in the communities it serves by ensuring more reuse and recycling. 

“While this cup trial is an exciting step forward, Starbucks will continue to evaluate additional NextGen Cup Challenge winning concepts and cup technologies, as well as learn from other reusable and recyclable innovations to find the most sustainable solutions for its business, partners and customers,” the company states.