Starbucks has begun introducing a new environmentally friendly white takeaway cup in parts of Europe.
The updated version replaces the previous plastic interior lining with a coating made from minerals.
In a news release, Starbucks said the new hot cup is driven by extensive research and development and advanced manufacturing techniques and is suitable for both home composting and accepted in recycling systems.
Additionally, the traditional plastic lids have been substituted with ones made from plant-based fibres.
The cup and lid can be decomposed safely at home or be sorted through regular recycling. Despite the material changes, the overall appearance of the takeaway cup remains unchanged.
The move ensures compliance with waste and packaging laws in both the UK and the EU.
Production of the redesigned cup takes place at a facility in Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly, Wales.
The manufacturing process uses wood fibres that are sourced from forests in Northern Europe. The coating technology was created in Brescia, Italy, as part of collaborative development.
The new packaging has already been launched in Hungary and Spain, with further expansion underway. It is set to be introduced gradually across selected European stores.
This month, locations in Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and Switzerland will adopt it.
Branches in the UK and Ireland are expected to switch to the new cup later in the year.
Starbucks EMEA president Duncan Moir said: “Our hot cup solution is the first introduction of this emerging technology applied to a coffee cup at scale.
“Starbucks new hot cup in Europe provides a widely recyclable and home-compostable alternative for when customers don’t have a reusable cup. I am really proud of the team that has worked to develop this innovative solution, and I am so excited to see it in the hands of our customers in Europe as they enjoy their coffee.
“We are keen to learn more from this rollout and remain focused on introducing more sustainable innovations to meet the shifting requirements of markets worldwide.”
Last July, Starbucks teamed up with NextGen Consortium to initiate a reusable cup project in California, US.
