Secret of the Starbucks Cup Revealed

Stand.earth is releasing an updated report today, “Trashed: The Secret of the Starbucks Cup,” which highlights Starbucks’ broken promises on cup recycling.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 30, 2017
Contact: Ross Hammond, ross@stand.earth, tel. 415-559-5082

BELLINGHAM, WA–Stand.earth is releasing an updated report today, “Trashed: The Secret of the Starbucks Cup,” which highlights Starbucks’ broken promises on cup recycling. In 2008, the company committed to stop destroying forests by making a 100% recyclable cup and encouraging the use of reusable cups. Nine years later, Starbucks has done almost nothing to meet these commitments. 

Most people reasonably believe Starbucks cups are recyclable and assume a cup tossed in a recycling bin will get recycled and turned into a new paper product. In fact, the ubiquitous white Starbucks paper coffee cup cannot be recycled because it is lined with plastic, which means that it cannot be recycled in standard paper recycling facilities. 

“In 2017, Starbucks will serve over four billion paper cups, most of which will end up at the dump,” said Ross Hammond of Stand.earth. “As an industry leader that prides itself on good corporate behavior, Starbucks has an obligation to make a 100% recyclable cup. But instead of fulfilling its promises, Starbucks is dragging its feet.” 

This updated report follows the appearance of the “Cup Monster” at the Starbucks sponsored Seafair Festival Launch in June and at the Starbucks Annual General Meeting in March. 

The report can be viewed here.

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