`Greener' cups, pay equity on Starbucks menu
SEATTLE — Starbucks is making a $10 million commitment to develop a greener coffee cup that is fully recyclable and compostable.
The company on Tuesday announced the NextGen Cup Challenge initiative in partnership with Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy. The goal is to give cups a second life and keep them from landfills. Inventors will receive grants.
Starbucks says its paper cups are currently manufactured with 10 percent postconsumer recycled fiber. The inside is coated with a thin liner designed to meet quality and safety standards.
The company’s research and development team is testing a new bio-liner, made partially from plant-based material.
Starbucks’ annual shareholders meeting yesterday in Seattle featured a coffee tasting featuring small sample cups that are fully recyclable.
During the meeting, Kevin Johnson, the company’s president and CEO, pointed to what he expected to be Starbucks’ next wave of growth.
“No retailer is better positioned to meet the changing needs of today’s consumer, as expectations of convenience and community redefine what it takes to be a successful and relevant brand,” Johnson said. “The story of our growth over the past five years is grounded in key innovation investments we have been making for our future, and this continued focus will ensure we build upon on our leadership position in this rapidly changing retail environment.”
Starbucks also announced it has achieved 100 percent pay equity for women and men, and for people of all races, performing similar work in the United States.
Starbucks Executive Vice President Lucy Helm said, “This milestone is the result of years of work and commitment, and we believe it is important, as a company of our scale, to help bring more attention to this critical issue.”