Starbucks Introduces Eco-Friendly Takeaway Cups in Europe

Starbucks: Take-Away Efforts to ‘No Plastic’

Date: 27th May 2025

Announcement

Starbucks launched its new version of the takeaway white cup in Europe. Starbucks has taken an initiative to replace its plastic-lined cups and lids with new materials that are recyclable and compostable. The production and manufacturing process of cups has started this month in 10 European countries, and is likely to enter Ireland and the UK this year, as confirmed by Starbucks. The new cups are a solution to the challenges associated with the sustainable disposal of currently preferred cups. The recent cups consist of a plastic lining that needs to be discarded from other cups before they get composted and recycled.

What’s new to the sustainable packaging market?

The new recyclable cups are made of mineral-based coating, and the lids contain fiber alternatives. Rather than the use of plastics, the lids are also coated with mineral-based materials. The new mineral-based coatings contain a waterproof barrier, which is produced by Italy-based Qwarzo. The paper used for the cup is allotted by Finland’s Metsä Board, purely made from traceable wood fibre from the northern European forest. The transcendental packaging is situated in Wales, from where the cups will be manufactured.

Starbucks is standing by its commitment to become a resource-positive, responsible company. The company adopted strategies such as moving away from single-use packaging and promoting alternatives to reuse or recycle the waste. A slight difference uplifts eco-friendly to take close to the change. The company, back then, announced plans in 2022 to deliver reusable cup options to customers. By 2025, the company is striving to achieve its goal of allowing access to the reusable cup for every customer visit.

Views and Statements

President of Starbucks EMEA, Duncan Moir, said that the first ever introduction to the company’s expanding technology is a hot cup solution to enhance the coffee cup. The new hot cup of Starbucks in Europe enables home compostable and recyclable alternatives for customers who do not have a reusable cup. Further, the president appreciated the team that developed and worked on this innovative solution. The customer's satisfaction and consideration for this solution are an achievement. Europe’s customers enjoy having a coffee in a white cup in their hands is a success of this innovation. The Starbucks company is looking forward to learn from the rollout of the cups to focus on discovering new sustainable innovations. The company will serve the required changes to the market globally.

The CEO of Transcend Packaging, Lorenzo Angelucci, said that Starbucks and Europe’s go-to-market strategy with the new technology has unlocked the potential for transformational development. Additionally, the CEO welcomes Starbucks' courageous move towards innovation and transformation of the packaging production process.