Starbucks offers Borrow A Cup Program at sixty stores in Taiwan

Reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, all Starbucks Taiwan stores will offer reusable cup options to customers by 2023

Starbucks today announced the launch of its Borrow A Cup program across sixty stores in Taiwan, after successfully implementing its first Borrow A Cup pilot at two stores in Houshanpi and Taoyuan in late July 2022.

The program targets to encourage customers to shift away from single-use cups as part of Starbucks global goal to reduce waste sent to landfill by 50% by 2030.

In addition to the sixty stores offering reusable cup options to customers, the Borrow A Cup program will further expand to other stores in 2023, targeting to extend coverage to all stores nationwide in Taiwan by the end of 2023.

To borrow a reusable cup from a Starbucks® store participating in the Borrow A Cup program, customers should sign in to the Starbucks® app, place an order for a freshly brewed beverage and pay a $50 refundable deposit per cup. The Borrow A Cup program allows customers to return reusable cups in two ways: either by returning the reusable cup to the cashier at one of the 60 Starbucks® stores where the program has been implemented within seven days of the cup being borrowed, or by opening the Starbucks app in a KIOSK cup return machine in the store and scanning the “return a cup” QR code before depositing the lid and cup into designated delivery ports. Used cups are collected, washed and sterilized that meet or exceed public guidelines.

Adhering to the principles of a sustainable recycling and reuse cycle, in Taiwan, Starbucks has implemented multiple sustainability initiatives in addition to the Borrow A Cup program. Cup bags and cup holders made from recycled materials alongside reusable stainless stirring rods and trays made from coffee grounds have been introduced at all Starbucks® stores in Taiwan. Meanwhile, Starbucks continues to offer plant-based milk options such as oat milk, almond milk and soy milk to its list of customizable beverage options, and annually introduces new vegan meal options.

Starting July 1st, 2023, the Starbucks Borrow A Cup program in Taiwan has now expanded to over 500 stores, with the exception of specific locations such as hospitals, airports and some business parks, half a year after its first launch.