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

core/heading

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.

core/paragraph

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.

core/image

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.

core/gallery

Sustainability

Sustainability Archives : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks offers Borrow A Cup Program at sixty stores in Taiwan : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/sustainability/

twitter:card

twitter:title

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

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/11/Starbucks-Taiwan-Borrow-A-Cup_key-visual.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-offers-borrow-a-cup-program-at-sixty-stores-in-taiwan/

twitter:description

twitter:image

Starbucks today announced a first look into a new drive-thru store, opening on June 1 within a bustling rest stop in Togane City, Japan. The store is the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-first-greener-store-in-japan-aims-to-cut-waste/">second in Japan</a> to be certified under the Greener Stores Framework, aimed at accelerating the transformation of retail towards lower-impact stores that achieve reductions in carbon emissions, water usage and landfill waste.

The store plays a key role in a community collaboration between Starbucks Japan, Togane City and Sanyu Plant Service Corporation, a local manufacturer, which aims to promote circularity and reduce waste, while making a positive impact for the local community. As part of the collaboration, used coffee grounds from the new store will be recycled into cattle feed, and through Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-japan-announces-circularity-innovations/">coffee grounds circularity loop</a>, milk from participating dairies is then used to create handcrafted beverages at around 200 Starbucks stores across the Kanto and Kansai areas, including the new drive-thru. In addition, other food waste from the store will be turned into compost to grow produce directly at the rest stop in Togane City, in cooperation with Chiba Prefectural University of Agriculture.

Beautifully designed inside and out to reflect the area’s proud local industry, the store features local Sambu cedar and Japanese yew trees, the official trees of Togane City. As part of Starbucks global efforts to reduce carbon by 50% by 2030, the store is powered by solar panels on the roof and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-japan-announces-renewable-energy-stores/">locally-generated renewable energy</a>. The solar system will include batteries that can provide backup power in the event of an outage.

Connection with the community is also central to the new store’s operation and design. "I believe that even if the actions of each of us are small, each step we take will become a path leading to the future," says Ayumi, store manager. "Starting with what we can do, we would like to build the future together with the community."

News

News Archives : Starbucks Stories Asia

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/news/

Starbucks Japan opens new store focused on coffee grounds circularity : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Japan opens new store focused on coffee grounds circularity

Starbucks new drive-thru in Japan turns used coffee grounds into compost next door.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/05/Japan-Greener-Store-Togane-City-7.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/japan-opens-new-store-focused-on-coffee-grounds-circularity/

In support of Starbucks resource positive aspirations, the company will begin testing the operation of electric vehicles (EVs) to supply select stores in Seoul. Starbucks Coffee Korea today announced the rollout of a new partnership with long-time logistics provider CJ Logistics to transition Starbucks operational fleet in South Korea to electric vehicles, unveiled <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-korea-announces-aspirations/">last year</a> as part of Starbucks Coffee Korea’s bold sustainability commitments. Starting in April, six stores in the city center and Gangnam area will be supplied by EVs, with plans to gradually expand the fleet across the Seoul metro area and the supply chain nationwide. The round-trip distance from the distribution center to the stores is about 140 km, with each EV able to travel up to 180 km on a single rapid charge.

“I’m glad that the deliveries to our store will now arrive in electric vehicles,” says Philip, a partner at the Seoul Tower store in Namsan. “With our store located in the heart of Seoul, we are pleased to be the first to introduce this innovation, and as a partner I am very proud that Starbucks is leading the way in the introduction of more planet-friendly, sustainable operations.”

“We are incredibly excited to begin this new program in Seoul,” said David Song, ceo, Starbucks Coffee Korea. “Environmental sustainability is one of the major pillars of our social impact strategy, and our customers have joined us on this journey every step of the way. We’re proud to be able to share this new initiative to support the operations of our stores in Seoul, as we continue to work toward becoming a resource positive company.”

Since entering the market in 1999, Starbucks Coffee Korea has grown rapidly to become Starbucks fourth largest market, with more than 1,600 stores across 78 cities nationwide. Today, more than 20,700 partners proudly wear the green apron in Korea.

Starbucks partner in Korea receives a supply delivery via electric vehicle

Starbucks Coffee Korea Begins Electric Vehicle Operations in Seoul : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Coffee Korea Begins Electric Vehicle Operations in Seoul

Zero-emission EVs are now supplying select Starbucks stores in Korea.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/04/pic2.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-coffee-korea-begins-electric-vehicle-operations-in-seoul/

In support of Starbucks goal to reduce waste sent to landfill from stores and direct operations by 50% by 2030, the company is shifting away from single-use plastics, promoting reusability and championing the use of recycled content, driven by a broader shift towards a circular economy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

This month, Starbucks announces new and expanded programs rolling out at stores across Japan to promote reusability while providing customers with the care and convenience they expect from Starbucks.

Customers spending time in the cafe will be able to enjoy iced beverages in new resin glasses, enjoying the beauty of their favorite Starbucks beverage while reducing single-use cup waste. Starbucks also serves hot beverages in mugs and continues to encourage customers to bring their personal tumblers for a 20-yen discount. This new initiative adds more ways for customers to opts for reusables and help reduce single-use cups.

In addition, Starbucks will expand its reusable Borrow A Cup program to eight stores in the Shibuya area of Tokyo, following the initial launch of the pilot in the Marunouchi area last summer. To help make reusables convenient for customers, Starbucks is testing multiple reusable programs and operating models around the world, including South Korea, Singapore and London.

When customers enjoy food from Starbucks stores in Japan, they will have more options when dining in or taking out. Starting in March, stores across Japan will offer customers reusable stainless steel cutlery when dining in stores, or new biodegradable cutlery for to-go orders. Customers enjoying iced beverages will also be able to choose whether they need a lid, further reducing the amount of single-use plastic in stores.

Starbucks takes action to reduce waste in Japan : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks takes action to reduce waste in Japan

In support of Starbucks goal to reduce waste sent to landfill from stores and direct operations by 50% by 2030, the company is shifting away from single-use plastics, promoting reusability and championing the use of recycled content, driven by a broader shift towards a circular economy.  &nbsp;&nbsp; This month, Starbucks announces new and expanded programs rolling […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/03/Starbucks-Japan-Waste-Reduction-6-1024x679.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-announces-new-waste-reducing-services-in-japan/

Today, Starbucks hosted its 30th&nbsp;annual meeting of shareholders virtually. Mellody Hobson, Starbucks Board of Directors chair, joined Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, for opening remarks following today’s news that Johnson made the personal decision to retire from Starbucks after 13 years of service.

Following opening remarks, Johnson, joined by several members of the leadership team and green apron partners (employees) from around the world, went on to outline Starbucks continued investments and aspirations for people and the planet, and the company’s optimism for a future rooted in humanity, fueled by innovation, and architected by green apron partners.

Here are the important things to know about today’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders:

Starbucks announces leadership transition

Earlier today,&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-announces-leadership-transition/">Starbucks announced that Kevin Johnson intends to retire</a>&nbsp;after a 13-year tenure at the company, including the last five years as ceo. Johnson will transition from his current role effective April 4, 2022 and will continue to serve as a Starbucks partner and special consultant to the company and Board of Directors through September. To ensure seamless stewardship of the company until a permanent successor is named, the Board has appointed Howard Schultz as interim chief executive officer, effective April 4, 2022.

Building on the rich heritage of the company, Johnson established the People Positive, Planet Positive and Profit Positive framework that seeks to create a better world for Starbucks partners, farmers, customers and the communities it serves. He expanded the company’s reach through the Global Coffee Alliance with Nestlé, which now operates in nearly 80 markets, and established and executed the Growth at Scale agenda that significantly increased shareholder value.

Helping customers and partners divert waste from the landfill

Starbucks has spent the last few years testing, learning, and preparing to scale initiatives that help protect the planet as the company looks to a resource positive future. With a focus on waste reduction, Starbucks announced customers will be able to use their own personal reusable cup for every Starbucks visit in the U.S. and Canada – including in-store, in the drive-thru and via mobile order and pay – by the end of 2023. This is a big deal because currently, personal reusable cups are only accepted in-store. By 2025, Starbucks wants to create a cultural movement towards reusables by giving customers easy access to either a personal or a Starbucks-provided reusable cup for every visit.

And because Starbucks knows that putting items in the correct bin has a huge impact on diverting waste from the landfill, the company has also launched a waste and recycling app, developed by partners to navigate the ins-and-outs of recycling guidelines for their local store. Across Starbucks stores in the United States and Canada, there are over 440 unique ways to recycle, and previous to the app’s launch, over 8,000 of our stores were already doing some form of recycling. Learn more&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-innovates-tests-and-learns-from-store-partners-to-achieve-waste-goals/">here</a>.

Recharge yourself and your car at Starbucks

Currently, Starbucks company-operated stores in the U.S. are powered with 100% renewable energy, and now we get to help power our customers cars with renewable energy. Beginning this summer, Volvo electric vehicle chargers, powered by ChargePoint, will be available at up to 15 Starbucks stores along a 1,350-mile route from the Colorado Rockies to the Starbucks Support Center (headquarters) in Seattle. We know infrastructure is the primary reason customers hesitate or decide not to purchase an electric vehicle. By providing charging infrastructure customers can count on, we are hoping to remove that barrier with the added benefit of being able to order your favorite Starbucks beverage while you wait.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Supporting communities around the world and being a People Positive company

Starbucks is committed to being People Positive – a bold aspiration to enhance the well-being of one billion people who connect with Starbucks by 2030 – rooted in opportunity, inclusion, and community. Starbucks, in partnership with The Starbucks Foundation, has committed to a series of announcements to support the People Positive aspiration and strengthen communities around the world, including:

core/list

&nbsp;1,000 Starbucks Community Stores by 2030

As part of the company’s goal to enhance the well-being of all who connect with Starbucks the company plans to open or dedicate 1,000 Starbucks Community Stores by 2030, building on the 150 already open around the globe. These stores seek to uplift communities by offering locally relevant programs and experiences that directly impact the neighborhoods they serve. Starbucks community stores deliver economic opportunity through local hiring and artist collaborations, working with diverse contractors, and creating spaces for people to come together or support local veterans and military families.

A more inclusive and accessible Starbucks Experience

Announced&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2022/starbucks-paves-way-for-more-inclusive-and-accessible-experiences-in-stores-around-the-world/">earlier this week,</a>&nbsp;Starbucks has committed to implementing physical and digital experiences that meet an elevated standards of accessibility by 2030. These new standards will offer customers more ways to communicate (visually, audibly and tactically) and provide more tools to navigate physical store environments. To advance these standards, Starbucks is testing technology solutions in select store locations including speech-to-text technology that provides a visual display for partners and customers placing or picking up an order, as well as new in-store order boards that update customers when their order is ready.

These efforts build on other accessibility offerings, including free&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-offers-aira-creating-accessible-experience-for-blind-and-low-vision-customers/">Aira</a>&nbsp;service for blind or low-vision customers, large-print and Braille menus at all stores in the U.S. and Canada, and the 11 Signing Stores that Starbucks operates globally, where baristas can connect to customers who are deaf or hard of hearing through sign language.

Introducing: Starbucks Clover Vertica Brewer

Starbucks has spent more than 50 years on a journey to perfect coffee and Starbucks is continuing its mission to innovate around coffee equipment and brewing. Starbucks will continue raising the bar on coffee by introducing our new proprietary single cup, on-demand brewer, Clover Vertica™, which reimagines the brewed coffee experience for partners (baristas) and customers by delivering a single cup of freshly brewed coffee with exquisite, beautifully pronounced flavors –&nbsp; in less than 30 seconds. The Clover Vertica™&nbsp;brewer started rolling out this calendar year.

Top things to know about Starbucks 2022 shareholders meeting : Starbucks Stories Asia

Top things to know about Starbucks 2022 shareholders meeting

Today, Starbucks hosted its 30th&nbsp;annual meeting of shareholders virtually. Mellody Hobson, Starbucks Board of Directors chair, joined Kevin Johnson, president and chief executive officer, for opening remarks following today’s news that Johnson made the personal decision to retire from Starbucks after 13 years of service. Following opening remarks, Johnson, joined by several members of the […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/03/Starbucks-Borrow-A-Cup-and-Reusable-Cups-1024x677.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/top-things-to-know-about-starbucks-2022-shareholders-meeting/

Starbucks today announced the launch of its first Borrow A Cup program in Singapore across three stores in the National University of Singapore (NUS) from January to May 2022. With one reusable cup replacing up to 30 single-use cups*, the program aims to encourage customers to shift away from single-use cups as part of Starbucks global goal to reduce waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2030.

With many customers enjoying their Starbucks® beverage on the go, the program invites customers to enjoy the convenience in using reusables, while making a positive impact on the planet. Following similar programs in South Korea, Japan and the United States, Starbucks will take learnings from the Singapore pilot program to develop insights to drive meaningful change in stores, while informing future innovation on a global scale.

“We are thrilled to kickstart the Borrow A Cup program in Singapore,” said Patrick Kwok, General Manager of Starbucks Singapore. “At Starbucks, we are constantly testing new innovations that can bring our communities and business partners together around this shared desire to make a positive impact for the planet. We invite customers to join us on our resource-positive journey by choosing reusables as a part of their everyday Starbucks Experience.”

Customers can order their beverage in a reusable cup through the Borrow A Cup program at no additional charge*. In addition, customers who bring their personal cups or opt for the borrowed cup will enjoy 50 cents off from their drink purchase.

Starbucks has partnered with Muuse, a smart system of reusable to-go containers, which allows customers to borrow cups by scanning a QR code on the cup using the Muuse App and enjoy their handcrafted beverage from anywhere. Customers can then bring the used cup back to dedicated return stations at the participating stores to be professionally cleaned and sanitized.

Jonathan Tostevin, CEO of Muuse said, “We are really excited to launch this partnership with Starbucks to save single-use waste at NUS, using the Muuse platform to enable the reuse of Starbucks cups. We believe that this signals the future for all takeaway as we head towards a more circular economy.”

The participating Starbucks stores include NUS Techno Edge, NUS University Town, and NUS Wet Science Building.

*All reusable cups will be professionally cleaned and sanitized by Muuse after each return by the customers, and each reusable cup can be reused for up to 30 times. *If returned within 14 days. Customers who do not return the cup within the stipulate period will be charged SGD$4 on their saved credit or debit card in the Muuse app.&nbsp;

Starbucks launches a reusable Borrow A Cup program at three stores in Singapore : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks launches a reusable Borrow A Cup program at three stores in Singapore

Today, Starbucks announces the launch of its first Borrow A Cup program in Singapore.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2022/01/Starbucks-Singapore-Borrow-a-Cup_partner.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-launches-a-reusable-borrow-a-cup-program-at-three-stores-in-singapore/

Located in the grounds of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, the Wadakura Fountain Park Store is designed to reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprint, in support of Starbucks global resource-positive goals

The store will serve as a sustainability hub, informing Starbucks Greener Stores expansion across Japan

Starbucks today announced its first Greener Store in Japan, as the company accelerates the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-greener-stores-accelerate-global-movement-towards-a-more-sustainable-future/">international expansion</a> of its open-source Greener Store Framework in support of its global goal to reduce carbon emissions, water usage, and waste sent to landfills by 50% by 2030.

Located in the Outer Gardens of Tokyo’s Imperial Palace, the Wadakura Fountain Park Store has been designed with the aim of reducing its in-store waste by 40% compared to other Starbucks stores in Japan. In addition, carbon emissions by 30% and water consumption by 20% will be reduced by applying the Greener Store Framework to the store.

Opening its doors on December 1, the store will serve as a sustainability hub where Starbucks can test and scale solutions to inform its Greener Stores expansion across the market.

“Our Greener Stores allow us to test and learn how we can build and operate even more sustainable stores and inspire our partners and customers to adopt more eco-conscious behaviors,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer. “Our first Greener Store in Japan expands on recent innovations in the market, and is a testament to the passion and energy of our partners in creating solutions to reduce our environmental impact.”

“As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Starbucks and the 25th anniversary of Starbucks Japan, we want to ensure we are creating a sustainable future for the next generation,” said Takafumi Minaguchi, Starbucks Japan ceo. “Through this new store experience, we hope to inspire our customers to join us in reducing waste, leading to planet-positive business operations, and making steady progress together towards the realization of a sustainable society.”

The store adopts enhanced operations and design features that invite customers to join Starbucks on its resource-positive journey:

Enhanced customer experience that integrates reusable behaviors into everyday routines

Responsible design and construction with a focus on circularity

Pioneering lower-impact store operations

Starbucks Japan has recently transitioned to <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-japan-announces-renewable-energy-stores/">renewable energy</a> across all its company-owned stores nationwide, and continues to pilot reusable cup programs to encourage customers to adopt more reusable behaviors in their everyday routines.

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-greener-stores-accelerate-global-movement-towards-a-more-sustainable-future/">Starbucks Greener Store Framework</a> was co-developed with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to accelerate the transformation of retail towards lower-impact stores that achieve reductions in carbon emissions, water usage, and landfill waste. Starbucks will leverage insights from this store to inform its Greener Stores expansion across Japan and the wider region, with the company aiming to have new stores in Japan opening from October 2022 designed to meet the Greener Store Framework.

With more than 2,300 Greener Stores in the U.S. and Canada, the Wadakura Fountain Park Store is Starbucks second store outside North America to be certified under the Greener Store Framework, following the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/inside-starbucks-first-greener-store-in-china/">Shanghai Greener Store</a>, which opened in September 2021. Starbucks will open two new Greener Stores in the UK and Chile in 2022, as it advances towards building and retrofitting 10,000 Greener Stores globally by 2025.

For more on how Starbucks is expanding the Greener Store Framework globally, visit <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-greener-stores-accelerate-global-movement-towards-a-more-sustainable-future/">Starbucks Stories</a>.

Starbucks first Greener Store in Japan aims to cut waste : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks first Greener Store in Japan aims to cut waste

The first Starbucks Greener Store in Japan continues the company's progress towards planet-positive aspirations.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2021/11/store.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-first-greener-store-in-japan-aims-to-cut-waste/

Promoting reusability is an important part of Starbucks goal to reduce waste sent to landfill by 50% by 2030. Building on our learnings from programs in the U.S. and South Korea, Starbucks is expanding its reusable to-go cup program to 10 stores in the Marunouchi area of central Tokyo, Japan, beginning November 22.

The program provides customers the option to receive their beverage in a reusable stainless steel cup and return it at a participating store to be professionally sanitized and reused. The service will be free to customers through the initial trial period, and makes choosing reusables as convenient as customers expect from Starbucks. 

Around the world, Starbucks continues to test solutions for scale to help the company realize its Planet Positive goal, while inviting customers to create a positive impact for the planet by making reusable cups a more regular part of the Starbucks Experience.

Starbucks Japan partner displays reusable to-go cup for customer

Starbucks Japan announces reusable to-go cups in Tokyo : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Japan announces reusable to-go cups in Tokyo

Today, Starbucks announces a reusable to-go cup service at select stores in Tokyo.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2021/11/SBUX-Japan-Reusable-To-Go-Cups-9-1024x818.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-japan-announces-reusable-to-go-cups-in-tokyo/

As part of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">Starbucks global goal</a> to reduce waste sent to landfill by 50% by 2030, this April Starbucks Coffee Korea <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-korea-announces-aspirations/">pledged to eliminate disposable cups</a> across the market by 2025. Following a successful transition to reusable cups across <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-eliminates-disposable-cups-at-four-stores-in-jeju-south-korea/">four stores in Jeju</a>, which diverted an estimated 200,000 disposable cups from landfills in the first three months, Starbucks Coffee Korea today announced that an additional 12 stores in the Seoul area will introduce a reusable to-go cup program, eliminating single-use cups at those stores. All handcrafted beverages served at the stores will be provided in dine-in mugs, clean personal cups, or reusable cups. When returned, used to-go cups are professionally cleaned by a third-party before being returned to circulation. Starbucks Coffee Korea expects the Seoul program to divert about 500,000 disposable cups by the end of year.

In December, Starbucks Coffee Korea will add a Venti size to the reusable to-go cup program, and extend coverage to all stores in Jeju. The company plans to use exclusively reusable cups at all stores in Seoul by end of summer next year. Combined, the Seoul and Jeju programs are expected to divert over 100 million disposable cups from landfills annually. &nbsp;

Starbucks Korea eliminates disposable cups at 12 stores in Seoul : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Korea eliminates disposable cups at 12 stores in Seoul

Starbucks Coffee Korea expands reusable to-go cup program to stores in Seoul.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2021/11/Korea-Reusable-Cups2.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-korea-eliminates-disposable-cups-at-12-stores-in-seoul/

Actions become more powerful when we take them together. While efforts to reduce waste are not new to Starbucks, today we are advancing circularity at scale with our partners (employees), customers and through thoughtful partnerships.

Asia is home to 60% of the world’s population and several fast-growing economies. By shifting toward a circular economy and finding better ways to manage our waste, we can help communities thrive for years to come. But we cannot do it alone. It takes all of us.

From inviting partners and customers to make reusable cups a regular part of the Starbucks Experience, to exploring innovative ways to reuse coffee grounds from our stores, Starbucks is brewing a culture of reuse across Asia.

Sharing the journey towards increased re-use

Starbucks has offered the option for customers to enjoy their beverage in For Here Ware or to Bring-Your-Own-Cup (BYOC) for a discount since the 1980s, and we serve beverages in For Here Ware across our stores in the Asia Pacific region.

As part of our ongoing commitment to reducing the waste sent to landfill by 50% by 2030, we continue to explore new ways to decrease single-use cup waste through reuse. With many customers enjoying their favorite Starbucks beverage on the go, the challenge is how to make it as convenient as possible.

“We continue to explore new ways to inspire and support our customers to make rewarding planet-positive changes, without compromising on the convenience expected from Starbucks. Promoting reusability and reducing single-use cup waste are important factors in shifting towards a circular economy,” said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific.

This fall, Starbucks encouraged customers to bring their own cups into stores and gifted a limited-edition reusable cup to all customers who purchased a handcrafted beverage across Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, and India. With one cup replacing up to 30 single-use cups, the company aspires to create a culture of reuse amongst customers, partners and communities, bringing them together around a shared desire to do more for the planet.

The initiative has provided partners with new ways to deepen connections with customers across the region, while inviting them to join us on our resource-positive journey.

“I’m excited to take part in Starbucks efforts to take care of the planet we share,” said Sandy, a partner in Hong Kong. “I know small changes add up to make a big impact, and I really feel like I’m making a difference in the conversations I’m having with customers.”

Earlier this year, Starbucks announced plans to fully discontinue single-use cups in all stores across South Korea by 2025 and launched a reusable cup program in select stores in Jeju, which it plans to expand to additional locations over the next for years. Starbucks also launched a similar program in Tokyo, Japan, as it continues to explore convenient ways to encourage customers to reduce disposable cup usage.

In a first for the company globally, Starbucks® stores across Japan, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean offered promotions to encourage customers to reduce single-use cup waste and adopt long-term sustainable behaviors.

Starbucks Coffee Korea’s reusable program is an example of how the company is partnering with like-minded organizations to drive lasting change in and beyond its industry. Through the program, it joins forces with other organizations in leading the reduction of single-use cup waste, while sharing sustainability best practice and learnings. It also partners with a third-party to clean, sterilize and dry the used cups before they are returned to circulation in stores.

As the program takes off in select stores in Jeju, Starbucks partners believe it will help to preserve the island’s beauty, while driving leadership in sustainability. “Being selected as one of the first stores to participate in this project at Starbucks makes me nervous but it also gives me a sense of mission to make it a successful project. I think the Reusable Cup program shows Starbucks courage to try and find solutions for sustainability,” said Jules, a store manager at one of the participating stores.

Upcycling coffee grounds for good

Coffee grounds are the largest source of food waste for Starbucks, and we continue to explore creative ways to engage our customers in our resource-positive journey – with coffee at the core.

We’ve introduced unique programs across the region to transform used coffee grounds, crafting them into holiday gifts with DIY hacks in Hong Kong, creating specialty merchandise items in Thailand, and incorporating them into our in-store artwork. We also provide customers with used coffee grounds from our stores to use as garden fertilizer through our&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-coffee-grounds-for-the-garden/#:~:text=Starbucks%20started%20its%20Grounds%20for,ship%20espresso%20beans%20to%20stores.">Grounds for Your Garden</a>&nbsp;program in select markets.

“The Third Place experience created by Starbucks partners in our stores is where we build community and connect around a shared desire to do good. Our reusability initiatives across the region connect customers to the entire coffee ecosystem, helping to cultivate a profound appreciation for all things coffee, while inspiring them to take action to build a more sustainable future,” said Sara Trilling, president, Starbucks Asia Pacific.

In the spirit of the Third Place, Starbucks is pioneering circularity strategies that create positive impact for local communities, while also reducing its waste footprint. Starbucks has partnered with local farmers in South Korea in 2015 to donate recycled coffee grounds for agricultural fertilizer to grow produce. Starbucks brings these ingredients back into stores for customers to enjoy across a range of packaged food items including a range of breads, rice chips and dried fruits. A similar program has been running in Japan since 2014, through which Starbucks recently launched a new range of fresh food items to customers.

Across Asia, we continue to engage our customers, partners and communities in our resource-positive journey, galvanizing the power of doing better together.

In Jeju, store manager Jules believes the Borrow A Cup has the potential to inspire collective action across the wider region: “I feel so proud to be involved in the project because it shows how easily we can integrate reusables into our daily lives. By making small changes together, we can protect the planet we share.”

To find out more about our progress against our sustainability goals, read our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/gesi-report-2020-planet/">2020 Report here</a>.

Reusable cup designs from Starbucks in Japan

Brewing a culture of reuse across communities in Asia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Brewing a culture of reuse across communities in Asia

Learn how Starbucks is inviting customers along on its journey to become resource-positive company.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2020/09/S200821-034_resize_a.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/brewing-a-culture-of-reuse-across-communities-in-asia/

As Starbucks celebrates its 50th Anniversary, the company is expanding its Greener Store Framework to help reduce its environmental impact and leverage its scale for good to accelerate the global movement towards a more sustainable future. Starbucks is opening its first Greener Store outside of North America in Shanghai, China with a focus on circularity. The Shanghai Greener Store has been designed and built to reduce waste, repurpose goods and serve as a platform for future innovation.

Design &amp; Construction - Creating an environmentally-conscious&nbsp;third place:

Daily Operations – Promoting responsible living through a cup of coffee:

Customer Experience – Making sustainability part of everyday lifestyles:

Design &amp; Construction - Creating an environmentally-conscious third place

The Shanghai Greener Store uses recycled materials and industry-first responsible materials, achieving a balance between functional use, spatial aesthetics and circularity.

Wood reclaimed from the renovation of the Beijing Sanlitun Taikooli Flagship store were used to craft the countertop of the Experience Bar, steps of the” stadium seating,” as well as door handles, giving material that would have otherwise gone into landfills a new lease of life.

Wood recovered from stores in Shanghai was used to make table tops, while table bases are made from recycled materials combined with recycled red bricks reclaimed from stores.

The Greener Store also features a Modular Bar and Back-Of-House system constructed to enable reuse and recycling. Made of modules for different functions, the modular design allows the store to quickly adjust the bar layout, by adding, removing, or replacing bar modules to achieve different functional combinations such as ordering, beverage production, food display, and more.

The customized setup enhances efficiency while envisioning a future-forward construction that can enable full reuse, avoiding landfill waste. Modules can be easily dismantled and reassembled in different configurations in case of future renovations or remodeling. At the ‘end of life’, modules that meet reuse standards can be refurbished and used again, hence reducing waste. &nbsp;

The store also provides a more convenient environment for Starbucks partners (employees), featuring a back-of-house wall system that connects the bar and storage space. It facilitates front-flow of materials such as ice and cups and the back-flow of waste. This reduces the number of trips partners have to make between the bar and storage area, improving operational efficiency and enabling partners to focus on connections with customers.

In addition, the store utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technologies. Air conditioners can be switched on and off automatically according to the store’s operating hours, and the lighting can be automatically adjusted to different preset modes for different times of the day. Through these technologies, the store is expected to reduce carbon emissions by around 15 percent, compared to a regular Starbucks store of the same size (2019 baseline scenario).

The art installations in the store are inspired by Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks coffee farm in Costa Rica. Referencing the region’s topographic map as the outline, the designer used colors from the ‘bean cards’ of coffees from Starbucks top 10 coffee producing regions. The colors bring a lighter touch to the rugged mountains and terrain contours, while also highlighting Starbucks appreciation for nature. Artworks are displayed in different areas of the store and are grouped according to the three largest coffee producing regions – Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Daily Operations – Promoting responsible living through a cup of coffee

Advanced plastic-to-textile technologies are used to transform Starbucks PET cups into the iconic Starbucks green apron donned by store partners. The cups undergo deep cleaning and processing to become recycled PET fragments, which are then made into polyester chips, yarns, and fabrics, before becoming a Starbucks apron.

This recycling initiative not only helps to minimize white pollution caused by PET beverage bottles, but also reduces energy and resource consumption compared to the traditional textile industry. Each apron achieves approximately one kilogram of carbon reduction in its lifecycle.

The store will be introducing “Sustainable Coffee Classrooms” hosted by coffee masters selected from across the market. In addition to coffee knowledge and culture, customers can learn about different sustainability practices adopted by Starbucks throughout the entire coffee supply chain.

The store not only showcases the “bean to cup” journey, but also inspires people to rethink the endless possibilities of the coffee lifecycle. The store is the first in the market to recycle its coffee grounds for use as fertilizer. After composting, they can be used in suburban farms and shopping mall gardens. Customers can also take coffee grounds back home for free.

Customer Experience – Making sustainability part of everyday lifestyles

The Shanghai Greener Store is the first Starbucks store globally to host sustainability-themed exhibitions, where artists will be invited to give coffee grounds and other materials a new lease of life. Called the “Circular Lifestyle Lab,” the exhibition features sustainability-themed art installations made from recycled materials.

Kicking off the initiative is a collaboration with Tongji University’s College of Design and Innovation on an exhibition titled, “Organic Prosperity,” featuring art installations created through the imaginative use of coffee grounds and other retail waste materials. Customers can also sign up for related talks and workshops.

Customers are encouraged to bring their own tumblers and cutlery to the store. Those without their own cups or tumblers can still do their part to reduce single-use cups by purchasing a Grande-sized reusable cup for just 15 RMB when ordering beverages for on-the-go consumption. Consistent with other stores in the market, the store will provide coffee grounds straws and cutlery made of biodegradable materials, while encouraging customers to bring their own reusable cup or tumblers for 4 RMB discount.

Customers may also enjoy a scrumptious variety of plant-based food and beverage offerings. Over half of the store menu will be plant-based, including the debut of 15 new food items and two new limited-time offer beverages, while oatmilk will be used as the default option for most beverages. A range of plant-based bakery, wraps, sandwiches, salads, cakes and pastries will be available to satisfy customers’ craving at any time of the day.

From design and construction, to daily store operations and customer experience, the Shanghai Greener Store not only serves as a re-imagined third place, but also demonstrate Starbucks partners’ commitment to a sustainable future. Let us work together towards our shared aspiration.

Inside Starbucks first Greener Store in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Inside Starbucks first Greener Store in China

Starbucks is opening its first Greener Store outside of North America in Shanghai, China with a focus on circularity.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/29/2021/09/Shanghai-Greener-Store-4-1024x510.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/inside-starbucks-first-greener-store-in-china/

The Shanghai Greener Store located in Qiantan Taikooli is the first Starbucks store certified under the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-greener-stores-accelerate-global-movement-towards-a-more-sustainable-future/">Greener Stores Framework</a> to open outside North America. Starbucks has more than 2,300 Greener Stores in the U.S. and Canada and will begin using the framework outside of North America to achieve its goal of building and retrofitting 10,000 Greener Stores globally by 2025. The Shanghai Greener Store has been designed and built to reduce waste, repurpose goods and serve as a platform for future innovation. Here are 10 ways this store uniquely celebrates Starbucks Planet Positive commitments.

1. Explore the lifecycle of a coffee bean

Upon entering the store, customers will experience and participate in the ‘from bean to cup’ story behind a cup of coffee. An inspiring micro-film brings them on a journey to the coffee origin introducing Starbucks ethical sourcing approach known as Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E) Practices. At the same time, they can enjoy Starbucks Reserve coffees brewed artfully by coffee masters selected from across the market, who will showcase their exquisite craftsmanship while relating the fascinating story behind each coffee.

At the Shanghai Greener Store, over half the menu is plant-based. Unlike other Starbucks stores, oatmilk is used as the default option for most beverages. Starbucks has also introduced two new plant-based beverages, available for a limited time only – Salted Caramel Breve and Salted Caramel Flat White. The store offers a scrumptious variety of plant-based food offerings, including the debut of 15 new food items. A range of plant-based bakery, wraps, sandwiches, salads, cakes and pastries are available to satisfy customers’ craving at any time of the day.

3. Re-use your Starbucks cup time and time again

To encourage customers to do their part for the planet, the store offers a new Grande-sized reusable cup. Customers can purchase it for just 15 RMB when ordering beverages for on-the-go consumption. Made with Polypropylene (PP), the reusable cup design is inspired by the traditional Starbucks Siren logo. Customers can also bring their own cups for 4 RMB discount.

4. Visit the “Circular Lifestyle Lab”

A “Circular Lifestyle Lab” within the store provides a platform to spotlight sustainability-themed artwork. Kicking off the initiative is a collaboration with Tongji University’s College of Design and Innovation on an exhibition titled “Organic Prosperity,” featuring art installations created through the imaginative use of coffee grounds and other retail waste materials. The store will also host talks and workshops to inspire the public on the future possibilities of sustainable development.

The store uses a bar made up of modules designed for different functions such as ordering, beverage production, food display, and more. This modular design allows the store to quickly adjust the bar layout, by adding, removing or replacing bar modules to achieve different functional combinations, should it undergo renovation or remodeling in the future. It is expected that many aspects of the store interior can be recycled, upcycled or biodegraded.

6. Reusing materials from other Starbucks stores

At the Shanghai Greener Store, customers will find traces of other Starbucks stores from across China. The store&nbsp;uses reclaimed wood from the renovations of&nbsp;other&nbsp;Starbucks stores. This includes the countertop of the Experience Bar, steps of the ‘stadium seating’, as well as door handles, which were made from wood recovered the Starbucks Beijing Sanlitun Taikooli Flagship store.

The store uses smart, energy efficient solutions for air conditioning, lighting, water usage and daily energy consumption. For example, the lighting system is entirely automated, and features multiple modes such as daytime, dusk, late night and more with customized settings.

Sustainability has been considered across every aspect of daily operations. Paper receipts have been eliminated with the introduction of e-receipts, and customers can check on the details of their orders on the Starbucks China App. LED menu boards have also replaced paper menus. These measures reduce single-use materials and minimize waste from the very beginning.

There is a special origin behind the aprons at this store – they are made from recycled Starbucks cups. Advanced plastic-to-textile technologies are used to transform Starbucks PET cups into the iconic Starbucks green apron donned by store partners. The cups undergo deep cleaning and processing to become recycled PET fragments, which are then made into polyester chips, yarns, and fabrics, before becoming a Starbucks apron. This recycling initiative not only helps to minimize white pollution caused by PET beverage bottles, but also reduces energy and resource consumption compared to the traditional textile industry. Each apron achieves approximately one kilogram of carbon reduction in its lifecycle.