At more than 1,500 Starbucks stores across Japan, customers dining in-store will be able to enjoy iced beverages like Frappuccino® blended beverages and cold brew in new reusable resin glasses beginning Monday, March 27. 

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This new option allows customers to enjoy the same convenient and elevated Starbucks Experience while contributing to Starbucks global commitment to reduce waste sent to landfill by 50 percent by 2030. The reusable in-store glasses are made of resin and come in two sizes, which are designed to serve any iced beverage from short to venti. In addition, customers can continue to make small changes for a big impact by bringing their personal cups for to-go orders or choosing mugs for hot drinks when dining in-store.

“This is a very significant step in the shift towards reusables, and the fact that these options are now available across Japan is very meaningful," said Daisuke Furukawa, director, Sustainability &amp; Purchasing, Supply Chain Division, Starbucks Coffee Japan. "Many of our customers have agreed, and we are beginning to see results that exceed our expectations. We expect that as warmer seasons approach, the use of in-store glasses will increase. We look forward to working together with our customers to provide their favorite beverage while reducing waste.”

New in-store reusable options at Starbucks in Japan : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Stories Asia

New in-store reusable options at Starbucks in Japan

At more than 1,500 Starbucks stores across Japan, customers can enjoy iced beverages in new reusable resin glasses.

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In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Starbucks China pledges to replenish at least 1.5 million tons of water annually to Qiandao Lake, beginning 2030

On World Water Day, Starbucks announced plans to become the first coffee retailer in China to pilot a water replenishment project to give back water used in operations. In partnership with global conservation organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Qiaodao Lake Water Replenishment Project will improve water quality in the local ecosystem by focusing on sustainable agriculture and wetlands restoration, replenishing at least 1.5 million tons<a href="#_ftn1" id="_ftnref1">[1]</a> of water a year by 2030, equivalent to about 600 Olympic sized swimming pools, enough to meet the annual water consumption needs of more than 23,000 people<a href="#_ftn2" id="_ftnref2">[2]</a>.

“As a coffee company, water is essential to Starbucks agricultural supply chain and store operations. We are committed to doing our part to protect China’s precious water resources. Working together with like-minded partners, our vision is to develop water replenishment into a viable solution, and inspire more parties to adapt it to other critical water basins across China,” said Julia Zhu, vice president, government affairs and social impact, Starbucks China.&nbsp;

“We are delighted to partner with Starbucks to pilot the Qiaodao Lake Water Replenishment Project. Water replenishment is an innovative concept that holds huge potential for complementing existing water conservation efforts and contributing to advancing sustainable economic and environmental development in China,” said Xu Jin, Director of Corporate Engagement, TNC China.

Water replenishment is a nature-based solution where companies ‘give back’ the amount of water used in operations by protecting surface water against human pollution, allowing water from rain, storms and rivers to naturally ‘replenish’ the local ecosystem.&nbsp;

The largest manmade freshwater lake in the Yangtze River Delta, Qiandao Lake is a vital water resource supplying potable water to 10 million residents in Hangzhou, Jiaxing and other neighboring areas in Zhejiang province. Traditional agriculture practices around the lake have led to increased soil erosion. Fertilizers and pesticides used also threaten the local water quality.

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The Qiandao Lake Water Replenishment Project seeks to improve water quality through strengthening land management around the water source, while enhancing agricultural productivity. The project will work with farmers, providing toolkits around sustainable agricultural practices for three commonly cultivated crops in the area – pecans, tea and citrus – to help local farmers reduce soil erosion and surface runoff, while improving yield. With the support of academia and leading wetlands restoration experts, plans are also being created to restore two hectares of wetlands, equivalent to three standard size football fields. Restored wetlands will not only naturally filter off pollutants, but also comes with the additional benefit of enhancing local biodiversity.

The Qiaodao Lake Water Replenishment project marks Starbucks latest effort to reduce its water footprint to become a resource positive company. Globally, by 2030, the company is set to reduce and replenish water across its operations, packaging and agriculture supply chain by 50 percent, prioritizing action in some of the highest risk basins around the world. Come next month, Starbucks partners (employees) across the market will volunteer in water conservation activities as part of the company’s annual Global Month of Good program to serve local communities.

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<a href="#_ftnref1" id="_ftn1">[1]</a> Estimated based on 2022 pilot program by third party certification provider LimnoTech

<a href="#_ftnref2" id="_ftn2">[2]</a> China Water Resources Bulletin 2021, Ministry of Water Resources, People’s Republic of China

Starbucks Becomes First Coffee Retailer in China to Invest in Replacing Water Used in Stores : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Becomes First Coffee Retailer in China to Invest in Replacing Water Used in Stores

On World Water Day, Starbucks announced plans in China to replenish at least 1.5 million tons of water annually to Qiandao Lake.

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

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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.

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

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

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More than 20 EV chargers are now installed at 17 stores across Klang Valley, Penang, Johor and Malacca

On October 18th, Starbucks Malaysia, in partnership with Yinson GreenTech, unveiled the first of its electric vehicle (EV) charging station, powered by chargEV, at the Starbucks Eco Grandeur in Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Over the next three years, more EV charging stations, comprising both DC fast chargers and AC charging points, will be built within Starbucks vast network of drive-thru stores in Malaysia as part of the brand’s commitment to be a more resource-positive company.

“Charging your car should be as seamless as ordering a cup of coffee,” said Dato’ Sydney Quays, Group CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad and managing director of Starbucks Malaysia &amp; Brunei. “As a company, we have always been passionate about protecting our planet and driving innovation to enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers. With the inclusion of EV chargers in our stores, it represents a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts as a company, and we hope will lead the retail industry towards a decarbonized future for Malaysia.”

The installation of EV charging machines at Starbucks stores is the first for a retail coffee chain in Malaysia. It also offers a unique opportunity for customers as they can look forward to unwinding inside the store with their preferred Starbucks beverage while their cars recharge outside.

YGT Senior Vice President of Electromobility Ruslin Tamsir said, "We are delighted to support Starbuck's ambition of innovating with more responsible stores by providing chargEV solutions to their outlets, and we are jointly committed to rolling out even more charge points over the next few years."

chargEV is the nation’s largest public charging network operating over 400 charging points nationwide. Two types of charging points are offered based on the EV users’ charging needs: the DC fast chargers at 50kW allow quick charging speed that typically do not exceed an hour while the standard AC chargers slowly charge EVs beyond the hour, which is suitable for those who are not in a hurry and want to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends or by themselves.

As of October 18th, there are 26 EV charging stations at 17 Starbucks stores within Klang Valley, Penang, Malacca and Johor in Malaysia.

Starbucks offers EV charging at stores in Malaysia : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks offers EV charging at stores in Malaysia

More than 20 EV chargers are now installed at 17 stores across Klang Valley, Penang, Johor and Malacca On October 18th, Starbucks Malaysia, in partnership with Yinson GreenTech, unveiled the first of its electric vehicle (EV) charging station, powered by chargEV, at the Starbucks Eco Grandeur in Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia. Over the next three […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/starbucks-offers-ev-charging-at-stores-in-malaysia/

Store marks Starbucks 1,000th in Shanghai, the first city in the world to reach the milestone

Greener Store features leading sustainability solutions and digitalized operations

Pays tribute to Shanghai by innovating Starbucks first city themed handcrafted coffee creation in China

Starbucks today celebrated its 6,000th store in the Chinese mainland, which opens on September 30 at Shanghai Lippo Plaza, where the company opened its first store in Shanghai more than 20 years ago. The new store marks Starbucks 1,000th in Shanghai – making it the first city in the world to pass the milestone. The latest addition to Starbucks growing portfolio of “Greener Stores” also features leading sustainability solutions and digitalized operations. To commemorate the milestone, Starbucks is launching “Shanghai Coffee” in Crema Ristretto style – its first city-themed handcrafted coffee creation in China as a tribute to the city and its coffee lovers.

“As Starbucks celebrates our 6,000th store in China, we are deeply humbled to return where we opened our first store in Shanghai,” said Leo Tsoi, chief executive officer, Starbucks China. “It has been a privilege to share our love for coffee with local customers, and contribute to the development of China’s coffee culture and its specialty coffee industry over the past two decades. We treasure the strong connections we have built, and will never stop innovating new coffee products and experiences to delight our customers and earn their support every day.”

Since entering the Chinese mainland market, Starbucks has become known as a place for connection, familiarity and joy, interwoven into Chinese consumers’ daily lifestyles from social gatherings with friends and family, to casual business meetings and more. It continues to innovate and scale creative store concepts to serve customers and communities, such as Signing Stores that provide employment opportunities for Deaf and hard of hearing partners (employees), Heritage Culture Gallery Stores that bring heritage culture closer to Chinese consumers, and a co-working space concept store providing flexible, on-demand co-working spaces for mobile professionals.

Shanghai Lippo Plaza Store

The new Shanghai Lippo Plaza Store bears testament to the continuous evolution of Starbucks stores in China’s dynamic consumer landscape. It features a clean and streamlined design, brought to life with minimalist style furniture and casework made using recycled straw material. Old green aprons donned by Starbucks partners were upcycled to create the store’s signature artwork – an iconic Starbucks siren with intricate design details that relay important milestones in Starbucks journey in China. From the store’s mall entrance, customers are greeted by a mug wall made up of a vast collection of Starbucks signature city mugs launched over the years.

Beyond its contemporary design, the evolution of Starbucks stores is also reflected in the Shanghai Lippo Plaza Store’s back-of-house operations, where investments in digital technologies have enhanced the partner experience and elevated store efficiency to a whole new level. The use of Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and automation tools have dramatically simplified routine stocktaking tasks, enabling partners to focus on coffee craft and customer connection. Big data and machine learning algorithms have also been deployed to optimize inventory ordering and labor scheduling. These technologies have been scaled to all stores in operation market-wide, as the company continues to advance its digital transformation agenda.

The Shanghai Lippo Plaza Store is also the latest of Starbucks growing portfolio of Greener Stores in China. From design to construction and operations, it incorporates sustainability solutions to achieve reductions in carbon, water and waste. Among its features, the store uses smart, energy efficient solutions for air conditioning, lighting, water usage and daily energy consumption. Green aprons donned by store partners are made from recycled Starbucks cups using advanced plastic-to-textile technologies. Customers are invited to join Starbucks on its journey towards reusables by bringing their own cups or choosing a Grande-sized reusable cup when ordering beverages for on-the-go consumption.

Shanghai Coffee in Crema Ristretto style

Alongside the planned opening of the Shanghai Lippo Plaza Store, Starbucks has also specially created a signature handcrafted coffee beverage for coffee lovers in Shanghai – Shanghai Coffee in Crema Ristretto style. As the official coffee industry partner for Shanghai’s city image promotion, and in partnership with IP SHANGHAI, Starbucks is launching the beverage on September 28 across all Starbucks stores in the city.&nbsp;

Shanghai Coffee in Crema Ristretto style is inspired by nostalgic Shanghainese childhood flavors given a distinctive Starbucks spin. It is a delicious creation made with malt, cream and smoky Starbucks ristretto espresso, infused with butter scotch flavored syrup offering layers of flavors and aromas. The first sip offers the comforting taste of Shanghai’s very own beloved malt powder, followed by the smooth taste of cold foam infused with the sweet, delicate flavor of butterscotch - a western-style candy loved by Shanghainese. Finally, coffee lovers may immerse in the bright acidity and caramelly depth of the ristretto espresso, to enjoy the artful intertwining of robust coffee flavors with a light and sweet milky aroma. 

As Starbucks celebrates its latest milestone, the company is still in the early chapters of its China growth story. In this next era of accelerated growth at Starbucks, the company expects to operate 9,000 stores across 300 cities in China by 2025, opening one new store nearly every nine hours in China for the next three years. It will also accelerate the rollout of Starbucks Greener Stores framework in China with a plan to operate 2,500 Greener Stores by FY2025.

Starbucks Opens its 6,000th Store in China : Starbucks Stories Asia

Starbucks Opens its 6,000th Store in China

Starbucks announces its 6,000th store in the Chinese mainland.

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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."

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.

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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 […]

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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