Starbucks announces multi-decade aspiration to become resource positive


Today, Starbucks chief executive officer Kevin Johnson unveiled a multi-decade aspiration to be a resource-positive company, giving more than it takes from the planet. The announcement included science-based preliminary target reductions of carbon, water and waste by 2030, and outlined five strategies the company has identified to move toward them. 

A comprehensive, data-driven environmental footprint of carbon emissions, water use and waste in Starbucks global operations and supply chain informed the five strategies to prioritize work:  

  1. Expanding plant-based options, migrating toward a more environmentally friendly menu. 
  2. Shifting away from single-use packaging that ends up in landfills. 
  3. Investing in innovative and regenerative agricultural practices, reforestation, forest conservation and water replenishment in Starbucks supply chain. 
  4. Investing in better ways to manage waste, both in Starbucks stores and in its communities, to ensure more reuse, recycling and elimination of food waste.  
  5. Innovating to develop more eco-friendly stores, operations, manufacturing and delivery. 

The company’s aspiration to become resource positive is grounded in Starbucks mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, cup and neighborhood at a time. The company will spend the next year continuing to test and learn before formalizing these sustainability targets as part of the company’s 50th anniversary in 2021. 

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Starbucks Acquires 23.5 Degrees in the U.K.