Two-month borrow-and-return trial will run in five Seattle stores as part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to reducing single use cup waste and goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030.

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Trial program allows customers to order their beverage in a reusable cup, each replacing up to 30 disposable cups.

Company partners with Seattle-area service, Ridwell, to offer customers an at-home option to return their borrowed cup.

The Starbucks cup is iconic. And while technically, Starbucks cups can be recycled under the right circumstances, they can only be used once. We know that needs to change.

“Promoting reusability is an important part of Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030</a>,” said Michael Kobori, Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer. “We understand the interdependency of human and planetary Health, and we believe it is our responsibility to reduce single use cup waste.&nbsp; We will lead the transition to a circular economy.”

The challenge is how to make choosing reusables as convenient as you expect from Starbucks – no extra steps – especially with 80% of Starbucks beverages being enjoyed on the go.

Building on learnings from single-store tests this Fall and Winter, Starbucks is scaling its Borrow A Cup program to five stores in Seattle from March 30 to May 31, 2021. The program provides customers the option to receive their beverage in a reusable cup and return it at a participating store’s contactless kiosk or at-home through a Seattle-area service called <a href="https://www.ridwell.com/starbucks">Ridwell</a>.

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1. Order your beverage in a reusable cup and pay a $1 deposit.

Customers can order their hot or cold beverage in a newly designed reusable cup in-person at a participating Starbucks Café or Drive-Thru or via Mobile Order and Pay. Customers simply tell their barista they would like their drink in a reusable cup and then pay a $1 refundable deposit.

2. Return the cup and receive a $1 credit and 10 Bonus Stars.

When customers are done, they scan their cup at a participating store’s contactless return kiosk located in the lobby or drive-thru and drop the cup in the designated opening in the kiosk. Then, they scan their Starbucks App to receive a $1 credit to their Starbucks Rewards account, in addition to 10 Bonus Stars.

3. Each cup is professionally cleaned and sanitized.

Starbucks continues to observe <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/what-customers-need-to-know-about-starbucks-response-to-covid-19/#:~:text=The%20company%20continues%20to%20observe,touch%20surface%20areas%20as%20frequently.">elevated cleaning and sanitizing protocols</a> that meet or exceed public health guidelines and can help to reduce the spread of COVID-19. For the Borrow a Cup program, Starbucks has partnered with GO Box, a reuse system operator and service provider, to collect borrowed cups from stores daily, professionally clean and sanitize them using commercial dishwashing equipment, and put them back into circulation within 48 hours. "Reducing waste through reuse is an important way to support a transition to a more circular economy. Since our launch in 2010, GO Box has been working to develop systematic processes and infrastructure to scale reusable packaging for food and drink to go,” said Jocelyn Gaudi Quarrell, CEO, Go Box. “We're thrilled to be partnered with Starbucks to ensure the Borrow A Cup program is a safe and sustainable choice for your favorite beverage."

Partnership with Ridwell

Starbucks partnered with <a href="https://www.ridwell.com/starbucks">Ridwell</a>, which offers a home pick-up service for reusable and hard to recycle items, to give customers a second option for returning their borrowed cup. Ridwell customers can place their reusable cup from the Starbucks Borrow A Cup program in a custom, reusable cup bag and place it in their Ridwell bin for easy pickups from their front door.&nbsp;

“We are so excited to be partnering with a fellow Seattle company dedicated to making reuse possible at a much bigger scale,” said Caroline&nbsp;Stanford, Ridwell Marketing Vice President. “Our members have told us they overwhelmingly prefer to shop with businesses that are invested in sustainable practices - if we can crack the code with programs like Borrow a Cup there is such a huge opportunity to reduce the waste footprint in our communities.”

This work&nbsp;is not&nbsp;new to Starbucks. We have offered the option for customers to enjoy their beverage in For Here Ware or to BYOC (bring your own cup) for a discount since the ‘80s.* And yet, the vast majority of our beverages in the US are served in single use cups, with only a small amount being recycled or composted due to waste infrastructure limitations.

In addition to exploring scalable options to reduce single use cup waste, we have also acted through powerful partnerships, including our work with Closed Loop Partners and their NextGen Consortium and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, to increase&nbsp;our impact and to research and test solutions that will make our cups, lids, and straws easier to recycle and compost. This complements our work with municipalities to improve recycling and composting infrastructure.

“Starbucks Borrow A Cup program is an important step in advancing circular packaging solutions and reuse models that reduce our reliance on single-use materials and keep valuable resources in play for as long as possible,” says Kate Daly, Managing Director of the Center for the Circular Economy at Closed Loop Partners. “As a Founding Partner of our NextGen Consortium, which advances the design, commercialization and recovery of sustainable packaging alternatives, Starbucks is helping to pave the way for a waste-free future for the foodservice industry.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks continues to make progress globally, as well. For example, Starbucks Korea just announced a commitment eliminate single-use cups from all Korean stores nationwide by 2025.

More on Starbucks global journey to find a more sustainable cup can we found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/starbucks-greener-cup-timeline/">here</a>.

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*Starbucks is not yet accepting personal cups in the U.S. and Canada. The decision to pause personal cup use was made early in the pandemic and continues today as the health and well-being of our partners and customers remains top of mind and our highest priority.

Two-month borrow-and-return trial will run in five Seattle stores as part of Starbucks ongoing commitment to reducing single use cup waste and goal to reduce waste by 50% by 2030.

Seattle Starbucks Stores go even greener this Earth Month with new Borrow A Cup program

Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

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This year marks the 50th&nbsp;anniversary of Starbucks. From the beginning, Starbucks has sought to be a different kind of company, one that inspires and nurtures the human spirit, and brings people together over coffee to create a better future. Starbucks vision for the future is to remain focused on connections over coffee, being a resource positive company, and&nbsp;creating a better future for its partners (employees) and the communities it serves.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As Starbucks looks to the future, the company is focused on its aspirations to give more than it takes from the planet and help create a sustainable future for coffee growing communities. Starbucks&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">Planet Positive initiative</a>&nbsp;is a multi-decade commitment to become a resource positive company, including goals to reduce its carbon, water, and waste footprints by 50 percent by 2030.​&nbsp;Also, as part of its Planet Positive initiative, Starbucks recently announced a new goal to achieve <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-announces-coffee-specific-environmental-goals/">Carbon Neutral Green Coffee</a>&nbsp; and conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50% by 2030.

During April, Starbucks is highlighting its Planet Positive initiatives and inviting customers to participate in several ways. Starbucks is introducing the new Starbucks Earth Month Game to its loyalty members as an opportunity to share details about its Planet Positive efforts and progress. Customers can support reusability with a selection of tumblers, hot cups and cold cups that feature recycled materials; and, in honor of the next 50 years of coffee, Starbucks recently introduced Starbucks Odyssey BlendTM crafted from three coffee regions that embody the innovative and responsible ways in which the farmers in the regions grow, cultivate and process coffee.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;new Starbucks Earth Month&nbsp;Game&nbsp;gives Starbucks® Rewards members a chance to win more than 2.5 million prizes, cast a vote towards tree reforestation projects, and learn more about the&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/">Starbucks Planet Positive</a>&nbsp;commitment to become a resource positive company.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks Earth Month Game

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The <a href="https://www.starbucksearthmonthgame.com/?utm_medium=website&amp;utm_source=stories.starbucks.com&amp;utm_campaign=emg21" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">new game</a> is a combination of an instant win game called “Choice &amp; Chance” and puzzle game called “Play &amp; Plant”. Starbucks Rewards members can earn plays on eligible transactions at participating Starbucks stores. Members must pay using a Starbucks Card or linked payment method, or by scanning the Starbucks app prior to checkout to earn a play. (Limit two plays per day).

Throughout the game, players will earn additional “plays” by participating in weekly activities&nbsp;– from saying&nbsp;“no”&nbsp;to single-use plastic straws and trying meatless breakfast choices, to voting for their favorite nondairy beverage or reading articles about combatting food waste.

In the “Choice &amp; Chance” portion of the game, players can select an item for a chance to win prizes ranging from coupons for free non-dairy beverages to money off select food items and reusable merchandise. There will also be the chance to enter a sweepstakes to win grand prizes such as an electric bike prize package from Rad Power Bikes and nondairy drinks from Starbucks for a year. *&nbsp;

In the “Play &amp; Plant” puzzle game, as players complete each level, they have the chance to vote on which One Tree Planted reforestation effort in the U.S. Starbucks donation of 250,000 trees will go towards. Players will be able to select between four reforestation projects:

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To learn more about the One Tree Planted reforestation projects visit <a href="https://onetreeplanted.org/pages/starbucks">onetreeplanted.org/pages/starbucks</a>.

A link for the Starbucks Earth Month Game will be available for Starbucks Rewards members in the Starbucks app starting April 1; the game will end on April 30, 2021.

Starbucks Odyssey Blend Coffee

On March 30, Starbucks introduced its newest blend of whole bean coffee, Starbucks Odyssey Blend.&nbsp;Starbucks is focused on a more sustainable future for the coffee industry and continuing support for coffee farmers and their communities,&nbsp;Starbucks Odyssey Blend was created to highlight&nbsp;this work and to&nbsp;celebrate coffee,&nbsp;people,&nbsp;and planet.&nbsp;

Starbucks Odyssey Blend is crafted from beans sourced from West Java, Rwanda and Peru,&nbsp;all specifically chosen for how they embody&nbsp;the&nbsp;key pillars of&nbsp;coffee, people&nbsp;and&nbsp;planet,&nbsp;as well&nbsp;the innovative and responsible ways in which&nbsp;the&nbsp;farmers in the region&nbsp;grow, cultivate and process coffee.&nbsp;

“This is our love letter to coffee – 50 years in the making. The three&nbsp;distinct&nbsp;origins that make up Odyssey Blend&nbsp;were&nbsp;chosen for the trailblazing way&nbsp;the coffee&nbsp;was grown,&nbsp;cultivated,&nbsp;and&nbsp;processed. The three coffees create a blend that charts a new path.&nbsp;This&nbsp;is a complex medium roast&nbsp;that&nbsp;displays&nbsp;expressive citrus notes&nbsp;of tangerine zest,&nbsp;a&nbsp;sweet and syrupy body and a&nbsp;wild-honey&nbsp;floral finish.” Sergio Alvarez, Starbucks Coffee Developer.

Printed on each bag of Starbucks Odyssey Blend is a QR code that directs customers to the <a href="https://traceability.starbucks.com/#/">Starbucks Traceability</a> page, where customers can learn more about the coffee’s journey from bean to cup and the people and places behind Starbucks coffee.&nbsp;

In addition to being available for purchase as a whole bean coffee for a limited time,&nbsp;Starbucks Odyssey Blend&nbsp;will also be offered as brewed coffee in most Starbucks stores in the U.S. April 5-11.&nbsp;

Customers can support reusability by selecting from a variety of merchandise items. The new merchandise includes a to-go hot and cold cup, as well as a reusable tote made with post-consumer recycled materials. This smart (and stylish) collection is available in Starbucks stores for a limited time while supplies last.

Starbucks is also offering a collection of drinkware made from recycled materials that are available in Starbucks stores in the U.S.&nbsp;throughout&nbsp;the year.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 AND OLDER AND WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE STARBUCKS® REWARDS&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;LOYALTY PROGRAM AT THE TIME OF ENTRY. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Participating stores only. Promotion ends&nbsp;4/30/21.&nbsp;For Official Rules, how to enter without purchase, prizes, and odds, visit&nbsp;https://www.starbucksearthmonthgame.com. Sponsor: Starbucks Corporation, 2401 Utah Ave. S, Seattle, WA 98134.&nbsp;

Non-Dairy&nbsp;Drinks for a Year will be fulfilled as a daily credit for one free item for one (1) year, which can be redeemed at participating stores.&nbsp;

Entrants&nbsp;can&nbsp;receive&nbsp;a maximum&nbsp;of 2 plays per day, plus,&nbsp;bonus opportunities to earn additional plays.&nbsp;

Game plays may be earned on eligible transactions at a participating Starbucks store. You must pay with your registered Starbucks Card&nbsp;or linked payment method, or by scanning your Starbucks App prior to checkout.&nbsp;Purchases of alcohol, Starbucks Cards and Starbucks Card reloads are excluded. See <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http-3A__starbucks.com_terms&amp;d=DwMGaQ&amp;c=pBpWB3g5lxYDsRBNURdZrQ&amp;r=BUXnsjr738FuvTANqNRXQtHG2HD4ythXhvP-19v9rGQ&amp;m=ToKnbn6ddutGJJLIMsJZkRe0uwsWmLpzG4DN9uB-2H8&amp;s=3Ti3pXNgBpXTeRtMmmmHFHo8cI4c-MSpTBboKfbUDL4&amp;e=" target="_blank">starbucks.com/terms</a> for details.&nbsp;

Starbucks vision for the future is to remain focused on connections over coffee, being a resource positive company, and creating a better future for its partners (employees) and the communities it serves.

Celebrate Planet Earth with New Starbucks Earth Month Game, Odyssey Blend, and Merchandise

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