Michelle Burns, svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa, shares new 2030 coffee sustainability goals to achieve carbon neutral green coffee and conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50%.

core/paragraph

It is no secret to any of us that climate change is making it harder and harder to grow coffee. We’ve seen the research. We’ve spoken to experts. We’ve witnessed it first-hand. And, even more so, we’ve heard directly from farmers. If we want to ensure a sustainable future of coffee for all, if we want farmers to thrive, if we want coffee to continue to flow, then we must do more with a greater sense of urgency.

Last year, our ceo, Kevin Johnson, made a <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/message-from-starbucks-ceo-kevin-johnson-starbucks-new-sustainability-commitment/">bold aspiration for our company to be resource positive</a> – giving more than we take from the planet – and outlined ten-year goals to achieve 50% reduction in carbon, water and waste. With the entire company rallied behind this vision, the coffee team set off to build upon our long-standing programs and initiatives, research and development work, and partnerships with so many others in the industry, to outline a clear path forward for coffee to contribute to these goals, knowing it was equally important for farmers that we take on and solidify this work.

So today, in support of the company’s resource-positive aspiration, to support farmers and to protect the longevity of our supply chain, I’m excited to share our goals to achieve carbon neutral green coffee and conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50%, both by 2030. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our carbon strategy will focus on three primary strategies:

core/list

For water conservation at origin, we will:

More details about our goals and roadmap can be found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-announces-coffee-specific-environmental-goals/">here</a>. But even more so, it’s important to re-emphasize this isn’t new for us. With coffee at our core and sustainability always a part of our philosophy, this has been a journey fifty years in the making led by the passion of our Starbucks leaders and partners who believe in our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit. And it’s because of our strategic partners, our industry allies, our like-minded suppliers who have also made sustainability a priority and who have helped us, as well as the industry, to think bigger, hold ourselves accountable and reimagine what’s possible.

The journey is long from over, but together, the future is looking bright. We know we don’t have all the answers and much of the work ahead is uncharted territory. But we stand more firmly now than ever in our commitments and our continued work together to support farmers, their communities and our planet.

I also wanted to share with you how we continue to bring this great work to our customers and partners, as we know sustainability is also a meaningful topic for them. Last week, we launched a new, <a href="https://coffeeexperiences.starbucks.com/">immersive virtual experience of Hacienda Alsacia</a>, our coffee farm in Costa Rica. As the center of our research and development efforts, Hacienda Alsacia plays a pivotal role in testing new farming practices, tools and techniques as well as breeding more resilient tree varietals – work that has helped inform our sustainability strategies and will continue to play an important role moving forward. With the new virtual experience, people around the world can now get closer to how their coffee is grown and have a deeper appreciation for the many farmers who make it possible. I invite you to grab a cup of coffee and take a trip to the farm.

A Message from svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa on 2030 coffee sustainability goals - Starbucks Stories

Stories to inspire and nurture the human spirit

Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2019/01/Photo_TBD-320x411_1-1.jpg

Starbucks Corporation

A Message from svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa on 2030 coffee sustainability goals

Michelle Burns, svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa, shares new 2030 coffee sustainability goals to achieve carbon neutral green coffee and conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50%.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2021/03/SBX20200319-Coffee-FeatureHorizontal.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/a-message-from-svp-of-global-coffee-tea-and-cocoa-on-2030-coffee-sustainability-goals/

twitter:card

twitter:description

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2021/03/SBX20200319-Coffee-FeatureHorizontal-1024x498.jpg

twitter:image

twitter:title

Starbucks affirms commitment to resource positive future with new investments in eco-friendly operations, regenerative agricultural practices, and&nbsp;an&nbsp;environmentally friendly menu.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Starbucks shared its multi-decade commitment to become a&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-multi-decade-aspiration-to-become-resource-positive/">resource positive company</a>&nbsp;by storing more carbon than it emits, eliminating waste,&nbsp;and replenishing more&nbsp;freshwater than it uses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Today,&nbsp;at its&nbsp;2020 Biennial Investor Day,&nbsp;Starbucks president and ceo Kevin Johnson reaffirmed Starbucks Planet Positive Future. Now the company&nbsp;has&nbsp;formalized&nbsp;its 2030 environmental goals&nbsp;to cut its&nbsp;carbon, water, and waste&nbsp;footprints by half.

These global goals are rooted in science, grounded in Starbucks Mission and Values, and informed by comprehensive market research and trials.&nbsp;Since January,&nbsp;the company&nbsp;has expanded&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/plant-based-menu-innovation-at-starbucks/">plant-based menu options</a>,&nbsp;found better ways to manage waste with&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-strawless-lids-now-available-across-the-u-s-and-canada/">greener cups and lids</a>,&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-furthers-commitment-to-sustainability-goals-by-joining-transform-to-net-zero/">joined arms with others across industry</a>&nbsp;on its journey to be a more sustainable company.&nbsp;

“Our Planet Positive initiatives have a central role in our long-term business strategy, and directly address what our customers are asking for,” said Kevin Johnson, Starbucks chief executive officer. “We are moving toward a more circular economy, and we are doing so in a very intentional, transparent, and accountable way.”&nbsp;

The now confirmed 2030 goals will not only reduce the company's environmental impact but also strengthen the entire supply chain from agriculture practices, to how stores are powered, and an environmentally friendly menu.&nbsp;

Diversified Renewable Energy Portfolio&nbsp;

core/heading

Starbucks has sourced 100% renewable energy for its more than 9,000 U.S., Canada and EMEA company-operated stores since 2015. The company has rapidly expanded its roster of renewable energy projects in the United States, supporting the growth of green energy onto the grid&nbsp;close to the stores that use the energy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

core/image

Today,&nbsp;Starbucks&nbsp;announced new&nbsp;investments&nbsp;around the country including&nbsp;the company’s&nbsp;first next generation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CHqF_ysJqPY/">on-site solar store in California</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As&nbsp;Starbucks&nbsp;embarks&nbsp;on the next chapter of&nbsp;its&nbsp;renewable energy strategy,&nbsp;the company will&nbsp;use&nbsp;its&nbsp;scale to drive innovation across the energy sector, applying a climate justice&nbsp;lens&nbsp;to new&nbsp;investments.&nbsp;

Sustainable Coffee&nbsp;

Over the past five years, Starbucks has donated nearly 50 million coffee trees that are resistant to coffee rust diseases to farmers as part of its 10-year, 100 million tree commitment.&nbsp;In addition, this past year Starbucks launched pilots in Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Rwanda, and Kenya to reduce water usage by up to 80% in coffee processing through investments in new mills.

Today,&nbsp;Starbucks&nbsp;announced&nbsp;further&nbsp;support&nbsp;to help ensure a sustainable, profitable future for coffee farmers globally by&nbsp;increasing&nbsp;its&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2015/starbucks-more-than-doubles-global-farmer-loan-commitment/">Global Farmer Fund&nbsp;</a>to $100 million, which represents an&nbsp;additional $50 million&nbsp;investment&nbsp;in this program.&nbsp;Coffee growers&nbsp;can use these funds to renovate and strengthen their farms and farming practices to be even more productive and sustainable.&nbsp;

Looking&nbsp;toward&nbsp;to&nbsp;the company’s resource-positive future,&nbsp;Starbucks&nbsp;will continue&nbsp;seeking advancements to&nbsp;reduce&nbsp;its&nbsp;carbon and water footprint in green coffee.&nbsp;

Sustainably Sourced Dairy&nbsp;&nbsp;

Just as with its coffee, Starbucks goal is for the products it sells to be produced under high quality and ethical standards. Recognizing this responsibility, Starbucks looks for opportunities to collaborate with suppliers to address changes at the industry level.&nbsp;

Today, Starbucks made two announcements to help propel the dairy industry's progress toward a more sustainable future.&nbsp;

Starbucks announced intent to support the Dairy Net Zero Initiative, a partnership of the U.S. dairy community seeking to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in water quality on farms. This collaborative effort is intended to provide farmers in Starbucks supply chain access to effective environmental and economically viable practices and technologies from feed production, to manure handling, cow care, and on-farm energy efficiency.&nbsp;

“We share Starbucks commitment to creating a more sustainable planet for future generations and look forward to partnering with them to reach net zero carbon emissions for dairy,” said Mike Haddad, chairman, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy. “This partnership reinforces the critical role dairy plays in sustainable diets, and Starbucks participation in the Net Zero Initiative will help enable, advance and scale new technologies on dairy farms of all sizes across the country.”

Starbucks is also joining the Farm Powered Strategic Alliance as a founding member,&nbsp;repurposing&nbsp;food waste in Starbucks supply chain&nbsp;into renewable energy via&nbsp;farm-based&nbsp;anaerobic digesters.&nbsp;The process produces low carbon fertilizer that host farms use to support regenerative agriculture practices, while Starbucks, in turn,&nbsp;helps contribute to a low carbon economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Introducing&nbsp;Oatmilk&nbsp;in US&nbsp;

Starbucks continues to introduce new&nbsp;plant-based&nbsp;drinks and food to menus globally.&nbsp;&nbsp;Following a successful regional rollout across the United States, Starbucks will&nbsp;launch&nbsp;oatmilk&nbsp;in all stores&nbsp;in the U.S. this coming&nbsp;Spring 2021.&nbsp;Customer interest in plant-based foods continues to see rapid growth with reports that the $5 billion industry has grown 29% over the past two years according to The Good Food Institute*.&nbsp;&nbsp;

More news and stories on Starbucks pathway to a planet positive future can be found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/planet/">here</a>.

Starbucks affirms commitment to resource positive future with new investments in eco-friendly operations and regenerative agricultural practices.

Starbucks solidifies pathway to a planet positive future

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/12/SBX20201209-ID-Sustainability-FeatureHorizontal.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/

Starbucks affirms commitment to resource positive future with new investments in eco-friendly operations, regenerative agricultural practices, and an environmentally friendly menu.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/12/SBX20201209-ID-Sustainability-FeatureHorizontal-1024x498.jpg

An open letter from Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, Michael Kobori, shared with Starbucks partners in support of Climate Week.

We have felt the immediate impact of climate change across the world this year – from the west coast of the U.S. engulfed by fires and an apocalyptic orange sky, to the floods in Asia, and a record-breaking Atlantic storm season. Not even the northern-most point of our planet was spared, with 100-degree temperatures recorded in the Arctic. At this point, the climate crisis is not something that will happen in the future; it is upon us today.

At Starbucks, we also realize the climate crisis is inextricably intertwined with the other historic crises we are grappling with, among them: the global pandemic, a recession, and systemic racism. 

At the beginning of 2020, Starbucks announced a bold aspiration to become resource-positive, storing more carbon than we emit, providing more clean freshwater than we use, and eliminating waste. And we set targets to cut our carbon, water, and waste footprints in half by 2030.

Nine months on, sobered by what we have experienced this year, we realize we need to deepen that commitment and recognize how it is interlinked with our people-focused mission---to inspire and nurture the human spirit. We have taken the following actions:

These actions are a step in the right direction. But we all know that we need to do more and do it faster if we are to create a more sustainable, just, and prosperous world that is people and planet positive.

I look forward to your engagement and support as we address this challenge and opportunity of our lifetime.

Reaffirming Starbucks commitment to a resource-positive future - Starbucks Stories

Reaffirming Starbucks commitment to a resource-positive future

An open letter from Starbucks Chief Sustainability Officer, Michael Kobori, shared with Starbucks partners in support of Climate Week.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/09/Starbucks_Logo_New_16-FEATURED-IMAGE-1024x683.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/reaffirming-starbucks-commitment-to-a-resource-positive-future/

As part of the company’s efforts to phase out plastic straws worldwide, a recyclable, strawless lid is the new standard for iced beverages in Starbucks stores

Over the past year, Starbucks has <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/greener-cups-fewer-straws-and-tracing-your-coffees-journey-via-app/">trialed</a> new lightweight, recyclable strawless lids in select markets across the U.S. and Canada. Due to the success of this test, the company is rolling out strawless lids to company-operated and licensed stores, marking a significant milestone in Starbucks effort to eliminate one billion plastic straws globally per year. Starbucks will continue to shift away from single-use packaging and plastics as part of its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-multi-decade-aspiration-to-become-resource-positive/">resource positive commitment</a> announced in January.

“Recyclable, strawless lids for customers across the U.S. and Canada is another step in our journey to reduce our environmental footprint,” said Michael Kobori, chief sustainability officer at Starbucks. “As we move closer toward our 2030 target of a 50 percent reduction in waste sent to landfills, the long-standing history of innovation within Starbucks, partnership across the industry and changing consumer behavior remain fundamental to our purpose and our prosperity as an organization.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Starbucks designed, developed, and manufactured its strawless lid, which will now be the standard for all iced coffee, tea, espresso, and Starbucks Refreshers® beverages. The lid was modeled after the lid customers recognize from Starbucks hot drinks and has approximately nine percent less plastic than the flat lid and straw historically used for iced beverages. Unlike straws that cannot be recycled because of their size, the strawless lid made from polypropylene, meets the Association of Plastic Recyclers design guidelines for recyclability and can be recycled in many markets in the U.S. and Canada.

“We developed and trialed several prototypes to arrive at this milestone,” said Andy Corlett, director of global packaging solutions and innovations, whose team at Starbucks helped design the lid. “A recyclable, strawless lid becoming the standard for iced drinks is one small way we can give more than we take from the planet. This is a significant moment for Starbucks as we work to reduce waste and safeguard the environment.”

Corlett’s team developed variations in lid design to match the variety of beverages Starbucks offers. For example, the distinct lid for Nitro beverages, which began rolling out in 2018, has a slightly wider, tear-drop shaped opening, designed for the perfect drinking experience of Starbucks velvety-smooth Nitro Cold Brew and beverages with Cold Foam. Similarly, Frappuccino® blended beverages and other drinks with whipped cream will continue to have a domed lid made from recyclable plastic and be accompanied by a straw, except where prohibited by local law. Straws will also remain available in stores for customers upon request.

“Last year alone, volunteers with Ocean Conservancy’s International Coastal Cleanup removed nearly one million straws from beaches and waterways around the world, and that’s one million too many polluting our environment,” said Doug Cress, Vice President of Conservation at Ocean Conservancy. “Starbucks strawless lid is a prime example of how innovation will help us move closer to a healthy ocean free of trash, and we are committed to working with Starbucks through our International Coastal Cleanup and our Trash Free Seas Alliance to drive positive change. Our hope is that other companies follow suit, and that these innovations are met with greater investment from both the public and private sectors in recycling infrastructure and markets to keep the momentum alive.”

Starbucks continues to make progress against its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/starbucks-to-eliminate-plastic-straws-globally-by-2020/">commitment</a> to phase out plastic straws worldwide. Starbucks Korea was the company’s first market to eliminate straws through strawless lids and paper straw alternatives in 2018. In 2019, Starbucks introduced strawless lids in select markets across the U.S., Canada and China, in addition to introducing FSC (Forest Stewardship Council®) certified paper straws across the UK and Europe. Strawless lids and straws made from alternative materials will continue to be tested and rolled out to more markets in the coming year.

core/gallery

Starbucks Strawless Lids Now Available Across the U.S. and Canada - Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/09/SBX20200909-Strawless-Lids-Featured-Image.jpg

Starbucks Strawless Lids Now Available Across the U.S. and Canada

The rollout of strawless lids marks a significant milestone in the company's effort to eliminate one billion plastic straws globally per year.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/09/SBX20200909-Strawless-Lids-Featured-Image2.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/starbucks-strawless-lids-now-available-across-the-u-s-and-canada/

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/09/SBX20200909-Strawless-Lids-Featured-Image2-1024x498.jpg

Today, Starbucks announced the rollout of strawless lids across company-operated and licensed stores in the U.S. and Canada, following a successful trial in select markets over the past year.&nbsp;

This rollout marks a significant milestone in Starbucks effort to eliminate one billion plastic straws globally per year, and contributes to Starbucks commitment to shift away from single-use packaging and plastics as part of its <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-multi-decade-aspiration-to-become-resource-positive/">resource positive commitment</a> announced in January.

The recyclable, lightweight strawless lid is made from polypropylene and has approximately nine percent less plastic than the flat lid and straw historically used for iced beverages. The new lid will now be the standard for all iced coffee, tea, espresso, and Starbucks Refreshers® beverages.

Straws will remain available for customers upon request.

core/button

Starbucks announces rollout of new strawless lids throughout U.S. and Canada - Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/09/SBX20200909-Strawless-Lids-Featured-Image-News.jpg

Starbucks announces rollout of new strawless lids throughout U.S. and Canada

Strawless lids are the new standard in Starbucks stores for most cold beverages.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/09/SBX20200909-Strawless-Lids-Featured-Image-News-1024x498.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-rollout-of-new-strawless-lids-throughout-u-s-and-canada/

Expanding on our history in sustainability and progress in building a more sustainable future, we <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-announces-multi-decade-aspiration-to-become-resource-positive/">announced</a> in January of 2020 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.

Today, as a continuation of the company’s passion and commitment to a more sustainable future, Starbucks joined the new Transform to Net Zero initiative as a founding member. Comprised of nine founding members, the Initiative’s objective is to accelerate the transition to a net zero global economy no later than 2050.

“Starbucks aspires to be a resource-positive company by building on our long history in sustainability,” said Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and chief executive officer. “Joining Transform to Net Zero aligned with our aspiration for a more sustainable future. Partnering with other like-minded companies, we will open-source best practices, advocate for positive government policies, and support a just transition. We believe in driving real change and encourage other organizations to join us in this critical effort for humanity.”

Comprised of nine founding members, the Initiative’s objective is to accelerate the transition to a net zero global economy no later than 2050.

Starbucks furthers commitment to sustainability goals by joining Transform to Net Zero

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/04/SBX20200428-Earnings2-Feature.jpg

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-furthers-commitment-to-sustainability-goals-by-joining-transform-to-net-zero/

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/04/SBX20200428-Earnings2-Feature-1024x498.jpg

Building on Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/starbucks-solidifies-pathway-to-a-planet-positive-future/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainability commitment</a>, the company’s goal to expand plant-based choices as an environmentally friendly menu contributes to our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/message-from-starbucks-ceo-kevin-johnson-starbucks-new-sustainability-commitment/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal</a> to be a resource positive company. Starbucks continues to introduce new drinks and food to menus globally while innovating with plant-based ingredients across key platforms like espresso, cold brew, refreshment, food and more.&nbsp;

Expanding Starbucks plant-based menu globally is one of the ways we are pursuing our goal to reduce our carbon footprint by 50%. Our aim is to provide our customers with a variety of choices as part of their Starbucks Experience and we look forward to hearing feedback from our partners (employees) and customers.&nbsp;

“Starbucks aspiration is to become resource positive. This aspiration, coupled with the insight that our customers are looking for more plant-based choices, has inspired the development of exciting and delicious plant-based beverages and food,” said Michael Kobori, chief sustainability officer at Starbucks. “Our customers continue to look for new ways to enjoy plant-based options at Starbucks and customize their Starbucks moment, and we are delighted to introduce new menu items to our customers over the coming years.”&nbsp;

Customers around the globe continue to see new additions to Starbucks local menus, with even more plant-based options available.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The U.S. menu features a variety of nondairy drinks such as the <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123805/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Hazelnut Oatmilk Shaken Espresso</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123431/iced?parent=%2Fdrinks%2Fcold-coffees%2Ficed-shaken-espresso" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123158/hot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honey Almondmilk Flat White</a> (hot and iced) and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/drinks/starbucks-refreshers-beverages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks Refreshers® Beverages</a>. Beverages such as the <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123937/iced">Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Cream Chai Tea Latte</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123773/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123563/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato</a>, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2021/starbucks-newest-holiday-drink-iced-sugar-cookie-almondmilk-latte/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/menu/product/2123856/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Summer Skies Drink</a> are available seasonally.

Customers in Canada can enjoy a variety of nondairy beverages on the menu including the Iced Apple Crisp Nondairy Chai Tea Latte, <a href="http://iced%20hazelnut%20oat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Hazelnut Oat Shaken Espresso</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2123431/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Iced Brown Sugar Oat Shaken Espresso</a>, <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2123279/hot" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oat Latte</a> and <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2123674/iced" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Paradise Drink Starbucks Refreshers Beverage</a>, while also offering a variety of nondairy options to choose from such as soy, almond, coconut and oat beverage. Starbucks also offers vegetarian food choices such as its Three Cheese &amp; Egg Sandwich, <a href="https://www.starbucks.ca/menu/product/2122117/single" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Egg White &amp; Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites</a> and Apples, PB &amp; Trail Mix Snack Box.

Starbucks began offering nondairy milk to customers in the U.S. and Canada in 1997 when it added soymilk to menus. As nondairy beverages grew in popularity, Starbucks added coconutmilk in 2015, almondmilk in 2016 and expanded to offer oatmilk nationally in 2021. In 2024, Starbucks introduced nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream cold foam and nondairy Vanilla Sweet Cream, which are both made with oatmilk and soymilk and are delicious additions to any handcrafted beverage. 

Alongside nondairy beverages, tasty food like hearty oatmeal and a variety of certified vegan bagels are also available. More information on which breakfast, lunch and snacks at Starbucks are vegetarian or vegan can be found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2018/grab-something-good-food-and-snacks-at-starbucks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. &nbsp;

In Asia Pacific, Starbucks offers <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/shake-things-up-with-the-energizing-starbucks-iced-shaken-espresso-beverages-this-autumn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based beverages</a> and alternative milks across the region, and has introduced <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-expands-plant-based-choices-in-asia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based food menus</a> in markets such as Hong Kong, India, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-introduces-new-plant-based-menu-in-indonesia/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indonesia</a>, Philippines, New Zealand, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2020/starbucks-expands-plant-based-food-menu-in-singapore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Singapore</a>, South Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Starbucks continues to offer a range of seasonal plant-based food and beverages, including <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2021/starbucks-welcomes-new-favorites-for-autumn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plant-based whipped cream</a> and <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/asia/stories/2022/kickstart-that-summer-feeling-with-starbucks-new-beverages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M:LK Cream™</a>, a fun and innovative alternative to dairy, thoughtfully created with oatmilk and whipped rice cream. &nbsp;

In April 2020, Starbucks China joined forces with plant-based innovator Oatly to launch &nbsp;oatmilk beverages market wide. This was followed by the launch of almond milk in April 2023, available at all Starbucks stores across the market.&nbsp;

In Japan, Starbucks has been working to expand coffee culture by offering ways to enjoy coffee through a variety of plant-based milks that match the tastes and moods of many of our customers. In addition to our long-time favorite soy milk, we added almond milk in 2019 and oatmilk in 2021 to our standard lineup.&nbsp;

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Starbucks introduced soy to menus in the UK in 1997, with customers across the region now able to choose from dairy alternatives made from coconut, almond, oat and soy. A <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2018/calling-all-pumpkin-heads-pumpkin-spice-latte-is-back-and-its-vegan-friendl/#:~:text=Pumpkin%20Spice%20Latte%20is%20back%20and%20it%27s%20vegan%2Dfriendly!&amp;text=Pumpkin%20Spice%20Latte%20(%23PSL,start%20of%20autumn%20for%20all." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vegan version of the Pumpkin Spiced Latte</a> has been available in most markets across EMEA for several years. In January 2021, Starbucks UK expanded its food menu, with the launch of the Beyond Meat Breakfast Sandwich.&nbsp;

In Latin America and the Caribbean, Starbucks continues expanding its nondairy milk options, introducing oatmilk across Latin America and the Caribbean markets starting in 2021. These nondairy milks complement the current portfolio of soy-, almond- and coconutmilk choices available for Starbucks beverages across the region. In 2021, Starbucks launched the nondairy milk option in association with NotCo in Chile, now also available in <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2023/starbucks-argentina-partners-with-notco-to-introduce-new-plant-based-option/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Argentina</a>, <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2022/starbucks-mexico-introduces-two-new-plant-based-menu-options-made-with-notco-products/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mexico</a>, Peru and Colombia. Chilean customers can savor two plant-based paninis made in association with NotCo, and those in Mexico can order the <a href="https://historias.starbucks.com/en-es/press/2023/starbucks-mexico-expands-plant-based-options-on-its-menu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NotBurger Baguette and the NotChicken Baguette with Guacamole</a>. In addition to nondairy milk beverages, customers in Starbucks Caribbean markets can enjoy the Impossible Breakfast Sandwich.&nbsp;

To help guide our customers’ decision making to meet their dietary lifestyles and unique taste preferences, nutrition facts and ingredients for a majority of the food and beverages served at Starbucks are available on <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks.com</a>, on the menu boards at Starbucks stores and listed on the Starbucks app. Customer-favorite nondairy beverages at Starbucks, as well as tips for customizing any drink on the menu, can be found <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2020/customizing-beverages-at-starbucks-stores-2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.&nbsp;

Plant-based menu innovation at Starbucks - Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/06/Starbucks-Plant-Based-feature.jpg

Starbucks continues to introduce new drinks and food to menus globally while innovating with plant-based ingredients across key platforms like espresso, cold brew, refreshment, food and more.

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/plant-based-menu-innovation-at-starbucks/

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/06/Starbucks-Plant-Based-feature-1024x498.jpg

Plant-based menu innovation at Starbucks

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, take a virtual field trip to Costa Rica to meet some of the agronomists and farmers working to address the effects of climate change, disease and diminishing natural resources on coffee farming. They want to ensure your coffee cup – all of our cups – stays full well into the future.

Most coffee drinkers will tell you that coffee, especially in uncertain times, is more than a beverage.

A cup of coffee can represent comfort, stability, a respite – a taste of normality, especially in a world that currently feels anything but. It represents much the same to the people who grow coffee.

“I have coffee for breakfast, at noon, at 2 p.m., and at night I have another cup. It’s like one of my daily meals,” said Ana Mendez, laughing. She and her husband farm coffee on several small plots in Costa Rica.

She said she often thinks of the people around the world drinking the coffee they grow.

“I would want to tell them behind every cup of coffee there is sacrifice, there is work, there is hope, and there is love,” Mendez said. “There is so much love.”

Yet coffee is at a bit of a crossroads. There are more coffee drinkers in the world than ever before, but each year, climate change, disease and diminishing natural resources can make the business of coffee farming more and more difficult. In 2013, Starbucks purchased a coffee farm in Costa Rica called Hacienda Alsacia to better understand these challenges, and to look for solutions. Since then, the farm has become a global hub of research and discovery – discoveries the team there hopes will help coffee farmers all over the planet and the ongoing challenges they face.

In celebration of an unusual Earth Day this year, but one on which the world is uncommonly united in purpose, join us on a virtual field trip to Costa Rica, where you can meet some of the agronomists and farmers working hard to make sure your coffee cup – all of our cups – stays full well into the future.

core/embed

“The most complicated problems we have now are (coffee leaf) rust and climate change. It’s affected us a lot,” said Raul Blanco, a 22-year-old farmer in Costa Rica who sells coffee to Starbucks.

A seventh-generation coffee farmer, Blanco said he was born into coffee, and remains dedicated to the future of the crop and his family’s land. He also loves imagining his family’s coffee making its way into the cups of coffee drinkers all over the world.

“I've never in my life thought about giving up coffee farming,” Blanco said. “Instead, I've always tried to look for ways to subsist as a coffee farmer, to improve it, day by day, to making (the farm) more profitable, more economical, and always taking care of the environment. Every coffee bean, every bushel of coffee, every truck full you take out every day is for someone somewhere in the world to enjoy it – for someone who is having a cup of coffee to delight in it.”

Starbucks purchases three percent of the world’s coffee, which is grown by more than 400,000 farmers much like Blanco. Here are six things Starbucks and coffee farmers around the world are doing to help ensure the future of coffee is sustainable and strong:

There’s a sign in the Hacienda Alsacia visitors’ center that reads, “Our mission is to ensure the future of coffee for everyone.” This means Hacienda Alsacia sharing its agronomy research, sustainable farming practices and disease-resistant coffee trees with farmers all over the world so their farms can be more productive and sustainable, which means they can grow even more sustainable, high-quality coffee for Starbucks to buy (and for people to drink), which means coffee farmers have more money to support their families and communities.

“A future without coffee would be almost like a future without rain – on an economic level, for Costa Rica, for families, and also on a personal level for coffee drinkers,” Mendez said. “I feel optimistic about coffee. We always plant more trees because we have to teach to the children, and we must protect nature and the environment.”

core/separator

This Earth Day, meet some of the people working to make coffee sustainable - Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/04/SBX20200422-EarthDay-Feature.jpg

This Earth Day, meet some of the people working to make coffee sustainable

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, take a virtual field trip to Costa Rica to meet some of the agronomists and farmers working to address the effects of climate change.

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/this-earth-day-meet-some-of-the-people-working-to-make-coffee-sustainable/

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/04/SBX20200422-EarthDay-Feature-1024x498.jpg

Starbucks chief executive officer Kevin Johnson announced Tuesday a renewed focus on sustainability, all with an eye toward eventually “<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/message-from-starbucks-ceo-kevin-johnson-starbucks-new-sustainability-commitment">giving more than we take from the planet</a>.”

“Our aspiration is to become resource positive -- storing more carbon than we emit, eliminating waste, and providing more clean freshwater than we use,” Johnson, wrote in a letter posted Tuesday.

His letter included preliminary targets for 2030 as well as the company’s commitment to be transparent in its reporting against short- and long-term goals. He also vowed to work with Starbucks partners, customers and other stakeholders on this journey. 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, he wrote.

“Our&nbsp;eyes&nbsp;are&nbsp;wide open&nbsp;knowing that&nbsp;we do not have all the answers or&nbsp;fully understand&nbsp;all&nbsp;the complexities and potential consequences,” Johnson wrote. “Now, it’s time to create an even broader aspiration –&nbsp;and it’s work that will require visionary thinking, new ways of working, investment of&nbsp;resource&nbsp;and urgent action.”

Starbucks has over 31,000 stores worldwide with 400,000 partners serving 100 million customers a week and the road ahead will require commitment and creativity from partners and customers across the globe as well as from entrepreneurs, non-profits and suppliers, he said.

Here are five important things to know about Tuesday’s announcement:

1. Starbucks wants to halve its carbon emissions, waste output and water impact in the next decade while growing the business at the same time

Johnson’s letter outlined three preliminary targets: By 2030, Starbucks will aim to reduce carbon emissions by 50 percent; reduce waste sent to landfills from stores and manufacturing by 50 percent, driven by a broader shift toward a circular economy; and will also conserve or replenish 50 percent of the water currently being used for direct operations and coffee production.

2. There’s a new way to track progress

 Starbucks has long used science-based research to assess progress. Now, the company has also released a comprehensive environmental footprint&nbsp;of carbon emissions, water use and waste in Starbucks global operations and supply chain. Created in partnership from Quantis and World Wildlife Fund, it will serve as a baseline for measuring future progress. “As we move forward, we will be transparent in reporting short- and long-term progress against our goals,” Johnson wrote. 

3. From more plant-based food and beverages to reusables, Starbucks is looking far and wide for opportunities to transform

Starbucks identified key areas in which it can make big impacts by 2030, including expanding plant-based and environmentally friendly menu options; shifting from single-use to reusable packaging; investing in innovative agricultural, water conservation and reforestation practices; looking for ways to better manage waste (including food waste) in stores and in communities; and developing more eco-friendly operations, from stores to supply chain to manufacturing. 

4. Yesterday’s groundwork = a head start

Over the years, the company has partnered with other organizations and invested in ways to bring sustainable practices to scale, including the <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/20-million-people-fed-through-starbucks-foodshare-program/">Starbucks FoodShare</a> program, <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2019/closed-loop-partners-announces-12-winners-of-the-nextgen-cup-challenge/">NextGen Cup Challenge</a>, becoming a leader in <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/environment/leed-certified-stores">L.E.E.D.&nbsp;(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)</a> stores, investments in renewable energy and a goal to eliminate plastic straws by the end of 2020. It has also spent two decades, in partnership with <a href="https://www.conservation.org/">Conservation International</a>, to achieve the milestone of sourcing 99% of coffee ethically through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/community/farmer-support/farmer-loan-programs">C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity)&nbsp;practices</a>. Research shows that implementing C.A.F.E. practices over the years has more than halved what the company’s carbon footprint would have otherwise been.

“This pledge to become ‘resource positive’ is bold and necessary – exactly what I’ve come to expect from Starbucks,” said Dr. M. Sanjayan, chief executive officer of Conservation International. “For more than two decades, Conservation International has partnered with Starbucks to source coffee in ways that are good for the people and the planet. We succeeded – today, 99% of Starbucks&nbsp; is ethically sourced – but we have not rested. Now we are working to bring the entire coffee sector along to make coffee the world’s first sustainable agricultural product. This is what it will take to meet today’s challenges: bold vision paired with action that does not rest.”

5. A greener green apron

Starbucks partners are mobilizing for change in increasing numbers. More than 18,000 partners have enrolled in an online “Greener Apron” course on sustainability and environmental stewardship in the last two years, and the number continues to grow. Lisa Ference, a store manager in Conway, Ark., is among those. Her “aha moment” came a few years ago when an oil spill near her home devastated a local lake, and ever since she’s felt strongly about getting involved and speaking up for wildlife and the environment. She was thrilled by Tuesday’s news from Starbucks.

“I feel certain that over the next decade we will become the model for other companies seeking to become resource-positive as this is, in my opinion, also the pathway to sustaining our business in the long term,” she said. “There are so many reasons to be grateful for this company, but the most important is that our mission and values are a reflection of my own. Sustainability is a flagship issue in my personal journey, one that I feel incredibly passionate about, and it’s a privilege to work for an organization that doesn’t wait to be summoned to act. We do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

The announcement is an important moment for Starbucks, said Sheila Bonini, senior vice president leading private sector engagement for <a href="https://www.worldwildlife.org/">World Wildlife Fund</a>, the world's leading conservation organization. Bonini said a lot of companies make environmental commitments, but what excites her most are the moments down the road when those companies get to celebrate each step toward meeting those goals.

“I’m impressed with Starbucks leadership – with their ambitious strategy to tackle sustainability as well as their humility and willingness to look at all parts of the business to try to achieve it,” Bonini said. “We are already starting to see some catastrophic effects of climate change. It’s clear our level of consumption and production today is more than the planet can take. We all need to address it. We need to address it yesterday.”

She believes it’s important for companies to not only make it easier for people to act sustainably, but to help them understand why it’s important. 

“People want to be green, but we have to help them get there,” she said. “We’re all partners in this.”

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/01/Starbucks-Sustainability-Commitment-Infographic.pdf

core/file

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/01/Starbucks-Environmental-Baseline-Report-2.pdf">2018 Starbucks Environmental Baseline Report</a>

5 things to know about Starbucks new environmental sustainability commitment - Starbucks Stories

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/01/SBX20200117-StarbucksSustainabilityTopFive-Feature.jpg

5 things to know about Starbucks new environmental sustainability commitment

Starbucks announced “a bold, multi-decade aspiration” to cut carbon, water and waste each by 50 percent by 2030 and give back to the planet by someday becoming resource positive.

https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2020/5-things-to-know-about-starbucks-new-environmental-sustainability-commitment/

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/01/SBX20200117-StarbucksSustainabilityTopFive-Feature-1024x498.jpg

A Letter to Our Starbucks Partners, Customers and All Stakeholders:

At Starbucks, we live our mission of inspiring and nurturing the human spirit every day through the convening power of coffee.&nbsp;As ceo, I am joined by a leadership team privileged to steward&nbsp;our company into the future, staying true to this enduring mission, sharing success with our partners and leading with environmental consciousness. As we approach the 50th anniversary of Starbucks in 2021, we&nbsp;look ahead with a heightened sense of urgency and&nbsp;conviction&nbsp;that we must challenge ourselves, think bigger and do much more in partnership with others to take care of the planet we share. Today, I’m excited to be able to share with you&nbsp;our commitment&nbsp;to pursue&nbsp;a bold, multi-decade aspiration to become resource positive and give more than we take from the planet. This is an aspiration that we take on, recognizing it will come with challenges and will require transformational change. Like most things that are worthwhile, this will not be easy. It will require all of us to play a role, and so we invite you to join us.

As many of you know, sustainability has been at Starbucks core since the beginning and consistent with our belief that we can build a great business that scales for good. And for many of us, it’s personal. Every day, our partners bring a sense of community and connection to our customers around the world.&nbsp;And every day, partners and customers take pride in our ethical and sustainable sourcing standards for coffee and our longtime support for coffee communities. 

We know that leadership in sustainability takes commitment, investment, innovation, partnership and, yes, time. It took nearly two decades of dedicated effort in partnership with Conservation International to achieve the milestone of sourcing 99% of our coffee ethically through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/community/farmer-support/farmer-loan-programs">C.A.F.E. (Coffee and Farmer Equity) practices</a>. Our environmental footprint research shows that by implementing these standards,&nbsp;we have more than halved what our coffee’s carbon footprint would have been otherwise.

Becoming a leader in <a href="https://www.starbucks.com/responsibility/environment/leed-certified-stores">L.E.E.D.&nbsp;(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)</a> stores took partnering with experts at the U.S.&nbsp;Green Building Council and a commitment&nbsp;to bring sustainable practices to scale.&nbsp;

Along the way, we have shared&nbsp;with&nbsp;the world&nbsp;what we have learned through open-source agronomy,&nbsp;farmer support centers&nbsp;and&nbsp;industry consortiums.&nbsp;Since 2001, we’ve published an annual&nbsp;<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2019/2018-starbucks-global-social-impact-report/">Global Social Impact Report</a>&nbsp;– one of the longest-running and transparent reporting commitments of any public company. These annual reports not only highlight our progress but also reinforce our accountability for goals and aspirations which evolve with new information, innovation and important lessons&nbsp;when we fall short. For example, we established reusability and recycling goals in 2008 that were unprecedented for our industry but also largely dependent on radical changes in customer behavior. What we learned was that, absent the same rigorous analysis, partnerships and investments that made us leaders in sustainable coffee and green building, our results underperformed our high expectations and underscored the need for a different approach.

Today,&nbsp;more than ever, the world needs leadership in environmental sustainability.&nbsp;We agree with the consensus of scientific experts who note that without drastic action from everyone – governments, companies and all of us as individuals – adapting to the impact of climate change in the future will be far more difficult and costly, taking a toll on our supply chains, our business, and more importantly, the lives of everyone involved, including coffee farmers, our suppliers, Starbucks partners, customers and every community we serve.&nbsp;

Now, it’s time to create a new, bold, broad aspiration –&nbsp;and it’s work that will require visionary thinking, new ways of working, investment of resources and urgent action. In that sense, I see today as a milestone for our business as we declare our concern about our planet’s future and commit to do more. 

Our&nbsp;aspiration&nbsp;is to become resource positive – storing more carbon than we emit, eliminating waste, and providing&nbsp;more clean freshwater than we use.&nbsp;This aspiration is grounded in Starbucks mission. By embracing a longer-term economic, equitable and&nbsp;planetary&nbsp;value proposition for&nbsp;our company,&nbsp;we&nbsp;will create greater value&nbsp;for all stakeholders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Recently,&nbsp;we worked&nbsp;with World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Quantis to quantify the carbon, waste and water footprint of our operations and supply chain across the globe. This was the first time we had conducted this footprint assessment&nbsp;for all three of those areas, globally.

These benchmarks&nbsp;provided&nbsp;a&nbsp;clear&nbsp;starting point, which&nbsp;led us to define five environmental strategies that will begin to move us toward a resource-positive future:

1.&nbsp;We will expand plant-based options, migrating toward a more environmentally friendly menu.

2.&nbsp;We will shift&nbsp;from single-use&nbsp;to reusable packaging.&nbsp;

3.&nbsp;We will invest in innovative&nbsp;and regenerative agricultural practices, reforestation, forest conservation and water replenishment in our supply chain.

4.&nbsp;We will invest in better ways to manage our waste, both in our stores and in our communities, to ensure more reuse, recycling and elimination of food waste.&nbsp;

5.&nbsp;We will innovate to develop more eco-friendly stores, operations, manufacturing and delivery.

While&nbsp;we’re&nbsp;confident these strategies are directionally right, our eyes are&nbsp;wide open knowing that&nbsp;we do not have all the answers or&nbsp;fully understand&nbsp;all&nbsp;the complexities and potential consequences. We do know that this journey will require&nbsp;new innovations and creative&nbsp;ideas from entrepreneurs, non-profits, our suppliers, our licensees, our partners and our customers. We will&nbsp;also&nbsp;be working in concert with&nbsp;the <a href="https://sciencebasedtargets.org/">Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)</a> to help track our progress in conjunction with other companies.

As we&nbsp;move forward,&nbsp;we will be transparent in reporting short- and long-term&nbsp;progress against our&nbsp;goals.&nbsp;We’re starting by setting three preliminary targets&nbsp;for 2030 that will be the focus of our research and operational plans over this next year:

On Starbucks 50th&nbsp;anniversary in 2021, we will formalize our 2030 environmental goals based on what we have learned between now and then. Specifically, this year we will conduct comprehensive market research and trials to better understand consumer behavior and incentives to encourage consumer use of reusable containers. Working in collaboration with experts and advocates, this research will help inform aspirational and attainable reusability goals in various markets and globally by next year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

For all of us as stakeholders, I want to reemphasize that the journey we undertake is not only the right one for Starbucks responsibility as a corporate citizen of the world but is&nbsp;also fundamental to our brand relevance and, therefore, our overall business results.&nbsp;As such,&nbsp;we&nbsp;remain committed to our long-term, double-digit EPS growth model and&nbsp;will continue to&nbsp;deliver targeted financial results by&nbsp;prioritizing the right investments across our partners, customers and planet in support of our “Growth at Scale” agenda.

Today is a milestone&nbsp;for our business as we declare our concern for our planet’s future and commit to do more. I invite you to join us.

A message from Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson: Starbucks new sustainability commitment - Starbucks Stories

A message from Starbucks ceo Kevin Johnson: Starbucks new sustainability commitment

Starbucks announces preliminary targets of cutting carbon, water and waste 50 percent by 2030 and to ultimately become resource positive.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/2020/01/SBX20200120-KJ-Letter-Social.jpg

sustainability