On its journey to develop a more recyclable and compostable hot cup solution by 2022, Starbucks announced today details for in-market testing of a more sustainable cup technology from the NextGen Cup Challenge. Starting on Monday, March 9^th, a new BioPBS™-lined cup will be in circulation in select stores in Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, New York and London.

The tests are designed to provide key insights and learnings into the partner and customer in-store experience with the goal of no noticeable differences in performance between the new cup and current cup. In addition, in conjunction with Closed Loop Partners, Starbucks is conducting separate tests designed to validate that this particular cup technology can be recycled more readily than the current cup.

In January, Starbucks announced a multi-decade aspiration to be resource positive, giving more than it takes from the planet. As part of its sustainability commitment, the company is focusing on ways to better manage its waste, both in Starbucks stores and in the communities it serves by ensuring more reuse and recycling. While this cup trial is an exciting step forward, Starbucks will continue to evaluate additional NextGen Cup Challenge winning concepts and cup technologies, as well as learn from other reusable and recyclable innovations to find the most sustainable solutions for its business, partners (employees) and customers.