Starbucks to switch to compostable and recyclable packaging by 5 June

“Since 2012, Tata Starbucks has been working to eliminate the use of single-use plastic across its stores,” the company said in a statement.

Navin Gurnaney, chief executive officer, Tata Starbucks said, “We are proud to be the first in the industry to be adopting all recyclable and compostable packaging solutions across our stores in India to further innovate the Starbucks Experience for our customers.”

According to the company, the move will prevent 23 million cups, 17 million straws, 27 million lids and 4 million cutlery sets from ending up at landfills in a year.

Tata Starbucks has also partnered with a Central Pollution Control Board approved recycler under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Plan to help recycle waste.

Gurnaney said, “The sustainability efforts began with its first store opening in 2012, with the use of paper bags, paper sleeves and paper napkins made from recycled fibre. Paper cups used at the Starbucks stores are in adherence with FSC (Forest Stewardship Council).”

Over the years, Starbucks has introduced various green initiatives including glass serve ware for food and beverages consumed within the stores, compostable wooden cutlery & stirrers, compostable paper cups and straws, compostable CPLA and PLA lids made from corn starch and compostable splash sticks for taking away orders.

The company also encourages customers to ‘Bring Your Own Tumbler’ which gives customers an incentive (Rs 10 off) for going green.