Decade-old promises: Starbucks faces global campaign pressure to curb plastic use

22 Mar 2018 --- In 2008, global coffee culture giant, Starbucks, made multiple pledges in the name of sustainability, which are still yet to be fulfilled – alleged the campaigners. The company pledged to deliver 100 percent recyclable paper cups and sell 25 percent of drinks in reusable cups by 2015. Campaigners are mounting pressure on the company to fulfill its promises.

To date, the campaign states that Starbucks has failed on both these fronts. There has been no release of a fully recyclable cup, and only 2 percent of drinks are served in reusable cups. Furthermore, the company uses a range of plastics in their beverage delivery, including lids, cups and their iconic green straws.

The pressure on the mega-giant comes amid a backdrop of other large corporations being accused of making environmental pledges in vain. 

SumOfUs are running the campaign jointly with US environmental organization Stand.earth, and in partnership with several other organizations including Break Free From Plastics Coalition and Greenpeace USA.

Furthermore, in light of Starbucks planned global expansion, campaigners are saying that enough is enough. Sondhya Gupta, from campaign group SumOfUs, states:

“Starbucks has pledged to open one store every 15 hours in China in 2018. CEO Kevin Johnson continues to turn a blind eye to his company's contribution to our global plastic pollution problem even as the coffee giant continues to open stores at an astonishing pace.” 

There are worries that although sustainable plastic actions may be implemented in the UK and US, Asia may not be entirely included and the pollution will continue.

The campaign is calling on Starbucks to address its plastic pollution in 5 specific ways:

• Create a 100 percent recyclable paper cup without a plastic lining.
• Reduce plastic pollution by eliminating single-use plastics like straws.
• Promote reusable cups and encourage customers to change their habits.
• Recycle cups and food packaging in all stores worldwide.
• Report publicly on the type and amount of plastics used in packaging.

Starbucks created a green name for itself a decade ago when these promises were made. But in the current climate, where food industry leaders are beginning to act upon plastic concerns, Starbucks could lag behind. For example, direct competitor Costa Coffee has introduced a ban on plastic straws. McDonald's has just signed a pledge of global recycling goals. And, UK grocer Iceland recently committed to phasing out all plastic packaging within five years.

This momentum does not favor companies, such as Starbucks, who arguably are failing to address their waste.

Starbucks held its annual general meeting on March 21st. It is expected that calls for plastic reduction and adherence to the 2008 pledges, will be an active topic in the talks. Read more about the coffee cup problem and the UK's efforts in finding a solution.

By Laxmi Haigh