Starbucks launches plastic-free to-go cups in Europe

Starbucks is also replacing the plastic lids with a paper-based solution with the same mineral coating. The new cups and lids are to be rolled out successively in selected European markets this year, starting with ten countries, Starbucks writes. They will be introduced in Germany, Austria and Switzerland in May.

The cups are manufactured by Transcend Packaging in Ystrad Mynach, Wales, using virgin fiber paperboard from Metsä Board. The inside of the cups features the new silica-based coating from Qwarzo. According to Starbucks, it has a water barrier with high heat resistance. According to the flustix initiative, flustix packaging is certified as plastic-free and recyclable via the waste paper stream.