It’s a new era for Starbucks. By 2025, the company wants every customer to either use their own mug or borrow a reusable to-go mug from their local Starbucks.
The disposable cups are instantly recognizable brand symbols—a double-edged sword when the cups end up as trash in landfills or litter on the streets. Michael Kobori, Starbucks chief sustainability officer, told CNN, “Our cup is ubiquitous, and we love that. But it is also this ubiquitous symbol of a throwaway society.”
By the end of next year, Starbucks plans to let customers use their own personal mugs at every store in the United States and Canada, even if they order ahead or use the drive-thru.
Early in the pandemic, when people feared that the coronavirus could spread easily on surfaces, Starbucks barred customers from bringing their own mugs.Now, Starbucks is bringing back the option, even incentivizing customers to try it with discounts and fees.
For customers who forget a cup, Starbucks is also testing a widespread borrow-a-cup program, in which customers pay a deposit for a durable cup that they can take and return after use.
Ultimately, the goal is to make the paper and plastic cups a less attractive option. While the company hopes to eliminate disposable cups one day, Starbucks won’t be ditching them right away.
Currently, the largest coffee house chain in the world is simply introducing the idea to their customers, hoping to eventually change their coffee habits. Already a go-to product for many promotional products campaigns, drinkware now has even more utility.
Here are five reusable cups that are perfect for a Starbucks drink.
This Commuter Tumbler makes handling hot drinks on the go easy. The double-wall insulated 16-ounce design features a silicone comfort grip with a matching lid. This product fits most car cup holders and is BPA-free. Ideal for school events, corporations, company picnics and sports sponsorships, this product ships assembled and is reusable and recyclable.
Evans Manufacturing, Inc. / PPAI 110747, S10 /
Perfect for everyday needs, this 13-ounce stainless to-go coffee tumbler keeps drinks hot for 8 hours and cold for up to 24 hours. This cup is leak-proof with a locked top on lid to prevent any spills. It has a powder-coated shell that’s trendy and durable along with a tapered design on the side for easy handling.
Gold Bond, Inc. / PPAI 113874, S10 /
The BruMate Toddy is an insulated coffee mug with a handle designed for enjoying favorite hot drinks at home or on-the-go. WithDrinkLock™ Technology with a fully leak-proof locking lid, a recipient won’t have to worry about spills.This versatile, go-to mug also works with cold beverages, too.
Custom Engraving Studio, LLC / PPAI 754649, S1 /
Enjoy the at-home coffee experience with the 12-ounce Elemental® Stainless Steel Tumbler. This tumbler has a fully ceramic lid that fits snugly atop. With double-wall insulation plus copper,beverages will stay hot for up to 6 hours or refreshingly cold for up to 18 hours. The sleek design fits comfortably in hand and slides perfectly into any car’s cup holder.
Elemental Bottles / PPAI 770416, S1 /
Get the coffee shop vibes with this wheat straw mug. Reusable and eye-catching, this 16-ounce mug is a must-have in the morning. Available in blue, green, pink and natural, the long-tapered design fits most standard cup holders.
Mixie / PPAI 143213, S8 /