Starbucks is participating in a new initiative alongside several other restaurant brands to introduce a returnable cup pilot program in Petaluma, Calif., in collaboration with NextGen Consortium. This pilot program, running from August 5 to October 28, allows customers to ‘borrow’ a cup when they order a Starbucks beverage and return it to one of the 60 designated return bins across the city.

Helen Kao, the director of reusables at Starbucks, highlighted the significance of this partnership with NextGen Consortium in driving systemic change. The aim is to create a cultural shift towards reusables becoming the norm within communities. By collaborating with global brands, local businesses, city leaders, and community groups, Starbucks aims to pave the way for a more sustainable future.

Starbucks has been at the forefront of sustainability efforts, having previously incentivized customers to bring their own cups by offering a discount. Despite a brief pause in this practice during the COVID-19 pandemic, the discount scheme was reinstated in 2021. In a joint effort with McDonald’s in 2020, Starbucks worked with NextGen Consortium to develop cups that are 100% recyclable and compostable.