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Starbucks Pilots Reusable Foodservice Packaging Program

The Borrow A Cup pilot is built on a reusable packaging platform using an in-store bin that scans and accepts empty cups returned by a consumer, washes them, and returns them to circulation. Consumers can earn rewards based on their scanned cup data.

The empty polypropylene cup is recoverable by an in-store return bin that scans, collects, washes, and puts cups back into circulation.
The empty polypropylene cup is recoverable by an in-store return bin that scans, collects, washes, and puts cups back into circulation.

Starbucks launched a reusable packaging beverage cup pilot program in 12 of its stores in Napa and Petaluma, Calif., just the latest example of what the company calls its “resource-positive” commitments around sustainability. Coffee connoisseurs getting their daily fix in those locations will be offered the Borrow A Cup option for the 10 weeks between August 14 through October 22, so results or success metrics weren’t yet available at press time.

Starbucks papped reusable packaging pioneer TURN Systems, formerly known as Globlelet, for the pilot, using the company's high-tech collection bins to understand cup return behavior. TURN is a reuse platform designed for scale - through a fully circular system, TURN offers integrated solutions to end single-use plastic. Starbucks developed and provided the recyclable polypropylene cup for the pilot, but it is designed to work within the TURN's existing platform, which includes mobile washing systems, smart bins, and incentive systems. Fitted with patented digital tracking technology, the Starbucks-developed reusable cups are prominently branded with the company logo. The other elements of the TURN platform also were developed with co-branding in mind, making the whole system visually seamless. 

Here's how the California pilot model works. A consumer orders his or her drink as usual at the dozen participating Starbucks, either in the café, drive-thru, or via mobile order and pay. Their hot or cold beverage will be then served in a "borrowed" cup. When finished with their beverage, the consumer returns the cup by scanning and dropping it into a contactless return bin, designed by TURN. The cup will be professionally washed and sanitized, soon ready to be used again. And when consumers return their borrowed cup, they will also have the option to register online with TURN to earn points for every Borrow a Cup return and prizes through TURN. Consumers must first recycle the cups' lidding.Consumers must first recycle the cups' lidding.

Notably, the Borrow A Cup program won’t be the only option for consumers at these Starbucks locations during this pilot. Consumers can also bring their own personal cup into the café or through drive-through for refill, an extension of an existing own-cup program (more on those later). To help encourage folks to bring in their own, clean personal cups, they will receive the standard $0.10 off with an additional 25 Bonus Stars for Starbucks Rewards members. Also, consumers who opt to sit and stay in café can choose to receive their beverages in what Starbucks calls For Here Ware—durable ceramic or glass cups.


   Read about another application of the TURN Systems returnable, reusable packaging platform, this one with PepsiCo. The major brand owner's efforts with major professional sports teams and their respective stadiums have been paying dividends in consumer education regarding recycling and returnable, reusable systems. 
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