Starbucks Promised A Recyclable Drink Lid. Don't Believe the Hype.

THE NEW STARBUCKS coffee cup lid, which is being rolled out with great green fanfare in six cities this summer, was supposed be an environmental milestone. Starbucks promised that its latest design innovation, a “clear, recyclable” plastic drink cap that funnels liquid through a slightly raised area, would soon replace more than a billion plastic straws each year.

“By nature, the straw isn’t recyclable and the lid is, so we feel this decision is more sustainable and more socially responsible,” wrote Chris Milne, director of packaging, sourcing, and print production for Starbucks, in press materials. “Starbucks is finally drawing a line in the sand and creating a mold for other large brands to follow. We are raising the water line for what’s acceptable and inspiring our peers to follow suit.”

Starbucks did not respond to inquiries for this story. Read Full Article - The Intercept, April 17, 2019