Starbucks launches strawless lids for iced beverages

Starbucks did a test over the past year in select markets across the United States and Canada where they replaced straws for strawless lids for their iced beverages. Due to the test's success, Starbucks is implementing strawless lids for all its markets across the United States and Canada.

Pic Credit: Starbucks

Pic Credit: Starbucks

But, this is not just bringing in a new feature to an existing product, this is Starbucks working towards their resource positive commitment of eliminating one billion plastic straws globally per year. Starbucks has also confirmed that they will continue to shift away from single-use packaging and plastics.

Chief Sustainability Officer comments "Recyclable strawless lids for customers across the U.S. and Canada is another step in our journey to reduce our environmental footprint"

The lid is recognisable, as it is very similar to the hot beverage lid that one gets at Starbucks, the only difference - this lid is transparent. Unlike the straws that cannot be recycled due to size, this plastic lid can. The lids are made from polypropylene and meets the Association of Plastic Recyclers design guidelines for recyclability (yes, there is an association for it). This means that in many markets in the United States and Canada these lids can be recycled.

Pic Credit: Starbucks

Pic Credit: Starbucks

But, this sustainability commitment is not only in select markets in the world, but it is a global commitment. Starbucks Korea was the company's first market to replace plastic straws with paper straws and strawless lids. In addition to the U.S. and Canadian markets, Starbucks in China is also opting for strawless lids. In the UK and European Markets, Forest Stewardship Council certified paper staws are being used along with tests of strawless lids and straws made of alternative materials will continue and eventually be launched.

What do you think, will straws as a product/item ever be eliminated or replaced?