Starbucks invests in waste reduction

Starbucks is spending over US$ 50 million (EUR 47 million) towards cutting its water and waste footprints in half by 2030.

As part of its sustainability strategy, Starbucks is putting US$ 10 million towards recycler Circular Services to reduce landfill waste. Circular Services, which claims to be the largest privately held recycling and reuse company in North America, sorts, processes and reuses of commodities including consumer packaging, organics, textiles and electronics.

It was set up in 2022 by Closed Loop Partners and a US$ 700 million commitment from Brookfield Renewable. It is majority owned and managed by Closed Loop Partners.

The investment not only brings recycling access to Starbucks stores but also creates a partnership with leading waste industry stakeholders to collaborate on solutions for packaging, such as Starbucks hot cup, with limited access to recycling programmes.

‘It’s our role and responsibility to protect our planet and give back more than we take,’ says company sustainability specialist Michelle Burns. ‘These investments will help us make significant strides toward our sustainability commitments while building a business that scales for good and is driven by innovation.’

‘Now is the time for bold action to transform the recycling infrastructure in the US,’ adds chief sustainability officer Michael Kobori. ‘We are excited to join with Microsoft, Nestle, PepsiCo, SK Group, Unilever, Brookfield and the Partnership Fund for New York City to help generate nearly a billion-dollar investment in Circular Services.’