Global coffee franchise Starbucks has kicked out plastic cups in 14 U.S. states and introduced new cups made from eco-friendly ingredients, and some customers are complaining. They are complaining that the cup has a unique taste or that it is difficult to take photos for SNS.
Fox News Business reported on the 18th that Starbucks began offering “compostable cups” in 14 state stores, including California, Washington, and Hawaii, on the 11th.
Compostable cups are eco-friendly cups that replace plastic cups and are made of special molded fibers that can be composted. Unlike plastic materials that remain on the ground for a long time, they are less likely to pollute the environment. They are known to have similar appearance and texture to paper cups.
Starbucks used to offer hot drinks in paper cups and cold drinks in plastic cups. However, plastic cups are expected to disappear in stores where compressible cups have been introduced.
Starbucks described the purpose of introducing Compostable Cups as “another step toward the company’s sustainability goals,” adding, “In an effort to reduce waste and meet local market requirements, we have switched to compostable cups and lids.”
Fox News pointed out that not all customers welcome the “Composable” cup. In fact, a number of postings complaining about the “Composable” cup were posted on Reddit, the largest online community in the U.S. Some Internet users pointed out that it is impossible to film “TikTok Beverage” with a “Composable” cup unlike a plastic cup. TikTok beverage refers to a video taken as if showing off a drink in a transparent plastic cup. However, the “Composable” cup is an opaque material, which means that the contents cannot be flaunted.
Some pointed out the defects of the Constable Cup and the lid. Some pointed out that it is inconvenient to drink in a cup, while others pointed out that the cup and lid are poorly designed so that the drink inside flows out.
One user complained, saying, “The cup is too uncomfortable and awkward to drink.” Another user also shared a photo of a beverage leaking from the cup lid, criticizing, “Starbucks, what the hell is wrong with you?” Some pointed out that drinking it with your mouth on a flat paper lid tastes like chemicals and that you will not drink it until you give it a plastic lid.
In response, Starbucks responded, “If you don’t like the Compostable Cup, customers can bring personal reusable cups as an alternative or receive drinks in ceramic mugs or glasses.”
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on the 10th to encourage the federal government and consumers to purchase plastic straws. It reversed the goal set by the former Joe Biden administration to phase out single-use plastic purchases at the government level by 2035. Starbucks’ efforts to remove plastic contrast with the Trump administration’s move.
SALLY LEE
US ASIA JOURNAL
