Starbucks, International Paper demonstrate viability of recycling used cups into new cups

February 25, 2011

Starbucks Coffee Co., Seattle, and International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., along with Mississippi River Pulp LLC, Natchez, Miss., have completed a six-week pilot project that, for the first time, proved that used Starbucks paper cups can be recycled into new paper cups. This advancement brings Starbucks one step closer to its goal of ensuring 100 percent of its cups are reusable or recyclable by 2015.

While some communities already recycle Starbucks paper cups, most do not have the infrastructure in place to handle collection, hauling, and processing due to a lack of demand for cup material by the recycling industry. To date, Mississippi River is the only pulp mill in the U.S. that has successfully recycled used cups into fiber suitable for producing new cups.

“What’s really exciting about the cup-to-cup concept is that it has the potential to benefit not only Starbucks, but the entire food service industry,” said Greg Wanta, vice president of International Paper Foodservice, the largest manufacturer of Starbucks paper cups. “If we can continue to prove the value of used cup material, we can help increase recycling rates in communities across the country.”