Starbucks has introduced a new takeaway cup in Europe that is both widely recyclable and home-compostable, marking a significant step forward in sustainable packaging.
The redesigned cup and lid, which began rolling out in select European markets in May, are the result of a collaboration between Starbucks EMEA, Metsä Board, Transcend Packaging, and Italian coating innovator Qwarzo®.
A New Generation of the Iconic Cup
The latest version of Starbucks’ signature white hot beverage cup replaces the traditional plastic lining with a mineral-based coating developed by Qwarzo®. The plastic lid has also been replaced with a fibre-based alternative using the same coating. The materials—Metsä Board’s lightweight paperboard and Qwarzo®’s coating—are both certified for home compostability by DIN CERTCO and are widely recyclable across existing infrastructure.
The cup is manufactured at Transcend Packaging’s facility in Wales and designed for use when customers do not have a reusable cup. It will be introduced progressively in markets including Italy, Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, Austria, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary, with the UK and Ireland to follow later in the year.
Collaboration Across Borders
“This is the first time this emerging technology has been applied to coffee cups at scale,” said Duncan Moir, President of Starbucks EMEA. “It offers customers a compostable and recyclable option, and we’re proud to lead with this innovation in Europe.”
Metsä Board, the supplier of the paperboard, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project. “This was a true team effort between Metsä Board, Starbucks, and our partners,” said Matt Boyle, Sales Director at Metsä Board UK and Ireland. “It sets a new standard for the industry.”
Hélène Lehtinen, Director of Barrier Development at Metsä Board, highlighted the role of the company’s 360 Services—particularly in sustainability and R&D—as key to overcoming development challenges during the process.
Aligning with Circular Goals
The new hot cup supports Starbucks’ broader sustainability objectives, including reducing reliance on single-use plastics and improving packaging circularity. It also aligns with Metsä Board’s ongoing efforts to develop renewable, fibre-based solutions in line with circular economy principles.
As demand for more sustainable packaging grows, the introduction of a home-compostable and widely recyclable hot cup represents a practical innovation that could influence industry-wide change.
Metsä Board is a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards, including folding boxboards, food service boards, and white kraftliners. Based in Finland and part of the Metsä Group, the company is known for its strong commitment to sustainability, offering lightweight, recyclable, and compostable packaging materials made from renewable Nordic wood. Metsä Board collaborates globally to support circular economy solutions through innovation and responsible sourcing.
