Starbucks, Dunkin’ and Others Team Up in Test

Starting next month, several chains in Petaluma, Calif., will band together in the name of sustainability.

Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, Peet’s Coffee, Burger King and Yum Brands concepts are among those who will participate in a city-wide returnable cup test, from Aug. 5-Oct. 28, in partnership with NextGen Consortium. Over 60 city-wide return bins will be installed across Petaluma for the initiative, which includes over 30 restaurants.

Starbucks—who, along with McDonald’s is a founding partner of NextGen Consortium—is the leading retailer in the test, with eight stores participating.

“This city-wide initiative is the first of its kind and marks a milestone for reuse, making reusable cups the default option and aiming to reduce hundreds of thousands of single-use cups over the course of the test,” says Starbucks.

In the past, Starbucks and NextGen Consortium also have collaborated on developing 100% compostable and recyclable hot cups. By 2030, Starbucks aims to cut its climate, water and waste footprint in half and ensure all customer packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable.

In addition to working with its founding partners, NextGen Consortium also works with chains including Wendy’s on sustainability goals.