Starbucks announces new sustainability goals

Sustainability and green issues are a big concern for many consumers. Because of this, more and more companies are beginning to focus on finding more eco-friendly business practices.

The latest example of this is Starbucks. In a public letter, it has just announced that it will be implementing a new set of standards which it plans to reach by 2030.

Last year, the firm decided to begin its eco-friendly journey by charging customers 5p for disposable cups to cut down on waste. However, the new sustainability goals go much further.

They include:

• Cutting carbon emissions in its direct operations and supply chains by 50%
• Conserving or replenishing 50% of its water in operations and production
• Reducing waste sent to landfill from stores and manufacturing by 50%

In addition to this, Starbucks says it will be introducing five environmental strategies from next year – which is also the company’s 50th anniversary.

The strategies will be:

• Creating a more environmentally friendly menu with more plant-based options
• Moving away from single-use packaging towards reusable alternatives
• Investing in new, innovative agricultural practices in its supply chain, including reforestation, forest conservation, and water replenishment
• Investing in sustainable waste management in stores and elsewhere
• Developing eco-friendly stores, manufacturing, and delivery options

Starbucks owns over 29,000 stores, making it one of the world’s largest coffee chains. This means that any changes it makes will make a big difference environmentally. It could also result in other companies following its example.

In the letter, the company’s CEO, Kevin Johnson, says that Starbucks is trying to “think bigger” and, over the next ten years, hopes to “become resource positive and give more than we take from the planet.”

“Sustainability has been at Starbucks core since the beginning and consistent with our belief that we can build a great business that scales for good. Today is a milestone for our business as we declare our concern for our planet’s future and commit to do more,” he added.