The reason behind this is that the paper cups currently used by Starbucks are rarely recycled—technically, recycling is feasible. However, because the thin plastic lining inside existing paper cups is difficult to separate from the paper cup itself, the cost of taking the time to separate and recycle them individually would be far higher than simply producing new cups.
In June, McDonald’s tested plastic-free packaging in a small market in Germany: wheat ice cream served in waffle cones, wooden spoons instead of plastic spoons, and paper straws instead of plastic straws. This test also drew some complaints from customers—McDonald’s straws tended to become soft, and some people did not like the taste of the wooden spoons. This highlights one of the current environmental challenges faced by many food and beverage businesses: paper tableware often lacks the same texture and feel, while plastic products are not environmentally friendly. With current technology, finding a solution that addresses both issues will take time.
