"This New Cup Is Terrible"... Complaints Surge as US Starbucks Phases Out Plastic Cups

Starbucks Introduces Compostable Cups in 14 U.S. States
Some Customers Express Dissatisfaction with the New Cups
Opaque Design Prevents 'TikTok Drink' Videos
Starbucks Suggests Reusable Cups as an Alternative

Global coffee franchise Starbucks plans to phase out 'plastic cups' in 14 U.S. states. Instead, it has introduced new cups made from compostable eco-friendly materials, but some customers have expressed dissatisfaction.

On the 18th (local time), Fox News Business reported that Starbucks began offering 'compostable cups' at stores in 14 states, including California, Washington, and Hawaii, starting from the 11th.

Starbucks has introduced the eco-friendly material 'Compostable Cup'. It is characterized by being compostable. Starbucks

Compostable cups are eco-friendly cups that replace plastic cups, made from specially molded fibers that can be composted. Unlike plastic materials that remain in the ground for a long time without decomposing, these cups have the advantage of causing less environmental pollution. The appearance of compostable cups resembles white paper cups, and their texture is also known to be similar to paper cups.

Originally, Starbucks served hot beverages in paper cups and cold beverages in plastic cups. However, at stores where compostable cups have been introduced, plastic cups are expected to disappear in the future.

Starbucks explained the purpose of introducing compostable cups as "another step toward the company's sustainability goals," adding, "It is an effort to reduce waste and meet local market requirements by switching to compostable cups and lids."

Starbucks has been serving cold beverages in plastic cups. Photo by Getty Images

However, Fox News pointed out that not all customers welcome compostable cups. In fact, many posts expressing dissatisfaction with compostable cups have been posted on Reddit, the largest online community in the U.S.

Some netizens pointed out that unlike plastic cups, compostable cups make it impossible to film 'TikTok drinks.' TikTok drinks refer to videos showcasing beverages in transparent plastic cups. However, compostable cups are made of opaque materials, meaning the contents cannot be displayed.

There were also opinions criticizing defects in the compostable cups and lids. Some pointed out that it is inconvenient to drink from the cups, while others said that the cups and lids are poorly designed, causing the beverage inside to spill out.

In response, Starbucks stated, "If customers do not like the compostable cups, they can bring their own reusable cups as an alternative or receive their drinks in ceramic mugs or glass cups."

Meanwhile, on the 10th, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order encouraging the federal government and consumers to purchase plastic straws. This reversed the previous Biden administration's goal of gradually phasing out single-use plastic purchases at the government level by 2035. Starbucks' efforts to eliminate plastic contrast with the Trump administration's move.