The coffee chain’s decision to stop using plastic straws globally by 2020 and replace them with "sippy-cup" tops could result in the company using more plastic, according to new research. Starbucks has been phasing out single-use plastics since 2011, but it is still making a big push into reusable cups. Disability rights campaigners have also claimed that straws are the only ways for some individuals to consume food and drink. The campaigners argue that Starbucks should have chosen to replace plastic straws with alternatives made from biodegradable paper or reusable metal.
The coffee chain’s decision to stop using plastic straws globally by 2020 and replace them with "sippy-cup" tops could result in the company using more plastic, according to new research. The analysis indicates that whereas cold drinks use 3.23-3.55g of plastic in lids and straws combined, the new nitro lids will contain between 3.55g and 4.11g of plastic. Disability rights campaigners have also claimed that straws are the only ways for some individuals to consume food and drink. The campaigners argue that Starbucks should have chosen to replace plastic straws with alternatives made from biodegradable paper or reusable metal.