Starbucks has announced it is temporarily stopping the use of reusable personal cups and “for here” ware in their stores to prevent the spread of germs amid the coronavirus outbreak, according to a recent Brussels Times report.
Customers will be served in single-use cups, although the company will continue to honour the 10% discount for anyone who brings in their personal cup or asks for “for here” ware.
Starbucks spokesperson told the Brussels Times that the company was pausing the use of personal cups or tumblers in its stores across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the United States and Canada.
According to Starbucks’ 2018 annual report, 1.3% of customers in the US, Canada, Europe, Middle East and Africa were served their drinks in their own cups.
The company recently announced on its website that it wants to replace single-use packaging and to slash waste, carbon emissions and unsustainable water usage by 50%.