As Dunkin’ continues to navigate the COVID-19 health crisis, the brand has simultaneously continued to advance key sustainability initiatives to serve both people and the planet responsibly. Dunkin’ today announced that 100% of its restaurants globally have transitioned from polystyrene foam cups to double-walled paper cups, meeting the timetable established by the brand two years ago. Dunkin’ is also on track to fully transition to new, recyclable hot coffee cup lids in all of its U.S. restaurants by the end of the summer and is committing to doubling its number of DD Green Achievement™ restaurants within five years.
The new, double-walled paper cups, made with paperboard certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) Standard, are currently used to serve all Dunkin’ hot beverages, including coffee, espresso drinks, tea, and hot chocolate in the U.S. To meet consumers’ expectations and preferences, the cups maintain heat retention properties comparable to the prior foam cups, keeping beverages hot while keeping hands cool, without the need for a sleeve. Dunkin’s transition to paper cups will remove approximately one billion foam cups from the waste stream annually.
The company is also on track to be fully transitioned to recyclable hot coffee cup lids in its U.S. restaurants by the end of summer 2020. The new lids are made of #5 polypropylene that can be recycled in cities and towns that offer #5 recycling. This transition, along with the move to the double-walled paper cups, will remove a collective 19 million pounds of polystyrene from the waste stream annually.
According to Scott Murphy, President, Dunkin’ Americas, “Even in challenging times like these, sustainability remains a key priority for Dunkin’. We are proud of our accomplishments, but recognize that making a meaningful difference requires commitment and continuous improvement.”
By the end of 2020, all Dunkin’ Keurig K-Cup® pods sold in-store and on shelves at the grocery will also be recyclable. Made with #5 polypropylene, customers can recycle the K-Cup® pods by peeling and disposing of the lid, composting or disposing of the grounds, then recycling the remaining empty cup.