Starbucks dumps compostable cups after test rollout

Clear plastic cups are back. Starbucks has confirmed the test rollout of compostable cups in West Hollywood did not meet expectations. The decision reverses a sustainability push that aimed to reduce plastic waste but stumbled in the local market, indicating the challenges in balancing eco-friendly goals with customer preferences.

The trial in West Hollywood was part of Starbucks’ broader initiative to introduce compostable, fiber-based cups across 14 U.S. states, including California, starting in 2024-2025. This effort aligns with the company’s 2030 target to make all packaging 100% compostable, recyclable, or reusable, responding to growing environmental mandates. In West Hollywood the opaque, compostable cups were tested to gauge their viability. However, Starbucks has not publicly detailed the specific reasons for the failure, though industry trends suggest issues like poor lid integrity, leaks, or customer dissatisfaction with the loss of drink visibility may have played a role. A Starbucks spokesperson, in a general statement about U.S. trials, noted, “We’re committed to sustainability but must ensure functionality meets customer needs.”

The return to clear plastic cups will likely please many regulars ordering Frappuccinos or iced lattes. West Hollywood residents, accustomed to the city’s eco-conscious initiatives, may feel mixed emotions—relief at the return of transparency or disappointment at the sustainability stall. The test’s outcome mirrors feedback from other regions, where customers complained about soggy lids and a less premium experience, prompting Starbucks to pause and reassess. Unlike successful pilots in Europe (set for 2025 with mineral-based coatings), the West Hollywood experiment highlights the difficulty of tailoring green innovations to diverse U.S. markets.

This isn’t the first time Starbucks has adjusted its environmental strategy. In 2020, the company pledged to eliminate plastic straws globally, replacing them with sippy-cup lids, only to face backlash and later refine the approach. The West Hollywood test, spanning early 2025, adds to this pattern of trial and error.

The shift back to plastic raises questions about the future of Starbucks’ sustainability goals in the area. With compostable cups intended to break down in industrial facilities, their failure could push Starbucks toward alternative materials or improved designs. For now, West Hollywood patrons can expect the classic cup experience, though the episode serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between environmental ambition and customer satisfaction.