REF:66-2110-2826405 - Recyclable cups

Your comment: I think it's not okay that the starbucks in the SU is giving out plastic cups. It should all be paper and biodegradable

Our response:

Thank you for your feedback concerning the cups in Starbucks in the Students’ union. Unfortunately a viable 100% paper cup has yet to be invented although Starbucks are investing billions of dollars into research on this topic. The hot cups supplied are all plastic coated and cold cups are made of recycled plastic and are 100% recyclable. As a ‘We proudly Serve’ Starbucks franchise we have to use the cups supplied by them. However, Starbucks and the University are committed to reducing the volume of waste produced. During 2020 all plastic straws were eliminated and the strawless lid has been introduced which we now stock. The University is also committed to responsible waste management and SB plastic lids and paper sleeves are recycled. We also discourage the use of the single use cups by added a ‘20p plastic tax’ (although bring your own cups was stopped during covid). There was also the opportunity for all students to get a free Eco Cup by completing the Map Challenge during Freshers.