Packaging News
While the majority of Dunkin’ Donuts’ international markets are already using paper cups, the brand will work with its franchisees to eliminate foam cups from the remaining international outlets.
The transition to paper cups is expected to remove nearly 1 billion foam cups from the waste stream annually.
A new, double-walled paper cup will be introduced, made with paperboard certified to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative Standard and will feature the current re-closable lid that Dunkin’ customers recognise.
Karen Raskopf, chief communications and sustainability officer, Dunkin’ Brands, said: “With more than 9,000 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants in the US alone, our decision to eliminate foam cups is significant for both our brand and our industry. We have a responsibility to improve our packaging, making it better for the planet while still meeting the needs of our guests. Transitioning away from foam has been a critical goal for Dunkin’ Donuts US, and with the double-walled cup, we will be able to offer a replacement that meets the needs and expectations of both our customers and the communities we serve.”
In 2014 the company transitioned to bagel bags made with 100% recycled paper, saving an estimated 20 million pounds of virgin paper per year.
The following year it began transition of the lids for cold beverage cups from PET to recyclable #5 polypropylene, a change that will eventually take 500,000 pounds of material out of the waste stream per year once completed this summer 2018.
Last year Dunkin’ Donuts issued a new Sustainable Pulp and Paper Sourcing policy with a goal to source paperboard certified to the SFI Standard for 80% of its consumer-facing fiber-based packaging by the end of 2018.
