Starbucks Bio-Cards
As the future of plastic becomes more bio-based instead of petrol-based, Starbucks can lead the way to a sustainable future in the food industry by implementing bio-based gift cards. By utilizing their gift card’s popularity, Starbucks can showcase their promise towards sustainability as well as educating their consumer’s of the possible alternatives available.
Disclaimer
This project is designed for educational purposes, and does not reflect any future plans of Starbucks.
Starbucks 2030 Benchmarks
1. We will expand plant-based options, migrating toward a more environmentally friendly menu.
2. We will shift from single-use to reusable packaging.
3. We will invest in innovative and regenerative agricultural practices, reforestation, forest conservation and water replenishment in our supply chain.
4. We will invest in better ways to manage our waste, both in our stores and in our communities, to ensure more reuse, recycling and elimination of food waste.
5. We will innovate to develop more eco-friendly stores, operations, manufacturing and delivery1. We will expand plant-based options, migrating toward a more environmentally friendly menu
With great appreciation, Kevin Johnson
“Other than food packaging, coffee packaging, and recyclable cups,
what other physical products that can be more sustainable?”
Starbucks Touchpoint Sustainability Analysis
Starbuck’s Gift Card
Starbucks current gift cards are sustainable compared to traditional cards. However one version still contains 15% PVC plastic, and both version are Chalk-based.
Chalk is a more sustainable than PVC plastic, but it’s a mined, non-renewable material source that affects the local land.
Billions of these chalk-based gift cards still end up landfills since they aren’t recyclable due to it being a composite of materials.
-Photo shows an early design using recycled burlap sacks
15% PVC Plastic Design - Click for Source
100% PVC Free Design - Click for Source
“What if Starbucks replaced their current gift cards with
bio-based materials instead?”
Idea Mind-Map
“Starbucks gift card is a powerful form of communication that
has helped them grow over the years. Customers shared them
as a meaningful gift to family, friends, and colleagues alike.
What if this communication platform was used to test the future
of bio-based plastic as well as showcasing to customers
how Starbucks plans to lead the way in sustainability?”
Galalith-Cards
Galelith is a milk-derived plastic that predates both Bakelite and Petro-based plastics. It was an economical material that made everything from pens, piano keys, fashion hardware to jewelry.
However it was phased out since milk was needed for food in World War II. This war also introduced petro-based plastic into the world that became more economical than Galalith.
Why use Milk?
Milk is a key ingredient in almost all Starbucks coffee drinks. Even with the introduction of milk alternatives like Oatly, Milk will still be here to stay due to consumer demand.
However, the dairy industry is one of the many causes for climate change and land degradations. Over production of milk has lead to the dumping of 1.3 billion gallons of milk annually.
Starbucks can decrease their milk usage carbon footprint by utilizing excess milk to make bio-based plastic products
- New York Times - Click for Source
Algae-Cards
Algae has been studied during the last two decades as an alternative source for petroleum usage in the automotive industry. The studies have now pivoted towards alternative plastic usage for everyday products. Algae-based plastic is now in multiple fields from food packaging, skin care, to footwear.
Source - Click for More Info
Why use Algae?
Starbucks lore is from the ocean, and their coffee also travels from overseas. Their milk also comes from the cattle industry that is polluting the waterways and ocean causing algae blooms.
Using algae-based plastic helps solve the algae bloom issue by using this waste from water sources as a material that replaces petro-based plastic. Thus decreasing Starbucks carbon foot print as well.
PHA-Cards
PHA is a new revolutionary bio-plastic derived from bacteria that is currently designed to replace mainstream plastics such as polyethylene.
Why use PHA?
PHA is derived from bacteria that consumes Methane Gas, which is 10% of the greenhouse gas affecting global warming. Simply by using this PHA, there is a carbon decrease in the both end if it’s life-cycle.
PHA as a material is ready for usage in a real world testing. However, in order for it to hit mainstream, it will need support from corporations such as Starbucks to invest in their future by creating the demand and infrastructure.
Methane Powered PHA - Click for More Info
How PHA is Made - Click for More Info
Cove Water Bottles - Click for More Info