Why Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and KFC Are Teaming Up to Test Reusable Cups

Rhea-AI Summary

Yum! Brands' KFC, along with Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and other major food chains, are participating in a three-month reusable cup pilot program in Petaluma, California. The initiative, involving 30 businesses, aims to test consumer acceptance and operational feasibility of reusable beverage containers. Participants have agreed to use standardized purple cups instead of their branded single-use options, making reusable the default choice. The trial, ending October 28, will collect data on return rates, patterns, and operational challenges. Over 60 return bins have been placed across the city for cup collection. This collaborative effort aligns with the brands' packaging sustainability goals, without affecting beverage pricing.

Positive

• Participation in sustainability initiative aligns with Yum! Brands' environmental goals
• Collaboration with major industry players potentially enhances brand image
• Data collected from the pilot could inform future sustainable packaging strategies

Negative

• Temporary loss of brand visibility due to use of standardized cups
• Potential operational challenges in implementing reusable cup system
• Risk of low consumer adoption or return rates impacting program success

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / August 28, 2024 / Yum! Brands
By Heather Clancy

Originally published by Trellis

The restaurants even compromised on traditional brand colors for the three-month pilot being conducted in Petaluma, California.

Coffee chains Dunkin' Donuts, Peet's and Starbucks, fast food brands Burger King, Habit Burger Grill and KFC, and more than a dozen local restaurants are among 30 businesses collaborating in a citywide test in Petaluma, California, to see what consumers think of reusable beverage cups.

For three months, the companies are substituting their branded single-use hot and cold cups with bright purple reusable cups that bear the slogan "Sip. Return. Repeat" on the side. In other words, reusable is the default option. More than 60 return bins were placed across the 60,000-resident community, where consumers can drop cups when they're done drinking their beverage.

The trial, which ends Oct. 28, will collect metrics about return rates and patterns, explore operational challenges for restaurant and cafe employees, and gauge consumer acceptance of the reusable cup concept. All the big brands involved have declared reuse as part of their packaging sustainability goals. The price of beverages served in the cups will not change.

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Source: NextGen Consortium

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Contact Info:
Spokesperson: Yum! Brands
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/yum-brands
Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Yum! Brands

View the original press release on accesswire.com

FAQ

What is the duration of the reusable cup pilot program in Petaluma involving KFC (YUM)?

The reusable cup pilot program in Petaluma, involving KFC and other brands, is running for three months, ending on October 28, 2024.

How many businesses are participating in the Petaluma reusable cup trial with KFC (YUM)?

30 businesses, including KFC, Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, and local restaurants, are participating in the Petaluma reusable cup trial.

What color are the reusable cups being used in the Petaluma trial involving KFC (YUM)?

The reusable cups being used in the Petaluma trial, including those at KFC, are bright purple with the slogan 'Sip. Return. Repeat' on the side.

Will the price of beverages change due to the reusable cup program at KFC (YUM) in Petaluma?

No, the price of beverages served in the reusable cups, including at KFC, will not change during the Petaluma pilot program.