Dunkin’ Donuts Phasing Out Foam Cups

Dunkin’ Donuts is striving to increase environmental sustainability by phasing out its foam cups.

By Jessica Woo

Every year, the chain sells about a billion cups of hot coffee, according to PlasticNews. Their choices have a significant impact on consumers and the environment.

Dunkin’ has been searching for an alternative cups for years. The most promising—but not yet ideal—model uses polypropylene. CEO of Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc. Riley Miller is pleased with this new model, which slightly resembles their signature foam cup.

Cup choices are currently left up to individual franchisees. About 100 stores chose to test out the new polypropelene model. It is, however, quite expensive.

In the meantime, the company is still seeking for a cup that finds the perfect balance between biodegradability, quality insulation, price, and safety. Dunkin’ hopes to make a nationwide introduction of the ideal alternative in 2016.