TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Starbucks Taiwan stopped providing free paper shopping bags on Tuesday (Aug. 1) to encourage customers to bring their shopping bags for reuse.
Customers can purchase eco-friendly bags at a cost if they need a bag. A bag for holding two beverages costs NT＄1, while a larger gift bag costs NT＄5.
The coffee giant estimates that this initiative will reduce over 600 tons of waste in the coming year.
By discontinuing the free provision of shopping bags and promoting reusable options, Starbucks aims to foster environmental awareness and encourage customers to adopt more sustainable practices.
Since 1998, Starbucks has been offering a NT＄10 discount to customers bringing their reusable containers to purchase beverages.
In addition, the company has been promoting the use of in-store cups for drinks and, since July 1 of this year, has launched a reusable cup initiative, which has already contributed to saving millions of disposable cups. Starbucks stores have also been providing reusable tableware to reinforce the concept of recycling and reuse further.
