Today, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ:SBUX), LBP Manufacturing and
Henkel announced the availability of EarthSleeve™, a new hot-cup sleeve
that integrates proprietary technology that enables a reduction in
overall material usage while at the same time increasing the
post-consumer content. These adjustments correlate to a savings of
nearly 100,000 trees.
Manufactured in Cicero, Illinois by LBP Manufacturing for Starbucks with
Henkel adhesive solutions, this new products’ decrease of raw fiber
material by 34% and increase of post-consumer content by 25% does so
without sacrificing performance or function. With nearly three billion*
hot cup sleeves produced in the United States in 2011 and Starbucks
representing nearly half of the marketplace, this material evolution
will have a substantial impact on the packaging industry.
“At Starbucks we are constantly looking to innovate in ways that make
our world a better place,” said Cliff Burrows, president of the Americas
for Starbucks. “This product represents how the integration of our
environmental values and collaboration with like-minded organizations
can create significant impact.”
The EarthSleeve™ is currently being introduced into Starbucks locations
across the United States and Canada and is being evaluated for global
usage.
In addition to substantial decreases in raw material makeup and a new
total usage of 85% post-consumer fiber content, the EarthSleeve™ also
allows for a case cube and truckload yield improvement of 15%, reducing
the overall environmental impact of the transportation of the sleeves.
The product has also been deemed fully compostable by both ASTM and
Cedar Grove requirements, and has recently been approved for
repulpability by Western Michigan University.
“We are very excited about the opportunities the combined vision and
resources of Starbucks, Henkel and LBP have proven what they together
can deliver with EarthSleeve™,” added Matthew Cook, President of LBP.
“This product represents a whole new level of innovation in packaging
performance, sustainability and corporate social responsibility we can
expect in the future.”
"The introduction of the EarthSleeve™ represents an achievement in
adhesive formulation," said John Meccia, VP- Paper Converting for Henkel
Corporation, whose team collaborated on the development of the
multi-functional adhesives used in the project. "Creating a formula that
would allow for user experience on par with traditional sleeves, but
effectively facilitate the removal of fiber, framed every aspect of the
cooperative effort. Successfully meeting the technical objectives was
truly a feat. The implication of our work on the environment is what
makes this a real accomplishment."
Note: *Data sourced from the 2012 Foodservice Disposable Packaging
Assessment and the Environmental impact estimates were made using the
Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator. For more information visit www.papercalculator.org.
All raw material and post-consumer claims on the material makeup of
Earthsleeve™ have been validated by the paper suppliers, and their
compostability, repulpability and potential environmental benefits have
been researched and validated by Cedar Grove, Western Michigan
University, and Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator.
About Starbucks Corporation
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to ethically
sourcing and roasting the highest-quality arabica coffee in the
world. Today, with stores around the globe, the company is the premier
roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. Through our
unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring
the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer
through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our
stores or online at www.starbucks.com.
About LBP Manufacturing
For more than 20 years, Chicago-based LBP Manufacturing, Inc. has
combined innovation and performance to develop consumer-preferred,
sustainable, on-the-go packaging. LBP harnesses innovation in material
science, equipment and converting technology to meet the varying demand
of consumer packages for its customers. LBP is widely known for its hot
beverage solutions such as the original Coffee Clutch® hot cup sleeve,
Beverage on the Move™ insulated beverage to-go carrier and THERMO GRIP™
double-wall hot cups. For more information, please visit www.lbpmfg.com.
About Henkel
Henkel operates worldwide with leading brands and technologies in three
business areas: Laundry & Home Care, Cosmetics/Toiletries and Adhesive
Technologies. Founded in 1876, Henkel holds globally leading market
positions both in the consumer and industrial businesses with well-known
brands such as Persil, Schwarzkopf and Loctite. Henkel employs more than
47,000 people and reported sales of $21.7 billion and adjusted operating
profit of $2.8 billion in fiscal 2011. Henkel’s preferred shares are
listed in the German stock index DAX.
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