Skip to content

McDonald’s and Starbucks piloting reusable smart cups with RFID

Large corporations are now taking more serious action to help the environmental movement. Previously, we have seen admirable breakthroughs, such as Adidas making sneakers from ocean waste and Gloria Jean’s switching to paper straws in all of its stores. McDonald’s and Starbucks, two firms that compete in the takeaway market, are now joining forces to combat glass pollution. Starbucks, in reality, revealed that it has begun collaborating on this project with Closed Loop Partners, of which it is a founding member.

With this development, consumers will have the option of using a reusable composite cup rather than a disposable cup. This glass and its lid are distinguished because they are made of a special material that can be collected and sterilized for use by another user. McDonald’s became the first fast-food business to collaborate with the Loop company, which uses a reusable packaging system due to this growth.

RFID with reusable smart cups

McDonalds and Starbucks will be implementing a pilot project in a number of coffee places in San Francisco and Palo Alto using smart reusable cups. The cups are made of plastic, but they arrive with RFID chips and QR codes to be registered. While the flaws for this complicated effort are still being worked out, cup drop-off sites will be conveniently placed across town and within public buildings, and information will be gathered to make this as smooth a transfer as possible.

Both pilot projects come from the contestants in the Cup Challenge—CupClub and Muuse. Muuse will be tested in San Francisco, and their containers will arrive with QR codes that consumers can check when they picked up or drop off. CupClub will launch in Palo Alto, and the city will use the company’s yellow drop-off bins to gather, disinfect and reallocate the cups to coffee houses.

The process is running as follows

Consumers who want a reusable coffee cup will pay a deposit at the top of the coffee cost. If they remain in the shop, they can dump it in a trash bin and get their cashback. If they take the coffee and go, they can bring it back next time or leave it to another Loop unit later.

Loop company, on the other hand, is widening its use areas by partnering with several different cleaning and food firms. The cups are taken to the cleaning facility operated by the company Loop, where they are individually sterilized and hygienically sealed before being returned to the restaurant.

What is the future of reusable cups?

The start of the CupClub is located at Palo Alto Verve Coffee, Coupa Cafe and Stanford Campus. The cafés in San Francisco that use the muse cups are still to be made public.

When we think of either of the pilot projects was successful, in that case, Starbucks or McDonalds are expected to quickly incorporate a much larger resilient cup scheme, dramatically decreasing the billions of cups each company uses every year that could end up in a landfill.

Where can I buy RFID reusable cups?

RFID RECYCLABLE CUPS

Product categories

Why Choose us

QUALITY & VALUE

As a leading RFID hardware manufacturer for over a decade, we are committed to delivering unparalleled quality at competitive prices. Our advanced production facilities and stringent quality control ensure that every product meets the highest standards.

EXPERTISE & INNOVATION

Our expert team drives innovation in RFID technology. Whether you need custom solutions or cutting-edge products, we provide advanced and effective RFID solutions tailored to your needs.

EFFICIENT & RELIABILITY 

We offer reliable global shipping with in-stock items delivered within 1-3 business days in North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Our proven track record ensures your satisfaction every time.

Ask How We can Help