Dunkin’ Donuts to eliminate styrofoam cups by 2020

US chain Dunkin’ Donuts has become the latest firm to turn more readily to eco-friendly practices, following similar announcements from the likes of Coca-Cola, Evian, Asda and others, aiming to cut down on its use of plastic.

In this venture, Dunkin’ Donuts has announced that it will be replacing all of its styrofoam plastic cups with double-walled paper replacements by 2020.

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“We have a responsibility to improve our packaging, making it better for the planet while still meeting the needs of our guests,” said Karen Raskopf, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer of Dunkin' Brands.

“Transitioning away from foam has been a critical goal for Dunkin' Donuts US, and with the double-walled cup, we will be able to offer a replacement that meets the needs and expectations of both our customers and the communities we serve.”

The new cups will be rolled out across the company’s 9,000 US stores, in addition to its 3,400 global outlets, with an estimate suggesting that one billion foam cups will be taken out of the waste system annually once the switch has been made.

McDonalds announced that it will eliminate its own styrofoam cups last month, with an aim to use entirely renewable or recyclable materials in all of its product packaging by 2025.