New Berlin, New York-based Chobani has launched a paper cup, marking a milestone in its efforts to reduce plastic use and put more sustainable packaging on shelves.
Chobani’s new product innovations – oatmilk, cold brew coffee and coffee creamers – already come in paper-based packaging that is recyclable. After two years of development, it will move its oat yogurt into a paper-based cup. The company also will continue exploring more sustainable packaging across its portfolio that will use less plastic and more paper.
“We all have a role to play in protecting our planet,” said Hamdi Ulukay, Chobani founder and CEO. “People have been asking for a paper cup, and we welcome this challenge to start reducing our plastic use and to spark a conversation about how we can drive change together.”
Chobani’s paper cup is 80 percent paperboard, made from responsibly sourced and renewable material. The cup has a thin plastic lining to maintain the quality of the product.
“While this paper cup is a step in the right direction, it’s just the beginning,” said Ulukaya.
The cup will be made of recyclable materials, but Chobani is realistic about the complexities of America’s recycling system, which is fragmented across more than 10,000 municipal-run recycling centers, each with unique rules.
Innovative packaging often challenges the current recycling capabilities across the U.S. As part of its work in bringing this cup to market, Chobani will continue collaborating with partners, including the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and policymakers to advocate for improvements that expand the recycling infrastructure in this country.
Shoppers will start finding Chobani’s paper cup in the yogurt aisle at the end of this year. It will begin with single-serve Chobani Oat Blend, and the company will continue to invest in sustainable packaging initiatives across its product portfolio.
Chobani produces yogurt, oatmilk, dairy- and plant-based creamers, ready-to-drink coffee and plant-based probiotic drinks. Chobani yogurt is America’s No.1 yogurt brand, and it’s made with only natural ingredients without artificial preservatives.
