Starbucks says it is taking a fresh look at one of its biggest environmental commitments, announcing that it is “actively reassessing” its goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030.
The update comes as the company released its latest impact report, which shows mixed progress toward its sustainability objectives. While Starbucks has made measurable improvements in reducing emissions from its direct operations and purchased electricity, overall emissions across its business remain above 2019 levels. Much of that increase is tied to the company’s global supply chain, including coffee farming, dairy production, manufacturing, and transportation.
Starbucks first introduced its 2030 climate goals in 2020, aiming to reduce Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared with a 2019 baseline. The company also committed to reducing waste and water use by half while expanding more sustainable packaging and store operations.
In its latest report, Starbucks noted that it is reviewing the greenhouse gas target in light of evolving regulations, updated emissions accounting standards, and other external developments. The company said it will provide additional information once that review is complete, while continuing to invest in emissions reduction efforts throughout its operations and supply chain.
The numbers illustrate why the company is reevaluating its path. Starbucks reports that emissions from its own operations have declined since 2019, but the much larger emissions generated throughout its value chain have continued to rise. Because indirect, or Scope 3, emissions account for the overwhelming majority of Starbucks’ carbon footprint, improvements inside its stores alone have not been enough to offset increases elsewhere.
Despite the reassessment, Starbucks emphasized that it is not abandoning sustainability initiatives. The company says it will continue investing in renewable energy, Greener Stores, regenerative agriculture, reusable and recyclable packaging, and programs that support coffee-growing communities around the world. Its recently released 2025 Impact Report continues to list a broad range of environmental and social commitments extending beyond emissions reduction. Readers interested in exploring these initiatives in greater detail can visit Starbucks’ Sustainability Hub, which highlights the company’s ongoing environmental projects and progress.
For Starbucks customers, the announcement is unlikely to result in any immediate changes to the in-store experience. Instead, it signals that the company is adjusting its long-term environmental roadmap to better reflect current conditions and the challenges of reducing emissions across a complex global supply chain.
Whether Starbucks ultimately revises its 2030 emissions target or introduces a new timeline remains to be seen. For now, the company says it is continuing its sustainability work while determining what goals are both ambitious and achievable in the years ahead.
