A&W offers first lidless, fully compostable coffee cup in Canada

Now available at A&W Canada locations from coast to coast, Canadian quick-service’s first lidless, fully compostable coffee cups!

A&W Canada’s Zero Cup is being trialled across Toronto. (CNW Group/A&W Food Services of Canada Inc.)

Inspired by the estimated 5 billion single-use cups that head to landfills in our country each year, this ButterflyCup (UK) design, named the Zero Cup, has no plastic liner or lid, doesn’t need a straw and it is completely recyclable and compostable.

“Each year, A&W Canada serves millions of takeout drinks, so finding a more sustainable single-use cup solution is one way we can make a big difference,” says Susan Senecal, President & CEO of A&W Canada. “Our new Zero Cup is an exciting step in our journey to reach zero waste. Part of achieving that mission is pioneering the innovations that people need to live more sustainable lives. This new cup is one small way Canadians can take small, simple actions, one day at a time.”

A&W Canada’s Sustainable Past and Future

  • A&W restaurants have been serving A&W Root Beer in their iconic glass mugs since 1956.
  • Most A&W restaurants offer metal baskets, compostable burger packaging, ceramic plates and metal cutlery for breakfasts.
  • In 2016, A&W became the first restaurant chain to join Canada’s Zero Waste Council
  • In 2018, A&W was the first to introduce the Beyond Meat burger.
  • In 2019, A&W Canada became the first QSR in North America to eliminate sing-use plastic straws.
  • In 2020, A&W introduced grass-fed and finished beef as part of its commitment to championing the growing regenerative agriculture movement.
  • Last year, a circular mug pilot program called the A&W Cup Crew, was launched in Vancouver. A&W Canada is also joining a pilot program with Return-It to explore ways to recycle the existing single-use coffee cups — all in the search of a better coffee cup for Canadians.