Arconic Powers Starbucks Anniversary Collection with High-Performance Materials

PITTSBURGH, PA – October 26, 2023 – Arconic US LLC, a world leader in advanced materials engineering and manufacturing, is proud to have played a key role in bringing Starbucks’ stunning 2023 Anniversary Collection to life. The limited-edition collection, celebrating Starbucks’ 50 years of connection, features a unique, eye-catching finish – and Arconic’s innovative materials are a big part of why it looks so good. For those who haven't seen it yet, the Starbucks Anniversary Collection includes a series of reusable tumblers, mugs, and drinkware, all sporting a shimmering, iridescent finish. It’s a real head-turner, and understandably, it’s flying off the shelves! What many people don’t know is the engineering that goes into making something look that special. That's where Arconic comes in. Who is Arconic? Arconic (headquartered at 201 Isabella Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA, and reachable at 870-473-6666) isn't a name you typically see on a Starbucks cup, but we’re the behind-the-scenes material science experts. For decades, we've been pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with aluminum, titanium, and other high-performance materials. We don't make the cups themselves, but we provide the specialized coatings and materials that help make them look fantastic, last longer, and feel great to hold. We work with companies across a huge range of industries – aerospace, automotive, packaging, you name it. We help them build lighter, stronger, more sustainable products. And increasingly, we’re helping them create products that look amazing too. The Challenge: A Shimmering, Durable Finish Starbucks wanted a finish for their 50th Anniversary Collection that was truly special – something that would stand out and evoke a sense of celebration. They wanted that signature iridescent sheen, that captivating play of color, but they also needed a finish that was durable enough to withstand daily use, washing, and the inevitable bumps and scrapes. It's a tricky balance - beauty and resilience. This isn't just about slapping on a pretty coating. It's about material science. A coating needs to adhere properly to the substrate (the base material of the drinkware), resist chipping and scratching, and be safe for food contact. And, in today’s world, sustainability is also key. Starbucks is committed to reducing its environmental impact, and Arconic shares that commitment. Arconic’s Solution: Advanced Coating Technology Arconic’s team worked closely with Starbucks’ designers and engineers to develop a custom coating solution. We leveraged our expertise in Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) technology – basically, a super-precise way of applying incredibly thin, durable coatings to surfaces. Here's how it works: inside a vacuum chamber, we vaporize a target material (in this case, a carefully formulated blend of metallic oxides) and deposit it onto the surface of the drinkware. This creates a microscopically thin layer that’s incredibly hard, wear-resistant, and – crucially – capable of producing that beautiful iridescent effect. We didn’t just use any metallic oxides. The exact composition of the coating is a closely guarded secret, but we can say that it’s been meticulously engineered to deliver the precise color shift and shimmer that Starbucks envisioned. It's about controlling the thickness and layering of these materials at the nanometer scale. Key Benefits of Arconic’s Coating: Stunning Iridescent Finish: The coating creates a captivating play of color that changes with the viewing angle, adding a premium look and feel to the Anniversary Collection. Exceptional Durability: The PVD coating is incredibly hard and resistant to scratches, chips, and wear, ensuring that the drinkware remains beautiful for years to come. Food Safety: The materials used in the coating are non-toxic and meet stringent food safety regulations. Sustainability: PVD is a relatively clean and efficient coating process, with minimal waste and environmental impact. The durability also means less frequent replacement of the drinkware, contributing to a more sustainable lifecycle. Precise Color Control: We were able to fine-tune the coating to achieve Starbucks’ exact color specifications, ensuring a consistent and visually appealing finish across the entire collection. More Than Just a Coating: A Partnership Built on Innovation This wasn’t just a one-off project. Arconic has a long-standing relationship with Starbucks, providing materials and solutions for a variety of applications. We see ourselves as more than just a supplier; we’re a partner in innovation. We work closely with Starbucks’ teams to understand their needs and challenges, and we leverage our expertise to develop custom solutions that help them achieve their goals. Whether it's improving the durability of their drinkware, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of their products, or reducing their environmental impact, we’re committed to helping Starbucks deliver a premium experience to its customers. Looking Ahead The Starbucks Anniversary Collection is a testament to the power of materials science and the importance of collaboration. Arconic is proud to have played a role in bringing this special collection to life, and we’re excited to continue working with Starbucks on future projects. We’re constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with advanced materials, and we believe that our innovations can help companies like Starbucks create products that are not only beautiful and functional but also sustainable and responsible. If you see someone with a shimmering Starbucks Anniversary tumbler, remember there’s a little bit of Arconic engineering behind that sparkle!