ARCONIC & Starbucks Celebrate a Decade of Innovation with Limited-Edition Anniversary Collection

Pittsburgh, PA – October 26, 2023 – ARCONIC US LLC, a leading manufacturer of high-performance aluminum products, is proud to have played a key role in bringing Starbucks’ stunning 2023 Anniversary Collection to life. For those who haven’t seen it yet, this year’s collection – celebrating Starbucks’ 50th anniversary – is seriously eye-catching, featuring a gorgeous, iridescent finish on tumblers, mugs, and other accessories. And a big part of how they achieved that incredible look? That’s where ARCONIC comes in. You might not immediately connect aluminum with coffee cups, but trust us, it's a powerful combination! ARCONIC isn’t making the entire cup, of course. We’re talking about the sophisticated coatings and finishes applied to bring that special anniversary shimmer. Starbucks needed a partner who could deliver consistency, durability, and, most importantly, that exact color-shifting effect. They came to ARCONIC, and we delivered. Who is ARCONIC? A Quick Look ARCONIC, headquartered right here in Pittsburgh at 201 Isabella Street, is a materials science powerhouse. We’ve been around for a while – evolving from Alcoa – and we’ve built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with aluminum. We don't just make metal; we engineer solutions. We work across a ton of industries – aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction – you name it. Essentially, if something needs to be lightweight, strong, and durable, there's a good chance ARCONIC materials are involved. We're experts in aluminum alloys, coatings, and advanced manufacturing processes. You can reach us at 870-473-6666 if you’re curious. How ARCONIC Helped Starbucks Shine Okay, back to the anniversary collection. Starbucks wanted something special. Not just a pretty cup, but a collectible. A piece that felt premium, and really captured the celebratory mood. They envisioned a finish that shifted colors depending on the light – a kind of iridescent magic. That’s not easy to achieve consistently, especially at the scale Starbucks operates at. Here's where ARCONIC’s expertise came in. We worked closely with the Starbucks design team to develop a custom coating formulation. It wasn't just about slapping on a paint-like substance. It involved a complex process of applying multiple layers of specialized aluminum coatings, each carefully engineered to refract light in a specific way. Think of it like building a tiny, microscopic rainbow on the surface of each tumbler. Each layer has to be incredibly thin, perfectly uniform, and precisely applied. We used a process called Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) – basically, vaporizing aluminum in a vacuum and depositing it onto the Starbucks accessories. It sounds complicated – and it is! – but it allows us to create coatings that are incredibly durable, scratch-resistant, and of course, stunningly beautiful. "The Starbucks team came to us with a really ambitious vision," explains Dr. Emily Carter, a materials scientist at ARCONIC. “They wanted something that felt truly unique. The challenge was translating that vision into a manufacturing process that could deliver consistently high quality at a large scale. We spent months perfecting the formulation and application process to make it happen." More Than Just a Pretty Finish: Performance and Durability It's not just about looks, though. Starbucks is known for quality, and they didn't want a finish that would chip or fade after a few uses. ARCONIC’s coatings aren’t just beautiful, they're built to last. Our PVD coatings are incredibly resistant to wear and tear, scratches, and even harsh cleaning chemicals. They help protect the underlying material and ensure that each anniversary tumbler looks its best for years to come. This means you can enjoy your coffee and show off your collectible without worrying about it getting damaged. "We worked hard to ensure that the coating wouldn't just look great initially, but would maintain that quality over time," says Mark Johnson, ARCONIC’s Director of Operations. "We ran extensive testing to verify its durability and resistance to various factors, like UV exposure and repeated washing.” A Partnership Built on Innovation The Starbucks Anniversary Collection is just one example of how ARCONIC is partnering with leading brands to bring innovative materials solutions to life. We're passionate about helping our customers create products that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also high-performing and sustainable. “We see ourselves as more than just a supplier,” Dr. Carter adds. “We’re a partner in innovation. We collaborate closely with our customers to understand their needs and develop customized solutions that help them achieve their goals.” Looking Ahead ARCONIC and Starbucks are already exploring opportunities to collaborate on future projects. With a shared commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, the future looks bright for this partnership. So, next time you see someone rocking a shimmering Starbucks Anniversary tumbler, remember there's more to it than meets the eye. It's a testament to the power of materials science, and the collaborative spirit between two leading companies – ARCONIC and Starbucks. And it’s proof that even something as simple as a coffee cup can be a work of art. You can find more information about ARCONIC at [insert company website if known]. Enjoy your coffee!