Nespresso rolls out paper-based compostable coffee capsules

Nespressohas unveiled a new range of paper-based home compostable coffee capsules after three years of R&D. The company explained that consumer demand for compostable packaging is increasing, and an estimated 45% of French people now home compost one or more types of biowaste.

As such, it wants to raise awareness among consumers on how to compost their capsules, as well as advocate for the acceptability of these coffee capsules in the public biowaste or organic bin.Developed as an alternative for those who prefer and have access to compost, the innovation hopes to widen the sustainable choices already offered to the company's consumers through its aluminium capsules. Several aspects of the capsule feature proprietary technology, including the biopolymer lining inside the capsule which protects the coffee against oxidisation. 

Julia Lauricella, Nestlé system technology centre head, explained that Nestlé combined a high-precision paper pulp forming process with a biodegradable layer for protection against oxidation to preserve its coffee in transport, storage and during the high-pressure extraction in the company's machines. The new range will pilot initially in France and Switzerland on the Nespresso Original system. It will be further launched in several other European countries within a year.

(Read also: Interview: 'Sustainability not a trend but a biz imperative,' says Nespresso SG marketing lead)

Currently, Nespresso offers over 100,000 aluminum capsule recycling collection points in 70 countries, giving almost 90% of customers convenient access. In September, the coffee brand launched other projects in relation to sustainability and one of them included RE:FARM in partnership with K11 Musea and common farms. RE:FARM is a limited-time, experiential showcase that highlights the full circular journey of coffee - from capsule to cup to the dining table – all under one roof. RE:FARM runs until June 2023 and consumers can personally see, touch, and taste the results of Nespresso’s sustainability efforts.

In France, Nespresso initiated Union des Acteurs du Compostable, an interest group bringing together public bodies, companies, recycling operators, and NGOs to support the implementation of solutions to help producers of biowaste increase the sorting of biowaste as well as to raise awareness amongst consumers about composting.MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Nestlé for further information.

Guillaume Le Cunff, Nespresso's CEO said: "Pushing the boundaries of fine coffee experiences is part of the Nespresso innovation, and since becoming a B Corp earlier this year, we're more committed than ever to widening the sustainable choices we offer our consumers." 

Huhtamaki, a global provider of sustainable packaging solutions, was one of the partners in the development of this new paper-based capsule."Part of this breakthrough innovation is the result of combining paper pulp from wood fibre, a natural renewable material, compressing it to a coffee capsule using our high precision technology, creating another sustainable alternative for Nespresso lover," Charles Héaulmé, Huhtamaki CEO, said.

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