Nestle debuts paper-based, compostable coffee capsules
Nestlé's Nespresso coffee brand has launched a new range of compostable paper coffee capsules. The new capsules will be piloted in France and Switzerland in spring 2023, with plans to roll out to other European countries within a year.
Nespresso's current capsules are made from 80% recycled aluminium, and the launch of compostable paper-based capsules aims to expand sustainable options for consumers.
Several components of the new Nespresso compostable coffee capsules use patented technology, such as a biopolymer lining inside the capsule that protects the coffee from oxidation.
“We combine a high-precision pulp molding process with a biodegradable layer to prevent oxidation and thus protect our coffee during transport, storage and extraction at high pressure in the machine,” adds Julia Lauricella, Head of Global R&D Systems and Coffee Machine Center .
The new capsules are certified for domestic and industrial composting by the international certification body TÜV Austria. Nestlé reports that consumer demand for biodegradable packaging is expanding, with 45% of the French already home composting one or more types of biowaste.
The innovative paper capsule was developed in collaboration between Nespresso and Huhtamaki, a leading manufacturer of sustainable packaging solutions.
