Compostable Coffee Pods for a Sustainable Coffee Industry

Written By Tantya Chandra

For many people around the world, coffee is not just a drink. In Türkiye, coffee is recognised as a symbol of friendship, hospitality, and refinement. Two or three cups a day become prominent for Turkish people. The popularity of coffee is so strong that it has even shifted the popularity of tea in the UK. In fact, coffee secured the top spot as the most regularly consumed beverage in 2023.

For coffee enthusiasts, this daily routine is also made easier with the presence of coffee capsules. Over 80 billion capsules were made globally in 2022. The coffee capsule market has grown rapidly in recent years and is expected to see strong growth in the next few years to $21.53 billion at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.0% in 2028.

As the coffee capsule market shows no signs of slowing down, awareness of its environmental impact is rising. The global footprint of coffee capsule waste is about 576,000 metric tonnes, equivalent to the combined weight of roughly 4,400 school buses. Explore the challenge of the shift trend in the coffee industry and how brands and manufacturers can overcome it with a truly sustainable alternative that leads to a greener coffee culture.

The problem with recycling coffee capsules

Despite brands and manufacturers implementing recycling programmes, only 5% of the 14 billion pods sold annually actually get recycled, which means most of them end up in landfills. One major obstacle is the requirement for specialised recycling bins, often available only through designated brand or manufacturer channels, which complicates the recycling process for consumers.

In reality, storing and returning used capsules may not be attractive to many customers because they are exposed to pests and smelly if not dried out. This hassle contrasts with the convenience of coffee-making it offers.

Even if consumers dispose of capsules in designated bins or return them to manufacturers, further challenges persist. The combination of various materials, such as plastic and aluminium, complicates processing, particularly in standard municipal recycling facilities. Additionally, the residual organic waste within the capsules from the extraction of coffee grounds will cause contamination in recycling.

Compostable coffee capsules are the most sustainable option

According to European Bioplastics, organic recycling is the most environmentally sound end-of-life option for single-serve coffee units. Wageningen University and Research concluded that compostable coffee capsules are the most sustainable option compared to aluminium and traditional plastics. 

This comprehensive research quantifies not only greenhouse gas emissions but also the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI), which encompasses recycling rates, recycled content, recycling process yield, biobased content, reusability, and average lifespan. Compostable coffee capsules have proven to be the top choice - 100% fully circular.

Findings from Impact Assessments highlight several benefits of compostable coffee capsules, including increased biowaste capture, reduced compost contamination with non-compostable plastics, and minimal impact on other waste streams. Overall, compostable coffee capsules are the preferred option from a life cycle assessment (LCA) perspective. 

The European Commission, through the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), will mandate that coffee capsules be compostable. This directive is based on the recognition that the coffee grounds within these capsules hold valuable plant nutrients, including potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Rather than being incinerated, these nutrients can be utilized to enrich soil through composting.

These regulations are compelling the industry to source sustainable materials for coffee capsules that strategically harmonise with both consumer preferences and regulatory requirements, fostering sustainability within the packaging sector.

Solinatra for Nespresso compatible compostable coffee capsules

Solinatra is a leading innovative material in sustainable coffee capsules that has been trusted by various brands in the coffee industry. Solinatra Barrier, our material grade for coffee capsules, has a high oxygen barrier and water vapour barrier properties, allowing the material to be used to produce single-layer coffee capsules with a 12-month shelf life. This ensures that the coffee remains fresh, delivering a perfect brewing experience every time. 

Gordon St. Coffee, a Scottish coffee brand renowned for its bold flavours and award-winning coffee roasts, has embraced Solinatra compostable coffee capsules. Fioresso, a coffee brand based in the Netherlands, has also shared the same vision for a greener tomorrow, where innovation drives sustainability forward by adopting Solinatra coffee capsules. By choosing Solinatra, Gordon St. Coffee and Fioresso ensure that every sip of their coffee is not just delicious but also environmentally responsible.

Nespresso compatible coffee capsules made of Solinatra are compostable and biodegradable. Our capsules are 100% natural and plant-based, free from any fossil-derived ingredients. After being used, Solinatra compostable coffee capsules leave behind no microplastics, ensuring minimal environmental impact throughout their lifecycle. Coffee capsules made of Solinatra are easy to compost. After enjoying your cup of coffee, simply throw the used capsule and the lid into your home composting bin and watch as it effortlessly breaks down in a few weeks. 

Moreover, Solinatra capsules have been awarded "OK compost industrial" certification by TÜV Austria CERT GmbH. A truly sustainable coffee capsule that aligns with new regulations, customer preferences, and our precious environment.

Are you an eco-conscious coffee brand or manufacturers that would make the switch to Solinatra compostable capsules? Now is the time to get in touch! 


Sources:

Nespresso® is a registered trademark owned by Société Des Produits Nestlé S.A. Solinatra, Gordon St and Fioresso are not connected or associated in any way with Nestlé or Nespresso S.A

Tantya Chandra
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