Nestlé’s Nespresso coffee brand unveiled a new range of compostable paper-based coffee capsules launched following three years of research and development, satisfying an increasing demand for compostable packaging.
The company said consumer demand for compostable packaging is increasing, and an estimated 45% of French people now home compost one or more types of biowaste as per a recent survey.
The new capsules will pilot in France and Switzerland from spring 2023 on the Nespresso Original machines and launch in several other European countries within a year.
“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. We are excited to announce our first ever paper-based home compostable capsule, which will complement our offering of aluminium capsules that are both recyclable and made using 80% recycled aluminium. This is about yet another sustainable choice, without compromising on quality.”
Guillaume Le Cunff, Nespresso CEO
The company said that various aspects of the capsule feature proprietary technology. Such technology includes the biopolymer lining, which protects the coffee against oxidization.
“Our 40 years of experience in coffee systems allowed us, together with the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, to develop a home compostable paper-based capsule, retro-compatible with the Nespresso Original machines, that meets and exceeds the high expectations consumers have of Nespresso in terms of protecting the coffee’s aromas and taste. We combined a high-precision paper pulp forming process with a biodegradable layer for protection against oxidation to preserve our coffee in transport, storage and during the high-pressure extraction in our machines.”
Julia Lauricella, Head of Global R&D Center for Systems and Coffee Machines
This new range of capsules has been certified for home and industrial composting by the international certification body TÜV Austria.
The company said this new range would be an alternative for those who prefer and have access to composting at home. In addition, the innovation will widen the sustainable choices offered to Nespresso consumers through its aluminium capsules. The capsules are made using 80% recycled aluminium, and the company provides over 100,000 aluminium capsule recycle collection points in 70 countries, giving almost 90% of customers access which is convenient.
Furthermore, these capsules are accepted in the public biowaste bin in some countries like France, where Nespresso is piloting this range.
One of the partners in developing this paper-based capsule was Huhtamaki, a global provider of sustainable packaging solutions.
“We are delighted to partner with Nespresso on the home compostable 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 lovers.”
Charles Héaulmé, Huhtamaki CEO