Nespresso launches new coffee capsules using 80% recycled aluminium

Nespresso has announced the launch of the first coffee capsules on the market made using 80% recycled aluminium, as part of the company’s continued journey towards circularity, going further to minimise waste and maximise the reuse of product materials.

The move closely follows the introduction in March of new machine boxes in fully recyclable packaging made of 95% recycled material.

“We are constantly challenging ourselves to improve the sustainability and circularity of our operations, including the way we source, use, and recycle materials. Reaching 80% recycled aluminium in our capsules is a significant milestone, and something we have worked hard to achieve together with our suppliers,” said Jérôme Pérez, Nespresso’s head of sustainability.

Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and is one of the most widely recycled materials in the world. Recycled aluminium requires less energy to produce than a virgin product, so it is well-suited to use in a circular business model. Aluminium also optimally protects the freshness and aromas of high-quality coffee, providing a perfect barrier against oxygen, light and humidity. Nespresso says it has always been using aluminium for its capsules for these reasons. Made of a thinner aluminium foil, each new Nespresso capsule is produced using 9.2% less aluminium material and is therefore 8% lighter.

The first coffee to be introduced in Nespresso’s new aluminium capsule packaging is the brand’s Original Line Master Origin Colombia; it was introduced in the new packaging in March this year in selected countries and will continue to be rolled out from July onwards. By the end of 2021, Nespresso aims to have the full Original Line and Vertuo ranges of coffee capsules made using recycled aluminium.

“These new initiatives take Nespresso a step closer to creating a more circular business model,” said Pérez.

“We will continue to work towards increasing the proportion of recycled aluminium in our coffee capsules and to drive up the recycling rate of our used capsules, making it as easy as possible for our customers to recycle them.”

Due to the composition of the aluminium alloy required to produce Nespresso capsules, 80% is the current maximum amount of recycled content that can be used today. However, Nespresso reportedly continues to look at solutions that will increase that percentage.

Related content

Leave a reply

Tea & Coffee Trade Journal