In a new landmark in its sustainability journey, Nestlé will increase the use of recycled materials across its café-inspired coffee portfolio.
Starbucks by Nespresso and Nescafé Farmers Origins are the latest brands within the portfolio to introduce capsules made using 80% recycled aluminum across the entire retail range.
As well, the capsules are now made with thinner aluminium foil, so each capsule uses 9.2% less aluminium and is 8% lighter than before.
Nestlé General Manager Coffee and Dairy Martin Brown says one way to drive circularity is to “actively and continuously look at how you can create new life from the materials that you use, and the way in which they’re disposed”.
“It’s important that we not only provide ways for consumers to recycle their capsules, but that we also support demand for recycled materials by using them wherever we can,” he says.
“Using recycled aluminum for our retail ready capsules is a benefit we’re incredibly excited to bring to Australian shoppers, protecting the quality of our coffee, while also trying to look after the environment.”
Benefit of aluminium capsules
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and one of the most widely recycled materials in the world. Recycled aluminium requires 95% less energy to produce than virgin aluminium, so it is well-suited to use in a circular business model.
Aluminium is also a perfect barrier to oxygen, light and humidity, protecting the freshness and aromas of high-quality coffee.
The nature of the aluminium alloy needed to make coffee capsules means that the amount of recycled aluminum that can be used to make the capsules is limited to 80%. However, Nestlé is “committed to the sustainability journey of its products and packaging in coffee”, which includes advocating for adequate recycling infrastructure regardless of the material used and giving waste a second life.
To drive recyclability of its own capsules, Starbucks by Nespresso and Nescafé Farmers Origins offer recycling points at Nespresso boutiques and designated florists, providing individuals with simple and accessible solutions to recycle used capsules.
