Nespresso launched the first coffee capsules on the market made using 80 per cent recycled aluminium, after the March introduction of new machine boxes in fully recyclable packaging, made of 95 per cent recycled material.
Jérôme Pérez, Nespresso head of sustainability, said, “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 per cent recycled aluminium in our capsules is a significant milestone, and something we have worked hard to achieve together with our suppliers.”
Aluminium is infinitely recyclable and is widely recycled already. Recycled aluminium requires less energy to produce than a virgin product. Aluminium also protects the freshness and aromas of high-quality coffee, providing a perfect barrier against oxygen, light and humidity.
Made of a thinner aluminium foil, each new capsule is produced using 9.2 per cent less aluminium material and is therefore 8 per cent lighter.
The new capsules made from 80 per cent recycled aluminium are the Original Line Master Origin Colombia coffee. They were introduced 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.
Nespresso said it has reached a global recycling rate of 30 per cent and will continue to work to increase it.
Pérez said consumer participation is central to success.
“We are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm our customers have shown in achieving our current recycling rate,” he said.
“We aim to now build on this positive momentum. We will continue our efforts to promote recycling among consumers, working towards achieving our ultimate ambition of recycling all of our capsules.”
