Nespresso, an operating unit of Nestlé, today announced the launch of what it claims are the first coffee capsules made using 80% recycled aluminium.
"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 Head of Sustainability.
The first-ever coffee capsules made from 80% recycled aluminium are the “Original Line Master Origin Colombia” coffee. By the end of 2021, Nespresso aims to have the full “Original Line” and “Vertuo” ranges of coffee capsules made using recycled aluminium.
Made of a thinner aluminium foil, each new capsule is reportedly produced using 9.2% less aluminium material and is therefore apparently 8% lighter.
Due to the composition of the aluminium alloy required to produce Nespresso capsules, the company claims that 80% is the current maximum amount of recycled content that can be included. However, Nespresso says that it continues to look at solutions that will increase that percentage.
The launch of these capsules follows the introduction of new fully recyclable boxes for Nespresso machines, made from 95% recycled material, earlier this year in March. By the end of 2021, Nespresso has set the target of having all machines sold in this new packaging.
