Nestlé and Jacobs Douwe Egberts UK (JDE UK, part of the JDE Peet’s Group) have joined forces to create Podback: a first of its kind recycling programme for coffee pods.
The companies say that Podback, a not-for-profit organisation, is the UK’s first cross-industry collaboration of its kind within the coffee sector, providing several ways for UK consumers to recycle their coffee pods.
Launching in early 2021 the scheme will initially cover brands including Nespresso, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Tassimo – representing the majority of the UK market - the ambition is to expand the programme to include all coffee brands that use plastic or aluminium pods in the UK.
With Podback, the partnership aims to expand recycling options for coffee pods in three ways. Consumers will be able to take their used coffee pods to their nearest Collect+ delivered by Yodel drop-off point, of which there are 6,500 situated across the UK.
Kerbside collection will also be possible in some areas, where, in an effort to make recycling easier for consumers, coffee pods will be collected alongside their regular household waste and recycling.
Podback is also in ongoing discussions with retailers to facilitate a ‘handover at home’ option, meaning that consumers can have their used coffee pods collected for recycling when they have their groceries delivered. While this is unlikely to be ready for launch, Podback partners say that they are working hard to make this a reality as soon as possible.
Guillaume Chesneau, managing director at Nespresso UK and Ireland and board director of Podback, said: “As co-founders of the scheme, as well as pioneers of the minimal-waste, portioned coffee system, we are excited to build on our strong existing recycling services already in place. Our ambition is to create a powerful end-to-end recycling solution, available to all, and Podback demonstrates our commitment towards achieving this important goal.”
“We are working closely with manufacturers, retailers and local authorities and calling upon them to join us and ensure the scheme has maximum impact.”
Toby Bevans, marketing director at JDE UK and Ireland and board director of Podback, said: “We are proud to be a co-founder of Podback in the UK, working to ensure that every pod enjoyed, is easily recycled.
“Together with Nestlé, we are calling on the entire industry to put commercial rivalries aside and collaborate, working together with other brands and retailers to make it as easy as possible for our consumers to recycle their pods.”
