Is the aluminium coffee capsule recycling racing to gain the same traction as the aluminium cans? Everything you need to know…

Recycling of aluminium coffee capsules, in France, is rapidly increasing with the right public awareness and behaviour towards reusing, reflecting both progress and persistent challenges in sorting practices. A survey of 1,977 users taken between November 20 and December 9, 2025, revealed that a quarter of participants make use of aluminium coffee capsules. The Associationpour le Recyclage des Capsules en Aluminium (ARCA), a French initiative, ensures 100 per cent of aluminium coffee capsules are recycled and is looking to measure the factors in aluminium capsule sorting practices for understanding the current challenges and push recycling further.

Numbers showing where the recycling of coffee capsules stands

A market research analyst from FMI deems that the recycling systems of the aluminium coffee capsule in the global market are projected to reach USD 2.2 billion by 2026 and are expected to soar to USD 6.8 billion by 2036. 

This reflects the CAGR of about 11.9 per cent and it is fuelled by a rising awareness of environmental issues and increasing regulatory demands for better waste management, particularly in the coffee capsule sector, leading to a growing need for effective recycling solutions. 

China, India, the US, the UK, Japan and South Korea are deemed as the key growth regions in recycling systems for aluminium coffee capsules. Nespresso/Nestlé, TOMRA, ALPLA Group and TerraCycle are the top players in the recycling systems for the aluminium coffee capsule. 

Also read: Ireland collects 2.4 billion bottles and aluminium cans through deposit scheme

Aluminium vs plastic coffee capsule recycling

According to a market research analyst of FMI, with a 52 per cent market share, aluminium recycling systems dominate with recyclability and economic benefits, along with a strong demand for systems tailored specifically for aluminium components. The process of recycling aluminium coffee can be simplified by using mechanical systems. This recycling ease fuels the demand for specialised aluminium recycling solutions. 

On the other hand, plastic recycling systems account for 48 per cent of the market share and tackle the increasing use of plastic in coffee capsules. 

Countries lead the charge in recycling aluminium coffee capsules

Based on the market research analysts of FMI, the country-level forecasts suggest a strong growth trajectory for recycling systems focused on coffee capsule aluminium from 2026 to 2036. Among which, India holds the lion’s share with the CAGR of 14.8 per cent, closely followed by China at 13.5 per cent and South Korea at 12.8 per cent.

Other than these countries, the US is anticipated to see an 11.2 per cent CAGR, while the UK and Japan are expected to grow at rates of 10.5 per cent and 10 per cent, respectively, during the same timeframe. Currently, the global market is projected to expand at a CAGR of 11.9 per cent from 2026 to 2036, driven by increasing investments and supportive policies aimed at enhancing recycling infrastructure in key markets.