Merlo Coffee promotes sustainability with 100% recyclable aluminium capsules

Merlo Coffee is dedicated to sustainability, making it a top priority for the company. In December 2022, the company introduced aluminium coffee pods along its retail line to substantially curtail carbon emissions.

Simon Brooks, the Head of Operations, emphasises the importance of considering the coffee industry's long-term economic, environmental, and social health.

From June 2021 to July 2022, the company offset over 1.2 million kilograms of carbon, the equivalent of driving over 4.5 million kilometres in a modern car.

Simon mentioned in a statement: "Coffee comes from the environment. If we can't look after our ecosystem, there won't be any coffee left. We're not going to leave change to farmers or overseas companies, or importers; we want to do our part at the other end of the supply chain. With COVID-19 in the rear-view mirror, sustainability is at the forefront of our minds."

Additionally, Merlo Coffee has planted 163 trees to support environmental restoration projects. The company has set a goal to reduce emissions further and is switching to new eco-friendly packaging options, such as Aqueous based lined cups produced by BioPak.

The company also practices sustainable packaging methods by reusing old boxes for packaging fill, eliminating the need for plastic air bubble wrap or polystyrene fill. Merlo Coffee has launched its first speciality coffee capsules made with aluminium packaging, highlighting the company's continued focus on sustainability.

Simon announced: "We use aluminium capsules for infinite recyclability and to ensure there is no moisture or oxygen transfer. Capsules are compatible with all original line Nespresso machines or machines of the same standard from other manufacturers."

"We have over 400 solar panels covering our two facilities, which has reduced our carbon emissions by 533,000 kilograms, equivalent to 10,000 plants. For any excess that we need to offset, we purchase large-scale generation certificates (LGCs) from a solar farm in northwest New South Wales. We currently purchase about 110 LGCs every quarter," he added.

While other coffee brands like Nespresso, Novo Capsule or Lavazza have already publicised the use of aluminium coffee pods, Merlo is gradually stepping toward a better future with the introduction of aluminium in their flagship packaging line. Aluminium is 100% recyclable and can be put through rigorous transformational processes without losing the original properties of the non-ferrous metal.

Simon concluded by saying: "It's vital that we do our part and step up as an industry leader in Australia, to show that not only is it possible for larger businesses such as ours to obtain sustainable practices, but that it's affordable and accessible for all."

The company is fine-tuning all areas of the business to strategize the most effective changes to operate sustainably.