Nespresso increases recycled aluminium content to 80% in new coffee machine capsules

Nespresso has increased the recycled aluminium content to 80 per cent in its new coffee machine capsules , as part of its ongoing drive to boost sustainable credentials. The report came after the Swiss company unveiled its new capsules on Friday, May 15.

The Nestlé-owned brand claims that its new aluminium coffee pods are the first pods in the market made of such high-level recycled content. The pods also contain very thin aluminium foil, which is eight per cent lighter in weight and requires 9.2 per cent lesser metal to produce, according to Nespresso.

Jérôme Pérez, head of sustainability at Nespresso said, the launch of new capsules marked a significant milestone for improving the circularity of its business.

"We are constantly challenging ourselves to improve the sustainability and circularity of our operations, including the way we source, use, and recycle materials," said Jérôme Pérez.

He added, "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."

The launch of the new pods follows the recent introduction of fully recyclable packaging made from 95 per cent recycled material for its coffee pod machines.

Nespresso and many other rival manufacturers already faced criticism earlier for manufacturing single serve pods that could have environmental impact. But Nespresso argued that aluminium is a sustainable metal as it is infinitely recyclable, and also, the company ceaselessly strives to curb the environmental impact through new designs and updated collection and recycling services.

Nespresso has own household recycling service that allows users to have their used pods collected and recycled at a dedicated aluminium reprocessing facility for reusing in other products.