Nestlé Nespresso SA reached its 75% capsule recycling capacity

Nestlé Nespresso SA, the pioneer and reference of the premium portioned coffee segment, today announced two important developments in its commitment to aluminium sustainability. Firstly the company has reached its 75% capsule recycling capacity objective one year ahead of plan. In addition, Nespresso joined IUCN and other partners in the presentation of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative at the World Conservation Congress in Jeju, South Korea.

"Aluminium as a material is indispensable for guaranteeing the quality of our exceptional coffee. Moreover aluminium is indefinitely recyclable. That is why we make it easy for our consumers to return their used aluminium capsules - either through national schemes or our own collection systems," commented Richard Girardot, CEO of Nestlé Nespresso SA. "Even as a relatively small user of aluminium, we see the next stage of our commitment to aluminium sustainability as playing an active part in the multi-stakeholder ASI process together with our partners."

In 2009, as part of its Ecolaboration programme, Nespresso committed to put collection systems in place to triple its capacity to recycle used capsules to 75%. Bureau Veritas - a global leader in compliance assessment and certification services - has verified and certified this recycling capacity worldwide. As of 30 June 2012, the official capacity worldwide stands at 76.4%, surpassing its initial commitment to triple capacity.

"Nespresso started with a dedicated recycling system in its home market, Switzerland, back in 1991. Now 21 years later more than 20 countries have Nespresso recycling systems. We have invested heavily to make recycling as easy as possible for our consumers to return their capsules so that the aluminium can be re-used," said Guillaume Le Cunff, Director of International Marketing and Sustainability of Nestlé Nespresso SA.

To date, Nespresso has installed about 20,000 dedicated capsule collection points in 19 of its markets. Additionally, Nespresso has been able to work constructively with established national packaging schemes in Germany, Sweden and Finland.

Since 2009, Nespresso has been taking its leadership beyond recycling. Nespresso is working with the IUCN, civil society organizations and aluminium industry leaders to create a standard for aluminium sustainability by 2014 within the framework of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative.