"Swiss Aluminum Capsule Recycling": An initiative of Nespresso and Delica AG to promote recycling of aluminium coffee capsules

The new non-profit organization ‘Swiss Aluminum Capsule Recycling’ is an initiative of Nespresso and the Migros coffee roastery Delica AG to contribute to the sustainability of portioned coffee. The two companies are committed to a uniform and efficient recycling solution for aluminium coffee capsules. The goal is to increase the recycling rate in Switzerland to 75%. With the new logo, consumers can see at a glance which coffee capsules can be returned for recycling free of charge at over 3,700 collection points. ‘Swiss Aluminum Capsule Recycling’ invites other manufacturers of aluminium capsules to join the organization.

Swiss people prefer aluminium coffee capsules, as aluminium optimally protects the aroma of the coffee and is 100% recyclable. With the non-profit organization “Swiss Aluminum Capsule Recycling”, Nespresso and Delica want to promote a comprehensive solution at the industry level that is uniformly organized. This means that all aluminium capsule manufacturers who join as members have an existing recycling infrastructure at their disposal. This was set up and expanded by Nespresso and has been used by Delica since the beginning of the year. The Groupe Barec in Moudon (VD) is responsible for the recycling of the aluminium coffee capsules. Thanks to this industry solution, the recycling of used aluminium capsules should become even more accessible for consumers.

Fridolin Landolt, Director Customer Care & Services at Nespresso Switzerland and first President of the new organization, explains: “Nespresso developed a recycling system for aluminium coffee capsules back in 1991. We are convinced that sustainability and the circular economy are properly promoted when companies exchange their technology and experience.”

“Together with Delica, we have created 'Swiss Aluminum Capsule Recycling', a company-independent organization that allows other aluminium coffee capsule manufacturers to benefit from the preparatory work and experience. We invite everyone to use recycling technology together to contribute to sustainability."

Until the start of the partnership with Delica in January 2020, the recycling rate for Nespresso capsules was 58%. The aim of ‘Swiss Aluminum Capsule Recycling’ is to increase the recycling rate for aluminium capsules in Switzerland to 75% by 2025.

Hubert Lehnard, Head of International Coffee Marketing at Delica AG and member of the board of ‘Swiss Aluminum Capsule Recycling’, said: “Since the introduction of our Café Royal capsules made of aluminium, we have been committed to recycling them. We need to take responsibility for the environment and at the same time to offer our consumers a customer-friendly recycling solution.”

"We are confident that, with the new organization, we will be able to significantly increase the recycling rate for aluminium capsules together with Nespresso, other manufacturers and consumers."

AlCircle brings two-day event for aluminium industry players. We look forward to meeting you virtually at “Global Aluminium Expo 2020”on October 6-7, 2020. For registration, visit www.alcircleevents.com