Nespresso launches compostable capsule - the most important answers
7.9.2023
Translation: machine translated
Nespresso is selling a new type of coffee capsule. For the first time, the Swiss company has dispensed with aluminium. The most important answers to the paper capsules from Nestle.
It was almost a year ago that Nespresso announced the paper capsule. What was supposed to come onto the market in spring 2023 is now here. The new coffee capsule has been available for a few days. It consists of 82 per cent paper. The remaining 18 per cent is made up of biopolymer coatings, among other things, which ensure flavour protection.
For the time being, the capsules are only available to buy in official Nespresso shops, but will also be available online from October. There are no official Nespresso capsules at Galaxus; I suggest what you could buy from us instead below.
Compostable capsules, didn't they exist yet?
Yes, but only from other manufacturers or for other systems. Nestlé has already made its first forays into paper capsules with Nescafé "Dolce Gusto Neo". But only in Brazil. The paper capsules are now the first official Nespresso capsules that you can also buy here. But others were pioneers: The Swiss roasting company Stoll has already had capsules on sale for a few years that decompose in household compost.
What does "home compostable" mean?
The capsules do not have to be added to the industrial compost in the green bin, but will also decompose in the compost in the garden. Natürlich kannst du sie auch in die grüne Tonne geben. Dazu hat Nespresso sich sogar ein Zertifikat vom österreichischen TÜV geholt. Unfortunately, the capsules are not authorised for the green bin everywhere in Switzerland. They can be composted in home compost as long as the composition of the compost contains enough moist and green materials.
Why is Nespresso only now coming up with a compostable capsule?
Parent company Nestlé had already announced the capsules last year, a few weeks after Migros launched its CoffeeB coffee system. At the time, CEO Guillaume Le Cunff told Blick that there was no connection. Nespresso has been working on a compostable solution for years.
The fact that the EU is drafting a law that could result in a ban on aluminium coffee capsules is probably a happy coincidence for Nespresso
Is this the end of aluminium capsules from Nespresso?
No, the normal capsules will continue to be available. They can still be recycled as before. The paper capsules are merely an addition to the range.
Which has the better environmental balance?
Nespresso does not reveal whether the paper capsules have a better environmental footprint than the conventional aluminium capsules. However, aluminium capsules have a surprisingly good environmental balance, as a study by the University of Quebec shows - provided the capsules are actually recycled. According to the study, it is primarily the coffee and the emissions during cultivation - and not the packaging - that have a negative impact on the environmental balance. And capsule coffee performs well here, as there is much less coffee powder in a capsule than is required per cup for filter coffee, for example.
Cover picture: Nespresso
Simon Balissat
Teamleader Editorial
Simon.Balissat@digitecgalaxus.chWhen I flew the family nest over 15 years ago, I suddenly had to cook for myself. But it wasn’t long until this necessity became a virtue. Today, rattling those pots and pans is a fundamental part of my life. I’m a true foodie and devour everything from junk food to star-awarded cuisine. Literally. I eat way too fast.
Coffee
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