Nespresso unveils paper-based coffee capsules

After three years of research and development, Nespresso has unveiled a range of paper-based, home-compostable coffee capsules. Compatible with Nespresso Original machines, the capsules will be piloted in France and Switzerland in early 2023.

Guillaume Le Cunff, Nespresso CEO, said: “We are excited to announce our first ever paper-based, home-compostable capsule, which will complement our offering of aluminium capsules that are both recyclable and made using 80% recycled aluminium.”

The company’s aluminium capsules can be recycled at over 100,000 recycling collection points across 70 countries. The paper capsules were developed as an alternative for those who prefer and have access to a compost method, and they are certified for home and industrial composting by TÜV Austria, an international certification body.

Many aspects of the paper capsule feature proprietary technology, including the biopolymer lining inside the capsule that protects the coffee against oxidisation.

Julia Lauricella, Head of Global R&D Centre for Systems and Coffee Machines, said, “Our 40 years of experience in coffee systems allowed us, together with the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, to develop a home-compostable, paper-based capsule, retro-compatible with the Nespresso Original machines that meets and exceeds the high expectations consumers have of Nespresso in terms of protecting the coffee’s aromas and taste.

“We combined a high-precision paper pulp forming process with a biodegradable layer for protection against oxidation to preserve our coffee in transport, storage and during the high-pressure extraction in our machines.”

Four new blends, including an organic coffee sourced through the Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program, have been created for the paper-based capsules.

A partner in the development of the capsules was Huhtamaki, a global provider of sustainable packaging solutions.

Charles Héaulmé, Huhtamaki CEO, said, “We are delighted to partner with Nespresso on the home-compostable, paper-based capsule. Part of this breakthrough innovation is the result of combining paper pulp from wood fibre, a natural renewable material, compressing it to a coffee capsule using our high-precision technology, creating another sustainable alternative for Nespresso lovers.”

Nespresso now aims to raise awareness among users about how to compost the capsules, as well as advocate for them to be accepted in public biowaste/organic bins.

After initially being piloted in France and Switzerland, the capsules will be launched in several other European countries within a year.