Novelis Inc. has partnered with Nespresso, to launch the first coffee capsule made of 80% recycled aluminum. The sustainable alloy is featured in Nespresso’s new coffee capsules, particularly the Original Line Master Origin Colombia coffee. By the end of 2021, Nespresso aims to have the full Original Line and Vertuo ranges of coffee capsules made using recycled aluminum.
Due to the composition of the aluminum alloy required to produce Nespresso capsules, 80% is the current maximum amount of recycled content that can be used today. Novelis’ alloy has the necessary properties to meet the coffee capsule market’s need for demanding product specifications. The alloy also supports Nespresso’s continued circularity journey by minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse of product materials.
“This achievement is an important step in helping Nespresso reach its sustainability goals,” said Stephen Boney, vice president of Specialties, Novelis Europe. “We have a longstanding partnership with Nespresso that is focused on implementing more sustainable manufacturing processes throughout the supply chain. As such, we have increased the amount of recycled aluminum content in coffee capsules and developing additional end-of-life recycling solutions for greater circularity.”
The new capsules contain 9.2% less aluminum material and are 8% lighter than previous iterations, since they are comprised of a thinner aluminum foil. The foil is meant to protect freshness and aroma of high-quality coffee. It provides a strong barrier against oxygen, light, and humidity, and is infinitely recyclable, requiring less energy to produce than primary aluminum.
“We are constantly challenging ourselves to improve the sustainability and circularity of our operations, including the way we source, use, and recycle material,” said Jérôme Pérez, head of Sustainability for Nespresso. “Reaching 80% recycled aluminum in our capsules is a significant milestone, and something we have worked hard to achieve with Novelis and other partners along the value chain.”
In recent years, Novelis has developed many new alloys that are easily recyclable and invested in technologically advanced recycling facilities that have increased recycled product content from 33% to 60% across its global operations. Accordingly, the company is committed to maximizing aluminum’s many positive benefits to create a fully circular economy that has more efficient, sustainable business models.