Coffee capsules – Convenience hides environmental risks

Coffee capsules were first introduced in the 1980s and have quickly become popular in recent years thanks to their convenience and simplicity of use. The initial tablet forms will be contained in aluminum cans. Since then, companies have explored diverse packaging materials to enhance variety and reduce costs. In addition to aluminum materials, materials used may include polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based compostable compounds, and poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT). In general, the market has three main types of coffee capsule shell materials: compostable plastic capsules (PLA, PHA), regular plastic capsules (PP, HDPE), and aluminum capsules (with and without recycled content).

Coffee capsule shells can be made from compostable plastic, regular plastic and aluminum

In principle, after use, tablets will be collected and classified for recycling or separate treatment. In particular, biodegradable pellets are included in the industrial composting process. Some types are recycled through lightweight packaging (LWP) waste collection, organic waste collection and composting, and mixed municipal solid waste (MSW) collection. Some other types will be put into incinerators or sent to landfills for energy recovery. However, most used coffee capsules are disposed of with all types of household waste. Their endpoints are often incinerators or landfills.

After being used, pellets are often sent to incinerators or landfills

A research team from the Netherlands conducted an assessment of the effects of three types of coffee capsules (including aluminum, conventional oil-based plastic, and biodegradable materials) on the environment. The results show that conventional plastic is the most harmful to the environment in terms of recyclability and circularity. In particular, the circulation index of common plastic capsules (HDPE or PP) is the worst. They can contribute to the formation of persistent microplastics that cause heavy pollution and reduce the quality of natural resources.

In addition, the plastic used to create the tablet shell is virgin plastic, produced from crude oil. Recycled content is 0% so it is not environmentally protective. After use, the pellets may be burned or sent to land-based landfills. During the burning process, the material will convert into CO2 and fine waste which increases greenhouse gas emissions. If plastic pellets are mixed with organic waste and sent to special processing areas to become fertilizer, microplastics can lead to compost contamination.

Coffee capsule shells made from regular plastic can cause heavy pollution

The study found that coffee capsules made from compostable bioplastics have the least negative impact on the environment even when they are thrown away in the “wrong place”. Both the coffee grounds and the material that makes up the capsule shell can be recycled organically through the biosphere into compost. In addition, aluminum tablet shells are also considered a good choice for the environment. Although its environmental protection is not as high as bioplastics, it is recyclable. However, this is only true in cases where aluminum shells are collected and processed according to correct procedures.

Coffee capsule shells need to be collected and handled according to proper procedures

According to research results, plastic and aluminum coffee capsules can make the environment worse if waste is not handled properly. As coffee lovers, let’s make informed choices. Opting for compostable or aluminum coffee capsules can contribute to a greener environment. Join XLIII Coffee in supporting sustainable practices for a better specilaty coffee experience!

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