In Minnesota, a new study conducted by Netherlands-based Wageningen Food & Biobased Research, a part of Wageningen University & Research (WUR), revealed that coffee capsules made with Ingeo PLA biopolymer from NatureWorks outperform aluminum, conventional plastics, and other compostable capsules when it comes to sustainability performance.
The independent study assessed the environmental impact and circularity of single-use coffee capsules made from compostable biobased materials, aluminum, and conventional plastics through multiple end-of-life scenarios including industrial composting, recycling, incineration, and landfill. The study also accounted for the fate of the spent coffee grounds within these capsules, finding that compostable capsules keep both the coffee grounds and capsule materials in the loop via organics recycling, making them the most sustainable option. The thermoformed Ingeo-based capsules used in the study were produced by NatureWorks’ partner and food packaging producer, Flo SpA.
“The conclusion of this study is significant because it represents the entire life cycle of the capsule and the coffee inside – from carbon footprint to its circularity potential,” said Flavio Di Marcotullio, Strategic Marketing Manager, Single Serve Beverages at NatureWorks. “It clearly shows that compostable capsules made with Ingeo are, bottom line, the most sustainable material for single-use coffee capsules, outperforming recycling scenarios for both conventional plastic and aluminum while also making disposal simple for consumers,” he added.
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