Keurig unveils plant-based coating that will replace its ubiquitous K cup pods

In Massachusetts, Keurig Dr Pepper has unveiled a more sustainable vision for the future of single-serve coffee pods, which have boomed in popularity thanks to their convenience but are associated with significant plastics waste.

Keurig’s vision is based on its K-Rounds™ plastic-free pods, a revolutionary new form of single serve coffee. K-Rounds pods are created from roasted coffee beans that are ground, pressed and wrapped in a proprietary, protective plant-based coating that preserves the coffee’s flavor and aroma and eliminates the need for plastic or aluminum.  The unique plastic- and aluminum- free design of K-Rounds allows for brewing at both high pressure for espresso-based drinks and low pressure for drip coffee, cold or hot, so consumers can enjoy a variety of coffeehouse drinks without coffeehouse prices. 

K-Rounds plastic-free pods will work in the new Keurig Alta™ brewer as part of a reimagined Keurig system. Beta testing will begin in the fall of this year. 

“Thirty years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single serve coffee system,” Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort said in a press statement. “Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come.”