Waitrose is to start replacing its own-label coffee capsules with a more sustainable alternative as part of its drive to make all packaging used on its products widely recyclable, reusable, or home compostable by 2023.
The previous capsules were made from mixed materials (polypropylene with an aluminium lid) which were difficult to separate for recycling and so usually ended up in landfill.
The retailer’s new coffee capsules are made from bio-sourced materials, including sunflower seed bark and sugars derived from corn, which are fully compostable. The lid is made from cellulose and can also be home composted, whilst the box is fully recyclable.
Waitrose stated that the coffee will be the first own-label home compostable capsules that can be used in Nespresso-style coffee machines. Four different blends in the new packaging will start rolling out to stores this week.
Prompted by the pandemic, the supermarket highlighted that it has seen a significant rise in coffee sales in the last 12 months, up by 39%, as people stayed at home and replaced their office or High Street coffee with a homemade alternative. John Lewis also saw an increase in sales of coffee capsule machines, with retailer expecting these trends to continue as people work from home more in the future.
Polly Astbury, Coffee Buyer at Waitrose, said: “We’re working hard so that all our packaging can be more easily recycled, reusable or home compostable in the next two years. After a year of so many cups of coffee, it was essential we looked for a more sustainable material. As coffee grains can also be used as a fertiliser, making our capsules home compostable was an ideal alternative.”
Last week, Waitrose announced plans to no longer sell children’s magazines containing disposable toys in an effort to reduce single-use plastic.
NAM Implication:
- A warning for all suppliers, branded and own label…
