As coffee capsules have become increasingly more popular, people have started to ask an inevitable question: what’s the best way to responsibly dispose of them?
There are a number of different methods, including recycling, home composting, or commercial composting – which is the best solution for businesses.
With the market showing no signs of slowing down, it is the perfect time to start sourcing private label coffee capsules. However, with waste and sustainable practices more important than ever to consumers, it is vital that you know how to properly dispose of them.
Read on to find out more about the best ways to dispose of capsules.
Private label coffee capsules are created by a third-party manufacturer or roaster but sold under your brand name.
As they are capsules – not pods – they are exclusively compatible with Nespresso original line brewers. Unlike buying wholesale capsules, however, the coffee inside private label coffee capsules is designed for your business.
At Metropolis, we work closely with our partners to customize capsules specifically to their needs. As well as offering a range of roast levels, we can also source coffees that are certified both Fairtrade America and USDA Organic-certified.
Once the coffee and roast is confirmed, we get to work producing your order. The capsules are filled, nitro-flushed for long-term freshness, then hermetically sealed to keep aroma in and oxygen out. They are then cartoned with your branding, then shipped to you or your distributor.
In recent years, capsule waste has become a major point of contention. However, there are now more options than ever for responsibly disposing of your private label coffee capsules.
Recycling is one option. Some aluminum and plastic capsules can be recycled through municipal or local waste programmes. However, not all materials in coffee capsules are recyclable and it can be difficult to determine what can be recycled and what can’t. This can lead to theoretically “recyclable” capsules ending up in landfills.
Furthermore, many recycling programs require the capsules to be fully cleaned in order to process them. This is time consuming, especially for businesses who serve capsules at scale.
The other alternative is composting, which is both sustainable and cost-effective. This is where capsules break down over time into organic materials in a composter.
There are two types of composting: home and commercial. It is important not to confuse the two, as many compostable capsules are not suitable for home disposal. So what are the differences?
Let’s start with home composting. This is where you dispose of suitable waste on a home compost heap. Over time, the presence of microorganisms slowly breaks down your waste into usable compost.
In contrast, commercial composting is where waste is disposed of in specialist industrial facilities which use strict temperature and humidity control measures to break down the waste at a faster rate.
These facilities also adhere to strict regulations and standards. They ensure that the compost produced is of high quality, free from contaminants and non-toxic.
For businesses, it is crucial to ensure that you are sourcing commercially compostable private label coffee capsules.
We know that commercial composting is more suitable for businesses than regular home composting methods, but what are the benefits for your company?
Firstly, commercial composting is generally easier for businesses. Your capsule waste can sometimes be disposed of using a local pick-up service, which makes it far more convenient for your team. It also means you don’t have to dedicate space to composting on your premises.
Additionally, composting is a way to showcase your commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. This is a key issue for many consumers, and the demand for more sustainable products continues to grow. Aligning with these values can mean that consumers choose your capsules instead of your competitors’.
Finally, composting used coffee capsules can also offset your business’ carbon footprint and meet ESG goals. Proving that you operate sustainably may also be a requirement for some suppliers, distributors, or partners.
At Metropolis, we manufacture private label coffee capsules that can be disposed of at any commercial composting facility in the United States. This is thanks to the plant-based sustainable capsule shells we source from Smile Beverage Werks LLC. They meet the stringent standards set by the Composter Manufacturing Alliance (CMA) and the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI).
As well as being better for the planet, these also protect the coffee inside each capsule perfectly – guaranteeing a fresh, consistent cup every single time.
Alternatively, if you’ve already got a coffee in mind, our co-packing service is the right solution for you.
To source your own quality single-serve coffee, take a look at our wholesale, co-packing, and private label coffee capsules.
Certified compostable facilities may not exist in your area. To find a composter near you, visit www.findacomposter.com or www.compostnow.org on all packaging and marketing materials.
Metropolis espresso capsules are made under license from Smile Beverage Werks, P.B.C.
Metropolis Coffee is not affiliated with, endorsed, or sponsored by Nespresso. Nespresso is a registered trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé.
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