Bookmark 10-15-2018

Coffee Capsule Compostable at Home

Organically Based Synthetic Material with Sunflower Seed Shells

In cooperation with Golden Compound, Alpla is bringing a coffee capsule compostable at home onto the market (© Alpla)

Together with materials manufacturer Golden Compound, Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co. KG, Hard, Austria, has developed a coffee capsule that environmentally aware consumers can use with a clear conscience. The capsule is made from the material Golden Compound green. This comprises an organically based material and ground natural fibres from sunflower seed shells. The capsule and filter fleece are completely biodegradable in the garden compost within a maximum of six months, and are free from aluminium and genetically modified organisms. Alpla provides its customers with the capsule and the garden-compostable lid.

By-Product of Sunflower Processing

Golden Compound uses sunflower seed shells as a reinforcing material. They are a by-product of the food industry and not in competition with food production. Composting the capsule generates humus, and the coffee grounds contain valuable plant nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen.

According to the manufacturer the oxygen barrier of this material is very much comparable with conventional plastics such as PP-EVOH-PP. The monolayer coffee capsule is thus aroma-proof without outer packaging. Furthermore, Golden Compound green is certified in line with the standards ‘OK compost HOME’ and ‘OK biodegradable SOIL’ from TÜV.