TerraCycle transforms coffee capsule into organic fertilizer

Program already counts on partners like illycafè, Melitta L’Ór and Pilão

In the first years of pandemic, coffee capsules sales recorded 22% rise worldwide, according to survey by American consultancy firm Nielsen Retail. In Brazil, Nespresso, the largest in the sector, does not disclose its results, but its global billing reached US$ 6.4 billion, 7% superior that of 2019, the highest result in the last six years.

With such a significant growth in consumption, the consequence is a considerable growth in garbage production. And, in times of global warming, recycling of coffee capsules is more than necessary.

One of these initiatives started in American company TerraCycle, which entered into unprecedented partnership with illycafè and Melitta to transform their coffee capsules into organic fertilizer. TerraCycle operates in 21 countries and is global leader in environmental solutions for high complex wastes, and in Brazil it operates through the National Recycling Program.  

To ensure the partnership, Melitta created biodegradable and compostable coffee capsules. Besides, the new packaging is produced with materials from renewable sources, free of transgenic materials, bisphenol A and aluminum, and functions as oxygen barrier that preserves aroma and flavor without requiring double packaging.

Packagings can be taken to TerraCycle and undergo industrial composting process, where they are transformed into organic fertilizer that goes back to earth as nutrient.

“Our role is to facilitate the shipping of capsules to the Waste Recovery Center, and consumers from anywhere in Brazil can store their capsules in a box, register on the entity website (www.terracycle.com.br), and print the tag to be used to dispatch the box in any post offices (Correios), free of charge. The capsules collected are converted into donations to charitable institutions or public schools chosen by consumers. Each capsule received corresponds to two TerraCycle scores, which are worth R$ 0.02. The score is counted for shipments containing at least 50 capsules”, explains the company’s Marketing and Relationship manager Renata Ross.  

Partnership with illycafè

The partnership with illycafè is a little bit different: TerraCycle recycles the plastic portions of Iperespresso capsule, which undergoes composting of its organic waste and the whole logistic process. The partnership is expected to generate a donation of R$ 3.00 per kilo of recycled capsule for nonprofit institution appointed by costumers and consumers.

On the other hand, the partnership with L’Or and Pilão coffee brands, from JDE company, uses the aluminum capsule recycling program. The packagings collected are melted and transformed into blocks that are used in the manufacture of new products. Coffee grounds are forwarded for composting that will transform the grounds into fertilizer. Each capsule sent is worth R$ 0.02.