Coffee capsules are becoming increasingly popular, but they are usually disposable and made of pure polypropylene (PP). German coffee producer Tchibo has partnered with Berry and Neste in an attempt to optimize the ingredients in its capsules for its Qbo brand. The result was the introduction of coffee capsules reportedly made from the same types of bio-based polymers, such as waste and residual oils and fats, used in cooking oil.
According to a life cycle assessment conducted by the Technical University of Berlin according to ISO 14040/44, the conversion of Qbo capsule materials reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 35%.
Marius-Konstantin Wiche, Tchibo's capsule and innovation development manager, explains that while Tchibo's Qbo capsules are still made from polypropylene (PP), the material is now made from 70 percent renewable raw materials rather than virgin petroleum, which is typical of coffee capsules. This makes the entire Qbo line, which includes sustainably grown Qbo coffee brewed in Qbo machines, one of the most environmentally friendly capsule systems available.
Renewable materials are sourced using a mass balance methodology that is certified by the International Sustainability and Carbon (ISCC PLUS) system. Mass Balance certification enables the proportion of bio-based raw materials used in the production value chain to be mathematically assigned to the final product so that this information can be displayed on the packaging. The certification provides complete traceability throughout the supply chain, from the raw material to the final coffee capsule, as well as verification of the sustainability of the raw material.
The renewable solution is described as having the same quality and characteristics as the traditional solution, meaning that the new capsules offer the same performance and product experience. In addition, renewable raw materials can be incorporated into existing production lines without any modifications. Marius-Konstantin Wiche confirms, "We needed to ensure that the high quality and delicious flavor of Qbo coffee would not be compromised." "That's why we focused on replacing the raw material for the capsules rather than the PP itself. Renewable materials are used to produce PP polymers of the same quality as virgin PP; there is no noticeable difference in appearance or taste.
Berry's new capsule launch reinforces its recently announced commitment to use 30 percent round plastic in FMCG packaging by 2030, as the company envisions a long-term decoupling from virgin plastics and fossil fuels.
"Supporting our customers' expanding commitment to sustainability is a top priority as we plan for future net-zero circular economy requirements," said Jean-Marc Galvez, president of Berry Global Consumer Packaging International.
"One of our core competencies is to provide the infrastructure and manufacturing capabilities needed to design recycled products. I am very proud of this partnership and its commitment to demonstrating the potential of renewable raw materials to reduce the environmental impact of capsules."
