Why do you still use packaging – there must be other solutions to offer good quality coffee, with less environmental impact?

A precision consumption system like Nespresso uses a precise amount of water, coffee ground and energy to make one cup - minimising food, water and energy waste. With other methods of coffee preparation, consumers tend to use more coffee than required and keep it warm for too long - then throw out left-over coffee, which represents a lot of waste.

Although it seems counterintuitive, the precise consumption of portioned coffee means that it has a similar environmental impact to filter coffee and mocha, and better than bean-to-cup machines. The footprint of portioned coffee is lower if the capsules are recycled, which is why Nespresso has worked relentlessly since 1991 to increase the volume of used capsules that are recycled.

However, we are constantly innovating and finding new ways to further reduce our impact on the environment. We currently use aluminium as it optimally protects the freshness, taste and quality of Nespresso coffee. That way, we can ensure that the aromas developed during the roasting are retained until the coffee reaches your cup, without the use of overwrapping/pouches. Aluminium also has the added benefit of being infinitely recyclable, which is why we place so much focus on making our global recycling scheme easy to use.