Migros launches “world’s first” capsule-free compostable “coffee ball”

07 Sep 2022 --- Migros is launching the “world’s first” coffee capsule system that works entirely without a capsule. Branded CoffeeB, a small, fully compostable ball of pressed coffee, has the amenities of conventional capsule systems but does not add to the 100,000 metric tons of coffee capsule waste produced every year. 

The “coffee ball” is covered by Delica’s protective layer patented worldwide. This not only gives the coffee ball stability but it also forms an oxygen barrier that protects against loss of aroma, as is the case with aluminum casing. 

“With CoffeeB, Migros is combining a full taste experience, convenience and no waste,” says Fabrice Zumbrunnen, president of the general management of the federation of Migros Cooperatives. 

“We are convinced that with CoffeeB we have developed a technology that meets the needs of today’s consumers and will positively impact the environment. The capsule system without a capsule fits 100% with Migros’ sustainability strategy. It is the most important product innovation in the company’s history.” 

Home-compostability 
Like the coffee itself, the protective layer around the “coffee ball” is of natural origin and is therefore completely garden-compostable. Within a few weeks, the coffee ball decomposes into hummus. 

The system is completed by the CoffeeB Globe coffee machine with patented brewing technology. The coffee is offered in a selection of varieties and different degrees of strength. 

The “coffee balls” can be composted in consumers' gardens. The innovation has been available since yesterday from Migros, Melectronics and Digitec Galaxus throughout Switzerland and France. It will be launched in Germany in the spring of 2023. Migros says that other markets will follow, because there is interest from abroad. 

Earlier this year, Greiner Packaging developed a solution from compostable polymers to help consumers dispose of used coffee capsules “in their own backyard.” The company entered a bid for TÜV certification in Austria and Belgium, which would officially credit the solution as home compostable.

A “zero waste” system
CoffeeB is a “zero waste” system – by eliminating the aluminum or plastic capsules, large amounts of waste can be avoided. Even if some part of conventional coffee capsules is recyclable, a large part of it still ends up in the garbage, claims the company. 

The sustainability of CoffeeB goes beyond the garden compostability of the “coffee balls.” The machine consists largely of recycled materials and can be repaired by the Migros service points if necessary. 

Due to the modular machine design, individual technical components can also be exchanged. Furthermore, the entire system and all types of coffee are 100% CO2 compensated. The coffee beans come from sustainable cultivation and, depending on the aroma, are either Rainforest Alliance or Organic and Fairtrade certified. All packaging is recyclable.

“The simplicity of CoffeeB hardly gives an idea of how much internal development work and team effort went into the technology. It took five years from the idea to the launch, and during that time, there were numerous failures. But the vision of developing a waste-free capsule system was always stronger,” concludes Zumbrunnen. 

Renewable capsules in the news 
In other news, Tchibo coffee company partnered with Berry Global to develop PP coffee capsules made from renewable sources. The shift in material does not compete with the coffee’s flavor or functionality and improves the environmental sustainability of the Tchibo brand by reducing carbon emissions.

Meanwhile, Tchibo also introduced a bio-based capsule for its Qbo brand made 70% from second-generation renewable raw materials and 

Edited by Natalie Schwertheim

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