Tipa and ATI launch coffee capsules with “first of its kind” fully compostable lids

18 Dec 2023 --- Packaging developer and manufacturer Tipa has collaborated with technology innovation company ATI to create a “first of its kind” fully compostable coffee capsule lid.

The patent-protected lidding material fits all compostable coffee capsules, including those compatible with the Nespresso system. The solution addresses the industry’s challenges, such as poor sealing properties, inconsistent flow and the migration of materials into the coffee.

The plant-based lids — certified by OK Biobased with the highest accreditation of four stars — boast a carbon content of at least 80% derived from renewable raw materials. This aligns with the UK’s Plastics Pact and upcoming EU packaging regulations, advocating the use of compostable materials in coffee capsules.

“While compostable coffee capsules have been on the market for several years, the market is yet to develop effective lids to complement the capsules. With ATI’s collaboration, Tipa has delivered a superior solution to the coffee market. The compostable coffee capsule lids ensure a fully compostable and circular solution for coffee lovers while giving brands eco-friendly solutions developed by experts,” says Daphna Nissenbaum, Tipa’s CEO and co-founder.

Lid and capsule compostability
The lids are reportedly fully compostable and designed to be disposed of in food waste bins. Available to purchase in the UK, Europe and the US, the new lid uses Tipa’s high-barrier laminate, which, at the end of its life, composts into nutrient-rich soil within a few months.

Mark Klep, ATI’s CEO and founder, adds: “Over the last thirteen years we have been pioneering the developments of laboratory-certified, durable and fully compostable packaging solutions. Our latest achievement of a patented coffee capsule lidding material developed with OTR and WVTR, in partnership with Tipa, is a milestone for sustainability in the coffee industry.”

In light of the recent Wageningen University & Research study affirming the environmental sustainability of compostable bio-based coffee capsules, Tipa’s initiative aligns with the call from the European Bioplastics (EUBP) association for the inclusion of compostable coffee capsules in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Nissenbaum tells Packaging Insights: “Aluminum and plastic coffee pods have dominated the market, yet both are challenging to collect and recycle. Another key challenge to recycling such pods is the remaining coffee grounds, which negatively affect the recycling process. Conversely, compostable pods and the remaining coffee grounds are a perfect fit for composting.”

The plant-based lids are certified by OK Biobased with the highest accreditation of four stars.She further explains that the new composable lid, paired with Tipa’s compostable pod, creates a fully circular product that addresses issues such as inconsistent coffee flow, the migration of materials into the coffee and the lack of barrier protection. “This solution ensures full composability at home and in an industrial composter while addressing issues with lidding to create a fully sustainable product.”

Compostable circularity 
Advocating for policy changes and industrial composability, Nissenbaum promotes the required policy changes, along with the necessary market transition to compostable packaging, to replace hard-to-recycle plastic packaging such as coffee pods, or other packaging applications such as packaging for snack food and fresh produce.

As a founding member of the UK Compostable Coalition, which includes brands such as Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Ocado, Tipa is focused on creating compostable packaging for all food and fashion products.

“The coalition aims to demonstrate via new data and evidence the feasibility to achieve full circularity for compostable packaging via the UK's existing bio-waste infrastructure. It is also collaborating with multiple stakeholders from retailers and global brands to local authorities and waste treatment providers to activate such a systemic change,” details Nissenbaum.

Furthermore, Nissenbaum embraces the EUBP’s call for mandating the industrial composability of coffee capsules. 

“We agree that mandating the industrial composability of coffee capsules will benefit the environment and ensure that consumers have access to sustainable products managed at the end of life.” 

“Tipa’s goal is to ensure that every compostable product can be disposed of both at home and in an industrial composter, which is why all our products follow strict compostable certifications,” concludes Nissenbaum.

By Radhika Sikaria