Waitrose launches first own-brand compostable coffee capsules

Waitrose has begun replacing its own-brand coffee capsules with a home compostable alternative.

The previous capsules were made from mixed materials, which were difficult to separate for recycling, but the new products are made from bio-sourced material including sunflower seed bark and sugars derived from corn. The lid is made from cellulose and can also be home-composted while the box is fully recyclable.

Waitrose said the coffee will be the first own-label home compostable capsules that can be used in Nespresso-style coffee machines.

The retailer has seen a 39% rise in coffee sales in the last 12 months due to many people working from home during the coronavirus pandemic.

Polly Astbury, Waitrose coffee buyer, said: “We’re working hard so that all our packaging can be more easily recycled, reusable or home compostable in the next two years. After a year of so many cups of coffee, it was essential we looked for a more sustainable material. As coffee grains can also be used as a fertiliser,  making our capsules home compostable was an ideal alternative.”