Aluminum keeps Nespresso coffee fresh and preserves its taste. But that’s not all: used capsules are recycled and given a second life – as ballpoint pens, for example.
When Nespresso developed the first coffee capsules, it quickly became clear that aluminum was the ideal material for preserving the quality and aroma of top-quality coffee and protecting it from light, oxygen and moisture. More importantly, aluminum can be recycled an infinite number of times and can be reused again and again in various forms – for example for new capsules, utensils or design objects.
RECYCLING: CHILD’S PLAY
To ensure that the capsules are returned to the raw material cycle, Nespresso promotes and supports numerous recycling initiatives and has been working continuously on further measures since 1991. These are designed to make capsule recycling as easy as possible for customers. The simplest option is the free “Recycling at Home” service in collaboration with Swiss Post: The capsules can be deposited in the milk crate in a specially created white recycling bag. The postman takes them free of charge without prior order or notification. In addition, over 2,700 return points are available at municipal collection points, Nespresso boutiques and Nespresso retail partners.
A SECOND LIFE FOR NESPRESSO CAPSULES
Around 53% of the Nespresso aluminum capsules sold in Switzerland are returned by consumers and recycled in a modern recycling process developed by Nespresso. First, the capsules are broken down into their components: Coffee grounds and aluminum. The aluminum is melted and reborn in a new form. The coffee grounds are used to produce biogas and natural fertilizer. The biogas, in turn, is used to produce renewable energy in the form of electricity and heat. The electricity is fed directly into the public power grid and the heat is used to dry the used Nespresso capsules. The energy obtained from the coffee grounds of a single capsule is identical to the energy required to produce a new capsule.
NEW EDITION OF THE CULT BALLPOINT PEN
In collaboration with Caran d’Ache, Nespresso presents the second limited edition of the timelessly elegant 849 ballpoint pen made from recycled aluminum capsules. The rich dark green of the Master Origin India capsules gives the ballpoint pen its elegant appearance. In doing so, the two companies are paying tribute to one of Nespresso’s most popular coffee varieties and further promoting the recycling of aluminum. The Caran d’Ache and Nespresso ballpoint pen is on sale in all Nespressound Caran d’Ache boutiques and online at www.carandache.com www.nespresso.com
COMPETITION
How do you recycle your Nespresso capsules? Capture the moment, post a photo with the hashtag #RecycleWithNespresso and win attractive prizes. For inspiration, you can find all the contributions received at www.nespresso.com/secondlife.