EcoPressoLid, a lidding material for coffee capsules, has been awarded ‘OK Compost Industrial’ by TÜV Austria CERT. Thus, it is Constantia Flexibles’ first certified compostable product. A milestone for the flexible packaging producer and a game-changer for coffee suppliers who focus on more sustainable and convenient products.
Constantia Flexibles claims that a high barrier to oxygen, high sealability for a compostable coffee capsule, suitable for conventional capsule-closing machines, and remarkable coffee brewing performance are the main characteristics of the new capsule lidding. The specific structure of EcoPressoLid is paper-based and provides an oxygen barrier. The material can be used to close both – the top and the bottom of the capsules
Compost quality
According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 30% of plastic packaging (by weight) needs a fundamental redesign before reusing or recycling. In 2018 Constantia Flexibles launched the more sustainable product range Ecolutions. The company’s approach is to provide solutions that are recyclable or compostable. EcoPressoLid belongs to the Ecolutions product range and is compostable.
Naturally occurring microorganisms, such as bacteria, fungi, and algae, fully biodegrade the lid under industrial composting conditions in less than six months. It disintegrates into small pieces in less than three months. The result does not deteriorate the compost quality. Tests have also shown that there is no interference with the growth of plants. This was the basis and prerequisite for the certification ‘OK Compost Industrial’ by TÜV Austria (Technical Inspection Agency), which is an association that carries out technical safety inspections.
“The certification underlines the high-quality standards of our products, but more importantly, their return to the cycle by means of organic recovery,” says Gerwin Schalk, head of business development Ecolutions at Constantia Flexibles.
High demand for sustainable solutions
With an annual growth rate of 7.07%, the market for coffee capsules has high potential. Therefore, the demand and urgency to offer more sustainable solutions are also increasing. Constantia Flexibles developed EcoPressoLid in collaboration with selected capsule producers and machine manufacturers. Now the next generation of lids has arrived.
“With EcoPressoLid, we meet customer expectations by offering a compostable, convenient solution with high barrier properties and therefore a high quality,” explains Paolo Battiston, product manager, coffee capsule solutions at Constantia Flexibles. “The strong interest of brands all over the world shows us that we are on the right track,” says Pim Vervaat, CEO of Constantia Flexibles on the business development.
