Nespresso Pledges Net-Zero By 2022, Debuts New Recycled Aluminium Capsules

Nespresso has committed that every cup of its coffee will be carbon neutral by 2022. In the same announcement, the Nestlé-owned capsule coffee launched its new capsules, which are the first-of-its-kind on the market made with 80% recycled aluminium. It comes amid a wave of renewed sustainability and circularity pledges from brands across different industries in response to consumer pressure. 

Nespresso has recently renewed its sustainability commitments, pledging to achieve full carbon neutrality across its entire supply chain and lifecycle by 2022. As a part of the campaign, the brand will be introducing its new coffee capsules for its Master Origins Colombia range, representing the first coffee capsules on the market that are made from 80% recycled aluminium. By the end of next year, Nespresso says that its entire coffee range will come in the new recycled capsules. 

Compared to virgin aluminium, recycled aluminium requires 95% less energy to manufacture, which will help reduce carbon emissions in the process. Nespresso says that its new design is composed of a thinner aluminium layer as well to further minimise resource use. 

Climate change is a reality and our future depends on going further and faster on our sustainability commitments.

Guillaume Le Cunff, CEO of Nespresso

“We are constantly striving towards a sustainable and circular coffee economy,” said Justin Lam, business executive officer at Nespresso Hong Kong and Macau. “We can expect to see changes throughout the value chain across the globe, including how we operate in Hong Kong, and we look forward to sharing more on our local ambitions as we continue to make a tangible difference to the environment.”

Other campaigns that the company will implement to reach its net-zero goal include decarbonising its value chain, driving 100% renewable energy in its boutiques, increasing the use of recycled materials in its Nespresso machines, supporting tree planting initiatives in Colombia, Guatemala, Ethiopia and Costa Rica and investing in offsetting projects. 

“Climate change is a reality and our future depends on going further and faster on our sustainability commitments,” said Guillaume Le Cunff, CEO of Nespresso, in a press release. “I truly believe that both our business and the coffee industry can be a force for good in the world by tackling this pressing issue.”

We can expect to see changes throughout the value chain across the globe, including how we operate in Hong Kong, and we look forward to sharing more on our local ambitions as we continue to make a tangible difference to the environment.

Justin Lam, Business Executive Officer at Nespresso Hong Kong and Macau

Nespresso’s moves come at a time when brands across industries and sectors are facing greater pressure from consumers who are increasingly aware of sustainability. In response to the demand for responsibility and action, some of the biggest conglomerates have ramped up their environmental pledges, such as Unilever’s decision to eliminate fossil fuels from its entire cleaning products category within the next decade and IKEA’s climate positive pledge. 

Big tech giants are not amiss on the trend, with the likes of Apple promising a 100% carbon neutral supply chain and products by 2030, while Amazon invests US$2 billion in a new fund dedicated to sustainable technologies. 

Lead image courtesy of Nespresso / designed by Green Queen Media.