TIPA and ATI craft compostable, bio-based coffee capsules lids

19 December 2023

TODAY, global packaging developer and manufacturer TIPA has launched a first of its kind fully compostable high barrier coffee capsule lid, in collaboration with technology innovation company ATI.

Conscious consumers are making a switch to compostable coffee capsules but brands are struggling to develop an effective eco-friendly lid that complies with all qualitative aspects. TIPA and ATI’s compostable lid, combines between TIPA’s breakthrough high barrier film and ATI’s patent protected system to support consisted flow and enhanced taste experience.

“Pre-brewing options with a capsule is what the Barista was looking for” Unique is the fact that this compostable lidding material can be optimized alongside the coffee grind, ensuring the highest extraction quality. The material, patent-protected by ATI, fits all compostable coffee capsules and its specific coffee filling-lines.

Its origin ensures that consumers receive a fully compostable product abiding by EN 13432.

The UK’s Plastics Pact advocates for all coffee capsules to be made from compostable materials. Similarly, the EU, through its upcoming packaging regulation (PPWR), may allow for member states to mandate for coffee capsules to be made from compostable materials.

This lid has been made possible with the use of TIPA’s groundbreaking, high-barrier laminate, that has a circular end of life: at the end of its use, when placed in a compost bin, the lid – and the capsule – turn into nutrient-rich soil within a few months.

This development surpasses popular consumer brands, whose compostable coffee capsule lid has several failings, including poor sealing properties, delamination, inconsistent flow – or no flow at all, no barrier protection and even materials migrating into the coffee.

Plastic & aluminum coffee capsules have dominated the market, despite 29,000 plastic coffee capsules ending up in landfills every minute in the world, and decomposing at a slow enough rate that the next 20 generations will still be able to see them . Furthermore, recent study from Wageningen University and Research (WUR) found that compostable coffee capsules are the most sustainable option for single-serve coffee units . In 2022 consumers viewed composability as one the most environmentally sustainable end-of-life disposal method for packaging , which makes TIPA & ATI’s innovation a game-changing development in the world of sustainable at-home coffee making. The new lid is plant-based and certified by OK Biobased in their official laboratories, achieving the highest accreditation of 4 stars. This rating ensures the carbon content of the product is at least 80 percent, meaning the carbon is derived from renewable raw materials.

 

Source: tipa-corp.com