Green or sustainable? Bioplastics are infiltrating our supermarket racks, but are they actually helpful for the world?

We are thrilled that you landed on our blog. We have naturally more blogs on coffee, coffee pods and compostable coffee pods. Other interesting materials on sustainable coffee capsules are for instance from leading media publishers, or Moving Beans. In addition check out our good blog on Nespresso pods as well as https://blogfreely.net/compostablecoffeepods/h2-the-environmental-case-for-eco-friendly-coffee-capsules-h2-hr-we-are.

Ever been deceived by a synthetic floral arrangement? Ever marvelled at the foliage just to discover that (upon closer inspection) the arrangement is in truth a scams? Greenwashing operate in a really similar method - brand names utilizing misleading marketing to persuade you that a product is environmentally friendly and for that reason "better for the environment".

Unfortunately, many of these companies assume customers have their head in the sand, and in the coffee capsule market in particular, we're definitely seeing these type of marketing techniques growing. Comforting words like "recyclable", "naturally degradable", "plant based" and "compostable" really put your mind at ease? However on a practical level, what do these terms actually suggest and are they really as good as they sound?

We get that often it's most convenient to pop your first option in the shopping trolley and individuals are definitely attempting their finest to make the best choices, so it's far from fair that daily buyers are being misinformed.

Do not be deceived by sneaky advertising techniques or complicated terminology and labelling - we've compiled the information you require to avoid being greenwashed. Are the coffee pods you're using in fact "green"? Let's learn.

Phony environment-friendly products: Are your coffee capsules sustainable?

Most cluey customers are becoming savvy to the fact that the solution that is "recyclable" coffee pods isn't as simple and fantastic as we've been led to believe. The procedure of recycling capsules is neither convenient nor kind to the environment.

For numerous customers, the rigmarole around recycling their pods prevents them from following through - it has actually been stated that of the 13,500 capsule coffees taken in every minute, just 21% make it through to the recycling process. Some brand names need to be dropped at particular collection points, published straight to the business, or perhaps need disassembling and cleaning up before the elements can be recycled individually - overall, the process is extremely energy-intensive.

Perhaps because of this, the previous Nespresso CEO estimates the around the world rate of recycling for coffee pods to be less than 5%. Furthermore, with the energy needed to transport and process the capsules in a recycling facility, is this genuinely a sustainable alternative at all, or simply a bandaid option for a much bigger problem?

Ultimately, the issue is not whether they can be recycled or not. Naturally it is better to recycle something than not, but the bottom line is that it's better to not produce the waste at all.

Issue = Recyclable pods can not be recycled via domestic bins + the recycling process has a high carbon footprint

Recycling coffee pods is a bandaid service for a much larger waste problem

When it comes to pods what does "plant-based" even imply, and what's it got to do with how the capsule is disposed of? To the average person, it sure sounds wholesome, favorable and charming - but are they a much better choice than disposable, plastic pods?

Well, the main claim you'll usually discover here is that part of the pod packaging includes particular percentage of plant-based product. Frequently, the products will be derived from a renewable resource, such as corn or sugarcane. Nevertheless, if you look closely, often these are likewise labelled as "degradable". Here's the kicker: degradable is not to be puzzled with naturally degradable, because anything that is degradable will not fully break down into the soil when it ends up in garbage dump. Rather, it turns into small pieces of plastic that will never ever break down, adding to the micro plastics issue we're presently battling in our waterways and oceans.

Essentially, when these wind up in land fill or our environment, they cause more damage than excellent. In our modest viewpoint? This is probably not an excellent option.

Issue = The bulk of plant-based pods simply break down into small micro plastics

Compostable/ biodegradable coffee pods made from plant-based materials like corn and sugarcane

This is where things get complicated. Biodegradable and compostable - they're type of the exact same, however kind of ... not. With sustainability "trends" increasing, naturally degradable and compostable coffee pod options are now numerous. Packaged perfectly with "greener" messaging playing a crucial role, they sure do look fantastic on the outside.

Video: Sustainable and Nespresso Pods by Moving Beans such as https://blogfreely.net/compostablecoffeepods/h2-the-environmental-case-for-eco-friendly-coffee-capsules-h2-hr-we-are.

Let's break this down (pun planned): Products that biodegrade or compost can certainly be excellent for lowering waste, if disposed of properly. Nevertheless, just because a product is identified as "compostable", it doesn't necessarily mean that it will break down in your house garden compost.

Normally, coffee pods made totally of bioplastics require business composting (industrially heats, moisture levels, and UV light) to break down within any affordable timespan. Even still, these materials can leave harmful and behind micro-fragments residues.

It's an obscure fact that, regrettably, it's unlikely your home composting system has what it takes to break down your eco-friendly pods. Some councils supply industrial composting through their kerbside green waste collection, however they may restrict items identified eco-friendly or compostable, so it's important that you confirm. Always make sure to check with your regional council to see if they accept bioplastic first prior to disposing.

If you were after a coffee pod that's safe to put directly in your compost bin, we can understand how this could be confusing. Some warnings to keep an eye out for (in small print on the back of packaging, or at the very base/footer of a site) are lines like:
" They are naturally degradable and recyclable, however not compostable."
" In order for compostable capsules to break down in 90 days, capsules need to be processed through a commercial composting facility." or
" Please call your local council prior to disposing in your green bin."

When it pertains to compostable items in general, preferably you want to look for items that are Australian accredited as "House Compostable" by the Australian Bioplastics Association, guaranteeing they're identified as safe for composts, are made from vegetable product and are plastic free - phew!

Secret takeaway? If it feels and looks like plastic, always research and read the fine print on how to compost each brand name prior to you buy.

Problem = Many eco-friendly & compostable pods need industrial composting centers to breakdown

Bioplastic coffee pods: Sustainable, or greenwash? Think two times if they look like plastic

As you understand, every item needs basic materials to be mined/grown/manufactured, processed, packaged, and shipped. This is rather an energy-hungry, brief life for a such a small portion of coffee. The energy output of manufacturing is so fantastic, that no single-use item can compare to a recyclable product - even if it's recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable.

When it comes to a pre-portioned pack of coffee, reusable capsules get this. The more your pod is recycled, the more sustainable each cuppa.

Aside from having the ability to choose your preferred brand of coffee, there's one more secret bonus offer to filling your own pods: it's a lot more affordable than buying non reusable pods. So if you're on a tight spending plan, purchase a pack of reusables and watch your cost savings roll in.

In stating this, when it pertains to reusable, it's still essential to be greenwash-aware. Something to keep in mind when looking for any recyclable item, is that quality and durability are essential - more affordable, unfortunately is hardly ever "much better". Some warnings to watch out for:
• Flimsy plastic multiple-use pods with an exceptionally limited lifespan (e.g. 30 uses).
• Plastic multiple-use pods that are not BPA free, food safe etc.
• Recyclable pods that come packaged in plastic.
• Pods from any organization or website that doesn't supply any info on it's sustainability practices (even if an item is "naked" on the shelf, does not suggest it's upstream supply chain was pollution-free).

Moving Beans is an entreprise that has been providing coffee capsules for many years, with more insights under this link. In addition read an interesting blog on compostable coffee pods. They were one of the first to sell truly aluminium-free coffee pods, see https://blogfreely.net/compostablecoffeepods/h2-the-environmental-case-for-eco-friendly-coffee-capsules-h2-hr-we-are.