Lavazza to launch biodegradable coffee capsules by year-end

Lavazza will introduce compostable coffee capsules for its Lavazza Min espresso machines before the end of 2026, replacing conventional aluminium or plastic capsules with Mater-Bi 3G, a plant-fibre biopolymer made by Italian biotech firm Novamont. The company says the capsules can be processed through industrial composting with other organic waste rather than going to landfill, and describes the development as its first in-house patent.

Why this mattersA compostable capsule from a major roaster tests demand away from aluminium and plastic single-serve formats and the collection schemes built around them.

• Lavazza will launch the capsules for its Lavazza Min single-serve machine by the end of 2026.
• The capsules use Mater-Bi 3G, a biodegradable polymer made by Novamont from Asteraceae plant fibres.
• Lavazza says the capsules are designed for industrial composting, breaking down into organic fertiliser.
• Lavazza vice president Marco Lavazza described it as the company's first patent arising from its R&D.
• Most commercial coffee capsules today use aluminium or petroleum-based plastics that are typically landfilled.

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