Nespresso drops compostable paper coffee capsules, reverts to aluminium

Nespresso is discontinuing its paper-based compostable coffee capsules, launched in 2023 after a three-year development and trialled in 14 European markets, and will revert to aluminium as its main format. The Nestle unit cites customer feedback on shelf life and a commissioned life-cycle analysis showing near-identical carbon footprints for the two materials. Swiss boutiques will stop selling the paper capsules within about a month as stocks run out.

Why this mattersA leading brand's reversal from fibre back to aluminium tests the industry narrative that paper-based packaging can replace metal in demanding food applications.

• Compostable paper capsules, launched in 2023 after three years of development, used 82% paper packaging.
• Capsules were trialled in 14 European markets and are being withdrawn from Swiss boutiques within about a month.
• Nestle-commissioned life-cycle analysis found 79g CO2e per espresso for paper capsules versus 81g CO2e for aluminium.
• Opened paper capsules had a four-week recommended shelf life versus up to a year for aluminium.
• Nespresso will focus more on aluminium recycling, citing rates of 80% in France and 73% in Switzerland.

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