Made from compostable, biobased materials, the complete coffee pod comes with a rigid capsule body and filter to support the production of coffee at commercial speeds
NatureWorks and IMA Coffee optimises compostable coffee pods for Keurig brewers. (Credit: Business Wire)
NatureWorks has announced the optimisation of a compostable coffee pod solution specifically designed for Keurig brewers, with a focus on targeting the North American market.
NatureWorks, an advanced materials company, has developed the turn-key compostable coffee pod solution in a multi-year partnership with IMA Coffee, which is a coffee handling, processing, and packaging technologies developer.
Made from compostable, biobased materials, the complete coffee pod comes with a rigid capsule body and filter to support the production of coffee at commercial speeds.
According to NatureWorks, the production rate is comparable to those of competitors while maintaining the brewing performance.
The pod’s lidding, made from Ingeo PLA biopolymer, is said to allow for superior, repeatable performance in brewing.
The partnership between the advanced materials company and IMA Coffee started in April 2021. The accelerated testing programme was announced in February 2022.
NatureWorks single-serve beverages strategic marketing manager Flavio Di Marcotullio said: “This solution removes the burden from brands and roasters who are looking for a compostable pod with a long shelf life that preserves the taste and aroma of the coffee.
“These Ingeo pods provide a reliable brewing experience for consumers, can be produced at commercial speeds, and do not sacrifice expected performance for sustainability.”
The collaboration created a simple compostable solution and supply chain using IMA Coffee’s expertise in processing and packaging technologies and NatureWorks’ processing experience in Ingeo PLA biopolymer.
The stiff capsule body was developed using a modified single-stage thermoforming method and non-compounded, highly crystalline, and heat-resistant Ingeo PLA grades.
Additionally, a nonwoven filter and a multi-layer top lidding solution were added to the stiff thermoformed capsule.
The stiff capsules, filter, and top lidding films were tested for compatibility by IMA Coffee Lab to validate the solution.
The IMA Coffee Lab’s microleakage detection testing assisted in determining and achieving the ideal material sealing parameters and limits for the compostable components to ensure reliable performance when brewing pods.
In addition, the coffee packaging technologies developer provided the ideal configuration of its packaging equipment for proper assembling, filling, and sealing of the pods at commercial line speeds.
IMA Coffee packaging division product and project management head Alessandro Nobili said: “The collaboration between NatureWorks and IMA, bolstered by IMA OPENLab, the Group’s network of technological laboratories and testing facilities, laid the groundwork for a new market-ready coffee pod.”