Nespresso cleans itself afterwards

Makes the name of the game reusable

Coffee makes the world round, apparently, but coffee beans dump the earth, shutting down an unbalanced trade.

On Earth Day (April 22), Nespresso Robinsons presents its promise of sustainability in Magnolia, displaying a booth that showcases artwork made from former Nespresso coffee pods, as well as more practical applications.

In partnership with Nespresso, young emerging artists from For the Future PH were commissioned to create original artwork that incorporates materials from used Nespresso capsules, including aluminum and coffee grounds. All proceeds go in support of the organization’s ongoing afforestation efforts with the Yangil tribe of Zambales, one of the areas affected by the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption. Another partnership was formed with hope craftsmen from the Negrens Volunteers for Change Foundation. (NVC) which feeds the weak and feeds malnourished children. Volunteers train people with limited incomes to make art from discarded materials such as egg shells, residual tiles and Nespresso capsules. Most of the pod-cut aluminum is promoted in the mosaic-style decorative industry. All proceeds from the artwork sold are used to support NVC’s feeding program for underprivileged children.

Most of these efforts may seem small on scale, but Millet Valdez, head of commercial and marketing at Innovator Coffee Concepts, Inc., a Nespresso distributor in the Philippines, points to a large aluminum ingot about the size of three adult weapons. Booth This ingot was made with an aluminum pod of Nespresso capsules, scented by Katipunan Metal Corporation, and distributed among other applications for use in car parts and cooking utensils. “We deliver tons and tons,” said Mrs. Valdez, and that most former pods go into such industrial applications.

Customers are encouraged to supply their used coffee pods to Nespresso stores (at Rockwell, Podium and Robinson Magnolia). These are also collected during e-commerce transactions. Customers are encouraged to do this: for example, receiving a gift after giving three bags of used capsules. “Just to make it more exciting, and to keep it at the top of my mind,” Mrs. Valdez said of the incentive.

The remaining grounds are then separated from the capsules and then used as organic compost. “It improves soil quality,” said Mrs. Valdez, as coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. Grounds are shipped to local organic farms such as the Nutriganics Farm in Cavi, the Sarat Organic Farmville in Bulacan and the Run Farm in Rizal.

Switzerland-based Nespresso proves that Switzerland-based Nespresso makes sustainability a global endeavor, as Ms. Valdez points to items made with ex-coffee pods in industrial applications: a Victorinux Swiss knife and a pen.

According to him, in the market near Nespresso manufacturers, coffee beans are made anew in coffee pods. “We really need a recycling program to make it work. It’s really part of their DNA, “said Ms. Valdez, referring to the operation in the Philippines, despite not being directly directed by Switzerland’s Nespresso.

The secret lies in the material: “Aluminum is completely and infinitely recyclable,” he said.

Almost all Nespresso coffee capsules are made from 80% infinitely recyclable aluminum, which requires less energy than raw materials. “That’s why they first use aluminum for their capsules – It is an ingredient that effectively protects coffee – True, it’s reusable – Different from plastic. “Nespresso has been using new packaging for its machines since March 2020, using 95% recyclable material.

To ensure Nespresso’s overall proper waste management in the country, the company has partnered with Geocycle Philippines and Envirocycle. The former is part of the LafargeHolcim Group’s global waste management business, which envisions a zero-waste future by actively developing and promoting innovative, customized, and safe environmental waste management solutions. Meanwhile, the latter is a full-service e-waste recycling company aimed at preventing the disposal of potentially contaminating electronic equipment in landfills. Instead, they will be reused or reused through fully licensed and recognized channels. This will include corporate waste such as paper and electronics.

“The goal is to be 100% sustainable,” said Mrs. Valdez. “It’s not just our product, we as an organization should also expand our internal processes.” – JL Garcia