So, you've heard about our new compostable coffee pods and you're wondering what all the buzz is about. Well, buckle up, because we're about to break it down for you in the most entertaining way possible. Get ready for a wild ride through the world of eco-friendly coffee pods!
What's the Deal with Compostable Pods?
Let's start with the basics. Compostable pods are like the cool kids of the coffee pod world. They're made from plant-based materials that break down naturally in compost, leaving behind zero waste. It's like magic, but better for the environment!
How Do Oxo-Biodegradable Pods Compare?
Now, let's talk about the old oxo-biodegradable pods. They sound fancy, right? Well, not so fast. These pods break down into tiny pieces over time, but they don't fully biodegrade like compostable pods do. It's like comparing a half-baked cake to a perfectly baked one!
Why Choose Compostable Pods?
Choosing compostable pods is a no-brainer. Not only are they better for the planet, but they also produce rich compost that can be used to grow more plants. It's like giving back to Mother Nature while enjoying your morning cup of joe!
WHY THE CHANGE?
When we launched in 2017, we found that the best technology available for an eco-friendly pod was the d2w oxo-biodegradable plastic technology. It could be recycled or treated as general waste. We knew many customers' habits were to just throw their pods straight into their general waste. Conventional plastics and aluminum can take up to 500 years to breakdown in landfill. In comparison, the oxo-biodegradable pod takes around 2 years for this to happen. We felt this was a much more eco-friendly breakdown duration that didn't require customers to change their habits.
With eco-friendly technology continuing to develop over the past few years, we have now chosen to switch over to an industrially compostable pod. For a detailed breakdown of the differences between each pod and how to dispose of them, see below:
NEW - COMPOSTABLE PODSMaterial: 100% natural biomass resin, which is a mixture of plant-based products Certification: Industrial compostable certified to European standards (pending Australian certification). Lid: Aluminium foil to keep the coffee tasting fresh Breakdown duration: 90 days (in industrial composting facility) |
ORIGINAL - BIODEGRADABLE PODSMaterial: d2w oxo-biodegradable plastic technology Certification: Symphony Environmental - certified to European Standards Lid: Aluminium foil to keep the coffee tasting fresh Breakdown duration: approx. 2 years in landfill |
COMPOST DISPOSALCheck with your local council to see if they have a commercial composting facility. If they do, simply remove the lid of your pod, and throw them into your green waste bin and they’ll be taken to an industrial composting facility. Here, they will be exposed to high temperatures, different bacteria and also aerate the materials for sufficient oxidization in order for them to break down in approximately 90 days. You can then collect the foil lids and recycle them. Roll a heap of lids together into a golf-sized ball as recycling systems don't pick up anything smaller than a bottle cap. Our new pods can also go straight into landfill if compost isn't an option. |
BIO DISPOSALDesigned to break down in landfill at an accelerated rate of around 2 years (excluding the foil lid). Not the perfect solution, but when comparing this to aluminium pods that take up to 500 years to break down, it's a much better alternative. They can also be recycled, you'll need to remove the foil lid and roll a heap of them together into a golf-sized ball as recycling systems don't pick up anything smaller than a bottle cap. Next, scoop the coffee grinds out. This can be used for your veggie patch, garden and home compost, or thrown into your green waste bin. Finally, your empty pod can be rinsed/dusted off and thrown into a larger recyclable plastic container (eg. milk bottle) and then into your recycling bin. |
WHAT'S NEXT?
Our end goal has always been to provide the most eco-friendly pod, that can make a great-tasting coffee and be affordable to our customers. This goal is now to produce the first home compostable pod that is manufactured in Australia. We are currently developing our own mould for our pod design but Covid has provided many delays to its progress. Fingers crossed we can make our next move to a home compostable Australian manufactured pod in the next 12 months.
