Understanding Compostable Coffee Pods on a Deeper Level

Coffee pods are small cups containing ground coffee. The invention of these capsules made coffee enthusiasts celebrate because it is simple and ideal for the morning rush. All you need to do is press a button and pop the pod into the machine. Several seconds later, you now have your brew ready to go! The problem is the negative outcomes that come with this convenience. 

These little cups are supposed to be thrown away after just one use, meaning they can accumulate over time and add to the global pollution crisis. In fact, trashed coffee pods are one of the most common garbage in landfills. 

The good news is you can change your coffee making habits to help save the environment with this tiny yet necessary step. One of the best ways to do this is to switch to eco-friendly coffee pods, such as compostable ones. Learn more about them and their differences through this guide.

What Are the Types of Compostable Coffee Pods Currently Available in the Market?

Compostable materials come in two types: industrial-certified compostable and home-certified compostable. The most commonly used and commercially available material in coffee pods is the industrial-certified type. 

Industrial-Certified compostable

Although this kind of pod breaks down much faster than conventional materials, they require particular environments and conditions. They have to be processed in an industrial composting facility to expose them to different bacteria and high temperatures and aerate them for oxidisation.

It all sounds great, but present manufacturing facilities are limited, meaning only certain communities can access them. In addition, there is limited infrastructure for green waste. Since coffee pods could not always be separated from the rest of the green waste, the entire lot has to be landfilled by the facility.

Home-Certified compostable

Thankfully, there is another option: home-certified compostable coffee pods. They are ideal because these pods don’t require the same process, conditions, and environments as their industrial-certified counterparts. They can be placed in a home compost bin along with your other waste products, like grass clippings, dead leaves, and food waste.

The drawback is these pods are still in the beginning stages. This compostable technology is also expensive, making their costs significantly higher than industrial-certified compostable coffee pods. Furthermore, the materials used aren’t always strong enough to withstand the pressure in a pod machine. 

The coffee can also oxidise and have a different taste and texture when the pods break down before they are used. But despite these challenges, new technologies and ways are being developed to improve the quality and functionality of home compostable pods.

What Is the Best Coffee Pod Alternative?

Many businesses are now working to reduce single-use plastics from landfills, minimise carbon impact, and provide an alternative to conventional coffee pods using plant-based materials. These little cups are different from others because they are made of renewable materials from plants like coffee beans and corn. They are compostable, and sending them to landfills can enrich the soil.

Conclusion

Many people drink coffee, so it is common to see tons of coffee pods when visiting landfills. To be a more responsible coffee drinker, be mindful of the pods you use. Consider switching to biodegradable and compostable coffee pods like ours to enjoy a guilt-free cup of coffee every day.

Get the best compostable coffee pods in Australia from Pod Life Coffee. Our pods are made from plant-based materials and free of aluminium, GMO, and BPA. They are also Nespresso-compatible and certified compostable to Australian standards.⁠ Order now!