The Indiana-based company is launching compostable coffee pods for some of its products later this year.
It has partnered with Canada’s Club Coffee, who developed the pod in conjunction with the University of Guelph. Copper Moon will be one of the first brands to hit the market with this compostable pod.
The PurPod100 pods are made from coffee chaff (the outer layer of the coffee bean that is removed during roasting), are 100% compostable, and compatible with most Keurig brewing systems that accept K-Cup portion packs.
Environmental concerns among consumers
Coffee pods have become popular as consumers seek convenience and the chance to make beverages in their own home. However, the amont of single-serve pods sent to landfill last year could have circled the earth 11 times.
Such waste is concerning not only a niche eco-friendly movement, but the consumer population in general, Copper Moon CEO Brad Gutwein told BeverageDaily.com.
“We will start by launching a line of 100% compostable coffees, which will also be organic fair trade certified,” he said. “The cost will be slightly higher, but will be a great value for this premium coffee. We believe consumers will be willing to pay slightly more because we are targeting those consumers that already purchase organic fair trade items.
“This consumer segment has already demonstrated an interest in and commitment to purchasing eco-friendly, sustainable items that make a positive impact upon our environment. Even consumers who are not as environmentally-conscious have voiced a concern over the tremendous waste caused by traditional single-serve cups.”
On shelves this year
The PurPod100 is in the process of obtaining the necessary certification, required by municipal compost manufacturers in North America.
Coffee Moon hopes to have PurPod100 capsules on the shelves in the latter half of this year.
“We believe that compostable coffee pods will become an important and growing segment of the single serve market and accordingly we anticipate increasing our compostable pod offerings,” said Gutwein.
“There is obviously a strong consumer segment that has already demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. We believe our compostable coffee pods will immediately resonate with this consumer base, and will create awareness of this eco-friendly alternative among other consumers.”