Novelis adds sustainability to coffee capsules

Beverage cans, vehicle parts, and now coffee capsules – Novelis takes its recycling and circularity vision to new heights

Novelis has started supplying Swiss coffee company (Nestle) Nespresso with aluminium for its coffee capsules that is made from 90% recycled aluminium

Novelis, a leading producer of flat-rolled aluminium products and also the largest recycler of aluminium in the world, is known for its sustainable manufacturing practices. It recycles over 74 billion beverage cans every year, and new beverage cans are returned to shelves in around just 60 days.

Headquartered in Atlanta, USA, Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, an industry leader in aluminium, copper and metals, and a flagship company of the Mumbai-based Aditya Birla Group.

Novelis holds the distinction of having created the world’s first – and largest – automotive closed-loop recycling system. This system recycles scrap aluminium, sourced from the automotive manufacturing process, into the same product once again.

The closed loop mechanism preserves the value of the aluminium alloy, cuts down on recycling and transportation costs, minimises the environmental impact and helps establish a secure supply chain.

Recycling aluminium helps Novelis reduce carbon emissions and keep valuable material out of landfills.

In line with its innovation and sustainability focus, Novelis has started supplying Swiss coffee company (Nestle) Nespresso with aluminium for its coffee capsules that is made from 90% recycled content. With the lid included, the entire package is comprised of 80% recycled aluminium.

These recycled aluminium capsules use 9.2% less aluminium compared to regular coffee capsules, have thinner walls and are also lighter by 8%. Using aluminum helps lock in the aroma and freshness of high-quality coffee inside, protecting it from oxygen, light and humidity.

According to Stephen Boney, Vice President, Specialties, Novelis Europe, the new aluminium alloy exemplifies the company’s environmentally responsible operating philosophy and is part of its commitment to closed loop recycling and achieving a circular economy.

“This achievement is an important step in helping Nespresso reach its sustainability goals. We have a long-standing partnership with Nespresso that is focused on implementing more sustainable manufacturing processes throughout the supply chain. As such, we have increased the amount of recycled aluminium in coffee capsules and are developing additional end-of-life recycling solutions for greater circularity,” Mr Boney said.

Novelis employs roughly 15,000 people at its 33 facilities spread across nine countries, with reported revenues of $11.1 billion during the 2020 fiscal year. Its customers include some of the largest and best-known automotive, beverage can, architecture and consumer electronics brands in the world such as Coca-Cola, AB Inbev, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Samsung.

Headquartered in Atlanta, USA, Novelis is a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries Limited, an industry leader in aluminium, copper and metals, and a flagship company of the Mumbai-based Aditya Birla Group