Cambio aluminum coffee pods designed for recyclability

Cambio Roasters, a Charleston, South Carolina-based coffee provider led by a former Keurig executive, has launched aluminum coffee pods designed for Keurig machines.

“This innovative shift from plastic to aluminum represents a significant advancement in sustainability and coffee quality,” the company states.

Cambio says its aluminum coffee pod design addresses an “environmental crisis caused by the 40 million plastic coffee pods that end up in landfills and oceans every day,” calling the aluminum pods a more eco-friendly and high-quality alternative.

Plastic coffee pods have been criticized by some environmental advocacy groups that point to a low recycling rate and questionable recyclability prospects for the single-use product.

Pods typically are made from a recyclable plastic resin such as polypropylene (PP), but they can contain an aluminum foil attached lid. They also are so small that even if placed in a recycling bin they could fall through screening equipment or go unnoticed by hand sorters at a material recovery facility (MRF), a problem not necessarily solved by a switch to aluminum.

However, Cambio Roasters CEO Kevin Hartley, former chief innovation officer at Keurig, expresses confidence that the switch to aluminum can boost the coffee pod recycling rate.

“Our landfills are growing at an alarming rate, and the timing is perfect to introduce recyclable aluminum pods,” Hartley says. “That's why Cambio is committed to transitioning away from single-use plastics and toward sustainable alternatives."

“Plastic coffee pods are notoriously problematic for the environment, with only 3 percent of them being successfully recycled into new products," the company adds. "In contrast, aluminum is infinitely recyclable and retains over 60 percent of the aluminum ever produced in circulation. This makes aluminum a superior choice for both sustainability and recycling efficiency.”

The company also claims a coffee quality reason is pertinent in the switch.

“Traditional plastic pods are inadequate at preserving coffee freshness due to their porous nature,” Cambio says. “Aluminum pods, however, provide a nearly perfect oxygen barrier, ensuring the coffee maintains its intended freshness and flavor from roast to brew. This innovation not only enhances the coffee-drinking experience but also aligns with Cambio Roasters’ commitment to quality and sustainability.”

“This innovation is so exciting because it’s better for coffee, better for the world and better for you," Hartley adds.

Additionally, Cambio has partnered with Florida-based 4Ocean, a group founded by two surfers with a mission to eradicate plastic from the world’s oceans.

Cambio Roasters' new aluminum pods will be offered through more than 1,000 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart, Hannaford, Harris Teeter and Giant Martin, as well as through its own website and Amazon.