McDonald’s Canada debuts compostable coffee pods

McCafé, McDonald’s Canada’s coffee producer in Winnipeg, Manitoba, has launched 100 percent compostable McCafé Keurig-compatible pods. 

The McCafé 100 percent compostable Keurig-compatible pods are certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute and are made from plant-based materials, coffee bean skin and other compostable materials. This move is designed to help reduce waste. The company suggests checking with a municipality for available programs.

"We are tremendously proud to be the first QSR (quick service restaurant) to offer 100 percent compostable McCafé Keurig-compatible pods for our coffee lovers from coast-to-coast,” Jeff Kroll, senior vice president, McDonald's Canada, says. “Our guests love coffee and they want to enjoy a delicious cup brewed to perfection right in their homes in a pod that is made with compostable material, like reclaimed coffee bean skins. We're thrilled that the pods use industry leading technology to achieve both objectives for our guests."

The pods use technology that allows it to break down in five weeks. The technology won the 2016 Innovation in Bioplastics Award from the Plastics Industry Association. The pods work with Keurig, K-Cup and Keurig 2.0 brewing systems, but are not compatible with Keurig Vue coffee makers.