LAVAZZA PARTNERS WITH NOVAMONT TO DEVELOPCOMPOSTABLE COFFEE CAPSULE
Lavazza, “Italy’s Favorite Coffee,” introduces the first compostable coffee capsule for Italian espresso in partnership with biochemical corporation, Novamont. The compostable capsule, which can be disposed of along with other organic waste and processed industrially to become compost, is an example of the Italian coffee maker’s continued commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The capsule, which is compatible with the Lavazza Minù coffee machine will be available initially in Italy beginning in 2016. It contains two high-quality blends of 100% Arabica coffee beans certified by Rainforest Alliance, which verifies the economic, environmental and social sustainability of raw materials.
“Innovation and sustainability are two of the most important pillars of Lavazza’s business, which makes the introduction of the first compostable coffee capsule extremely gratifying,” said Marco Lavazza, Group Vice Chairman. “With this product, we intend to provide our consumers with a perfect espresso, while at the same time contributing to good and sustainable practices.”
“What we’re presenting today is not just a technical solution that improves the environmental sustainability of a product, but a concrete demonstration of the potential of bio-economy,” said Catia Bastoli, Managing Director of Novamont. “Something as simple as an everyday cup of coffee obtained from this new compostable capsule also serves as a driver for economic growth, within a territorially integrated production process focused on biodiversity”.
Lavazza will host a multitude of sustainability related activities at the Lazazza Sustainability Hub, which will be part of EXPO MILANO 2015 beginning this spring. Together with Novamont, the Polytechnic University of Turin, Slow Food, and Pollenzo University, Lavazza will organize meetings, workshops and trainings focused on the reuse of coffee grounds and the valorization of the product at the end of its life. Through a greenhouse built on the principles of bio architecture, Lavazza will introduce the public to the multiple industrial sectors where coffee grounds can be used — from construction to energy and from chemistry to cosmetics.
Lavazza’s introduction of a compostable capsule continues a long history of innovation for the brand. In 2014, Lavazza partnered with Argotec to bring the first coffee machine to astronauts at the international space station. In North America specifically, Lavazza recently introduced 4 specialty coffee blends in roast and ground as well as K-Cup Pack formats. In partnership with Keurig Green Mountain, Inc., Lavazza also expanded the distribution of the Keurig Rivoâ„¢ Cappuccino and Latte System. Lavazza will be launching more new products in 2015 with the goal of expanding the brand’s reach exponentially to secure North America as its top market outside of Italy.
