European food packaging producer Flo SpA has introduced three capsule formats in the GEA family that are industrially compostable and fully bio-based.

Building on the success of its GEA compostable version for the A Modo Mio system, Flo again partnered with NatureWorks to develop capsules suitable for Nespresso, Lavazza Blue and Keurig systems. The GEA capsules are all made with Ingeo, a renewably sourced biomaterial from NatureWorks that can be used for all parts of a coffee capsule from lidding to filters to the capsule body.

“Coffee capsules are complex products and creating a compostable, high performing solution required significant investment and expertise,” said Erika Simonazzi, marketing manager of Flo.

Recent testing with Accademia Italiana Maestri del Caffè (AICAF) has verified that the GEA capsules maintain the flavour and aroma of the coffee for more than 11 months with testing still ongoing. This type of performance meets the needs of the most demanding coffee roasters and consumers.

“Sustainability has always been one of the top items in any coffee roaster’s agenda,” explained Flavio Di Marcotullio, global industry leader at NatureWorks. “We are delighted to observe how the coffee industry is now fully embracing industrial compostability as the preferred recovery option for coffee capsules. Today, thanks to the collaboration between Flo and NatureWorks, roasters finally have access to a capsule that not only is certified compostable, bio-based, and food-contact approved, but also has demonstrated measurable performance that allows consumers to brew the perfect coffee at home.”