AUCKLAND, New Zealand – Nespresso has announced a collaboration with New Zealand Post that will significantly extend the reach of its recycling program, including those who live outside of the main centres.
By using a specially-designed recycling bag, consumers can now drop their used aluminium capsules into any New Zealand Post Post Shop, in more than 270 locations across the country.
Only Nespresso capsules are made of aluminium, which is an infinitely recyclable material. As well as being sustainable, it is the best material to maintain the freshness and aromas of Nespresso coffee.
The capsules are sent to a specialist recycling plant where dedicated equipment separates the aluminium from the used coffee grounds.
The coffee grounds are then transformed into compost and the aluminium is bailed and sent back into the aluminium industry to manufacture new products.
“Unlike some other portioned coffee products, our coffee capsules are made from 100% recyclable aluminium,” said John Ciaglia, Nespresso New Zealand’s new Country Manager.
“The challenge we face is that there are some products that New Zealand’s kerbside recycling collection systems cannot accept, which is why since 2011 – when we opened our first Boutique in New Zealand – we have operated a dedicated recycling program.
Since then, we have been continuously looking for ways to make it easier for our consumers to recycle, as their participation is essential to make our recycling efforts a success.”
“The bag has been specifically designed to be carried in New Zealand Post’s national network and is a significant step for us to provide more accessibility to recycling for our consumers,” he said.
Customers can purchase the post-paid bags at any Nespresso Boutique, order them online or call the Nespresso Customer Relationship Centre.
The recycling bag holds up to 130 used aluminium capsules and costs $1.50. The return postage is paid by Nespresso regardless of where the consumer is in New Zealand.
“New Zealand Post is pleased to be working with Nespresso to help make recycling Nespresso capsules even easier for Kiwis,” said Dawn Baggaley, Corporate Sustainability Manager at New Zealand Post.
“NZ Post is always seeking to provide sustainability solutions to customers, and this new innovative solution, which leverages our extensive national network of PostShops will allow Nespresso consumers to recycle in a more convenient way.”
This collaboration serves as one of a series of connected initiatives to help tie Nespresso’s broader recycling options together.
In addition to the new NZ Post recycling program, Nespresso has two other existing options that allow individuals to recycle their capsules.
There are collection points at all five Nespresso Boutiques across the country and over 100 drop-off locations at participating florists and garden centres nationwide.
Nespresso consumers can find their nearest recycling option and more information on Nespresso recycling initiatives by visiting the Nespresso website www.nespresso.com.
The recycling program only accepts Nespresso aluminium capsules.
The Nespresso sustainability strategy includes specific goals related to coffee sourcing, aluminum and capsule recycling, and climate that are designed to generate positive impacts across the entire value chain.
