Coffee capsules in focus: Tchibo shows sustainable recycling in Salzburg!

Coffee capsules in focus: Tchibo shows sustainable recycling in Salzburg!

At Europark Salzburg it was all about the small, practical coffee capsule! Tchibo Austria organized the “capsule recycling tour” today, which impressively demonstrated the cycles and possibilities of recycling coffee capsules. This was the fourth stop on the tour, which had previously stopped in Vienna, Lower Austria and Upper Austria. Managing director Paul Unterluggauer underlined the importance of sustainability, a topic that has been central to Tchibo for over 20 years. Coffee consumption from capsules is also important in Austria: 26 percent of the population regularly use the practical form of coffee, and this also increases the responsibility for proper disposal.

In an impressive demonstration, the experts showed how coffee capsules don't just have to end up in the trash. Tchibo operates a specially developed coffee capsule recycling system, which enables these capsules to be returned to the recycling cycle. Jörg Fischer from Johannes Kepler University emphasized how crucial knowledge transfer is for sustainable change. Visitors to the tour had the unique opportunity to use an injection molding machine to make small objects from used capsules, demonstrating the practical benefits and creativity of recycling.

Insight into the recycling system

Tchibo's recycling system includes the return of Cafissimo capsules and Qbo cubes, which is possible in all Tchibo branches. In order to use the capsules sustainably, they must be returned so that they can be sorted and recycled. The collected capsules find their way to Altstoff Recycling Austria (ARA), where they are processed by, among others, the Tyrolean family business Höpperger. There the coffee capsules are crushed in a hammer mill, with the coffee substrate even being used for biogas production and electricity generation. An impressive example makes it clear: a complete tractor-trailer full of used coffee capsules can provide enough energy for three single-family homes. The plastic obtained is also converted into high-quality plastic granules, which closes the cycle sustainably.

The issue of sustainability is also being promoted by other actors. Capsule manufacturers such as Constantia Flexibles and Greiner Packaging have launched a joint recycling project that develops long-lasting capsules from secondary raw materials. Daniel Winkler from Constantia Flexibles emphasizes how important it is to conserve resources. Bettina Carow from Greiner Packaging also speaks of the need for innovations in collaboration within the value chain. The project is supported by major brands such as Costa Coffee, Jacobs Douwe Egberts, and Lavazza, showing that the desire for change is strong in the industry.

What can we do?

Jürgen Secklehner from ARAplus gave the visitors a valuable tip: Sustainability begins in everyday life. Everyone can actively help with recycling and contribute to the circular economy. The capsule recycling tour is not only an example of Tchibo's efforts, but also shows how important it is to take action together. The coffee capsule recycling system is a step in the right direction, and every coffee lover can help make the environment a little better by returning it.

For more information about the sustainable recycling of coffee capsules and Tchibo's overall commitment in this direction, you can find detailed reports and details here. Those interested can also find out more about the initiatives of other capsule manufacturers [here](https://www. Verpackungmitzukunft.at/de/5-millionen-kaffeekappen-durch-recyclinprojekt-gesammelt).