As the European Union moves forward with its bold vision for sustainable packaging, coffee capsules are in the spotlight. The PPWR, approved in 2024 and set to transform packaging design across Europe, brings new compliance challenges, but also opens the door to meaningful innovation. Across the coffee capsule industry - from manufacturers and fillers to packaging suppliers - the stakes are high.
Understanding how to comply with the new EU law is essential to staying ahead in the evolving world of sustainable coffee capsule packaging.
The PPWR, short for Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, replaces the previous directive with a binding regulation across all EU Member States. Its primary goals are to reduce packaging waste, boost recycling rates, and accelerate the transition to a circular economy.
One of the most notable changes: single-serve coffee capsules are now explicitly classified as packaging. This means they must meet full requirements for recyclability, compostability, and end-of-life management.
Key obligations for coffee capsule packaging include:
The regulation doesn’t dictate a single solution. Instead, it sets performance targets that can be met through different packaging pathways. For coffee capsules and pods, the most relevant options are compostable materials, recyclable plastics, and aluminum.
Each solution has trade-offs in terms of recyclability, barrier properties, consumer behavior, and industrial compatibility. Let’s explore them in detail.
Compostable pods are engineered to biodegrade in industrial composting facilities, together with organic waste such as coffee grounds.
As per PPWR, compostability will be the only acceptable format for soft capsules disposed together with the coffee starting in 2028. Compliance requires certification to EN 13432, proving full biodegradability without eco-toxic residues.
Pros:
Fully aligned with circular economy principles
Can be discarded with organic waste (where collection is available)
Reduces landfill and avoids incineration of food-contaminated plastics
Cons:
Composting infrastructure is not uniformly available across the EU
Often provides lower oxygen/moisture barriers than plastic or metal
Requires strong consumer guidance on correct disposal
At Guala Dispensing, we anticipated this shift with the launch of Flora, our range of compostable capsules for coffee and soluble beverages.
Flora pods are compatible with all NESPRESSO® machines and certified to disintegrate within 90 days in industrial conditions, or 180 days at home composting levels.
Additionally, we are actively investing in alternative materials to expand our range of compostable solutions, such as soft pods made of compostable paper, as part of our commitment to sustainable innovation.
Currently, many plastic coffee capsules on the market are not easily recyclable, primarily due to multi-material structures and the difficulty of separating organic residues such as used coffee grounds.
To achieve true PPWR compliance, plastic capsules must be specifically designed for recyclability. This means moving toward monomaterial constructions, and ensuring they are easy to open, allowing the separation of plastic from organic waste streams.
Pros:
Compatible with existing plastic recycling infrastructure
Offers higher barrier properties than compostables
Enables use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content
Cons:
Move away from mixed materials or complex structures which reduce recyclability
Coffee grounds must be removed, by the consumer or via mechanical systems
Recyclable plastic capsules represent a promising long-term solution, especially as recycling infrastructure improves and design for recycling becomes an industry standard. At Guala Dispensing, we are actively developing next-generation recyclable pods engineered to meet these technical and regulatory demands.
When properly used, plastic can be an excellent material, not only for its functionality and versatility in capsule design, but also from a sustainability perspective " says Lorenzo Sacchi, Sustainability Manager at Guala Dispensing. "If capsules are developed with a Design for Recycling mindset and take into account the practical aspects of waste sorting and recycling, plastic becomes a strategic material for achieving real circularity."
Aluminium has been a long-standing material in premium coffee packaging, offering superior protection against oxygen, moisture, and light.
Importantly, aluminium is infinitely recyclable, if collected appropriately.
Pros:
Cons:
In conclusion, aluminium is a recyclable material, and coffee pods made of aluminium can meet PPWR requirements, provided that appropriate waste collection infrastructure is in place.
Choosing a compliant capsule format is not just about selecting the right material, it’s about re-engineering the full packaging lifecycle:
This shift will require strategic planning across design, sourcing, production, and communication.
The PPWR introduces Design for Recycling as a baseline for packaging development. For coffee capsules and pods, this means:
Compliance is just the beginning: success lies in combining regulatory alignment with consumer usability and system compatibility.
Coffee manufacturers and fillers need supplier partners who understand both the technical challenges and the regulatory roadmap.
As Amerigo Bergamasco, Sales and Marketing Director at Guala Dispensing FP, explains: "Navigating the PPWR isn’t a solo journey. With the regulation reshaping the market, it’s essential to offer solutions that combine regulatory compliance with real-world functionality and efficiency. Our R&D department is constantly working on a range of tailored options to meet the evolving needs of our clients. Not just on time but ahead of time."
At Guala Dispensing, as a global supplier of empty coffee capsules, we’re committed to delivering solutions that are not only sustainable and compliant, but also engineered for performance.
From certified compostable pods to next-generation recyclable innovations, we’re helping brands move forward - responsibly and confidently.
Want to assess whether your current capsule format meets PPWR standards? Contact us to explore your options and find a packaging solution that’s ready for the future.