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Packing solutions company RPC Bebo has developed a coffee capsule material that can be industrially composted.

The new Bebo B2nature material has a multilayer sheet which incorporates an effective oxygen barrier to provide a long, ambient shelf life and maintain the aroma and quality of the coffee in the capsule.

Within 12 weeks of industrial composting, only a minor amount of capsule material is left due to efficient decomposition, which is assisted by the coffee itself as it provides valuable nutrients to the compost and improves the nature of the soil.

The material can therefore be certified for industrial composting, based on key European and US norms.

The compostable capsule retains comparable strength and durability to one made from conventional capsule materials to ensure efficient filling and sealing, together with reliable operation in pressurised coffee machines.

“B2nature enables consumers to benefit from the convenience of small portion packs by providing a sustainable means of disposing them,” Matthias Michaelis, RPC Bebo’s business unit manager, said.

“Equally important, the material also offers the high level of protection that means the freshness, aroma and quality of the coffee are not compromised.”

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