There’s a fair bit of greenwashing about the sustainability of pods, so we’ve broken it down to help you make the better sustainable choices for you and your home.
Straight up, we never have and never will stock aluminium or plastic pods. While it’s possible to recycle the former, it’s not convenient so most don’t, and the millions that end up in landfill take over 500 years to break down.
Here at Decaf Haus, we’re dedicated to the more environmentally friendly biodegradable or compostable options.
But what’s the difference?
Biodegradable: a material capable of decomposing by bacteria or other living organisms.
Compostable: a term that is tested and certified. Given the right conditions, its components will break down entirely into non-toxic components. And the right conditions are key here because that tells you how to best dispose of them.
What compostable options are there?
Industrially compostable: These pods are usually made from natural resources into what is referred to as bioplastic. These require a heat treatment at a commercial facility for it to break down completely. You’ll need to know if your council provides this service, and if so, they can be popped into that bin. Easy! If not, they can go into landfills and will break down eventually, sooner than plastic or aluminium.
Home compostable: These pods are usually made from natural resources, such as sugarcane and corn, without adverse environmental effects. They will usually decompose within 180 days at an ambient temperature, so they are perfect for home compost. If you don’t compost at home, they can be popped into your general waste – far more environmentally friendly than other pods.
So, why aren’t all pods compostable?
It’s a fair question. Thanks to more drinkers wanting quality and convenient but not not compromise on sustainability, we’ve seen real progress in compostable technology in the last few years, with quality producers switching to these pod types more and more.
These roasters are gaining confidence in the coffee pouring, smelling and tasting as good from compostable pods as it would from aluminium or plastic, and we at Decaf Haus thank them for their dedication to getting it spot on.
Compostable pods have been a breakthrough for millions of us who enjoy the convenience of quality coffee at home, without our daily habit costing the Earth.