NatureWorks and IMA Coffee partner on turnkey compostable coffee pod solution

NatureWorks and IMA Coffee built strategic partnership to deliver a turnkey packaging solution for complete coffee pod with a rigid capsule body, filter and lidding made from Ingeo PLA biopolymer.

NatureWorks and IMA Coffee jointly develop a turnkey packaging solution for bio-based coffee pod.

The partnership combines Natureworks’ expertise in processing Ingeo PLA biopolymer with IMA Coffee’s proficiency in the manufacturing of processing and packaging technologies to develop a simpler compostable coffee pod solution and supply chain.

Compostable coffee pod for better brewing

The rigid capsule body is produced by combining non-compounded, highly crystalline, and heat resistant Ingeo PLA grades with a refined single-stage thermoforming process.

The rigid thermoformed capsule was then combined with a nonwoven filter and multi-layer top lidding solution, also made with Ingeo.

The use of one primary material throughout all three components of a coffee pod is more cost effective and offers greater consistency when heat sealing the components together, thus preserving the taste and aroma of the enclosed coffee.

Turnkey packaging solution

IMA Coffee Lab validated the new solution conducting compatibility testing on the rigid capsules, filter, and top lidding films. The microleakage detection testing helped identify and achieve the optimal material sealing parameters and limits for the compostable components to ensure reliable performance when brewing.

IMA was also able to develop a turnkey solution by defining the suitable set up of IMA packaging machineries to handle the assembly, filling, and sealing of the pods successfully at commercial line speeds.

“These Ingeo pods provide a reliable brewing experience for consumers, can be produced at commercial speeds, and do not sacrifice expected performance for sustainability,” said Flavio Di Marcotullio, Strategic Marketing Manager, Single Serve Beverages at NatureWorks.