New plastic-free K-cups for Keurig coffee machines: What you need to know

Keurig lovers who feel guilty about the waste their coffee makers produce will soon have an eco-friendly option. Keurig is working on developing plastic-free pods made from expertly roasted coffee beans that are ground, pressed, and wrapped in a plant-based coating to preserve the coffee’s flavor and aroma. However, the company has not addressed concerns about using coffee as the pod’s material, which could lead to deforestation as demand for coffee grows since coffee is a cash crop. These new pods will be compatible with the Keurig Alta, which, like the K-Elite, will be able to brew espresso and drip coffee, either iced or hot. There is no firm timeline for when the new machine and the compostable pods will be available for sale.

Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort described the announcement as “a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come.” Currently, in the United States, around 45 million people use Keurig products to brew their coffee, and advancements in sustainability could cut down the amount of plastic consumed.

Working on certification

The team at Keurig has worked to create a plastic-free alternative that can brew coffee at high and low pressure as well as hot and cold temperatures. “K-Rounds plastic-free pods will come in different sizes for specific types of coffee beverages and will be marked with a code that the Keurig Alta brewer automatically reads to determine the pressure and extraction profile needed to get the full flavor, aroma and richness of each coffee variety,” reported the company. The company is working to get its K-cups certified as compostable.