WNA partners with Cambio Roasters to introduce durable aluminium coffee pods for Keurig

Waldner North America (WNA) has partnered with coffee brand Cambio Roasters to introduce the first aluminium coffee pods for Keurig brewers, also known as K-cups. Led by Kevin Hartley, the former Chief Innovation Officer at Keurig Green Mountain, Cambio Roasters utilises Waldner's specially designed filling and sealing equipment to package the fragile aluminium cups.

Image Source:Cambio Roasters

Launch of K-cups in North America

The launch of aluminium K-cups in North America represents a major step forward in sustainability. Hartley points out that 40 million plastic coffee pods are discarded in landfills and oceans every day. In contrast, aluminium can be recycled endlessly, with over 60 per cent of all aluminium ever produced still in use.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with Cambio Roasters. We share a strong commitment to advancing sustainability in the food and beverage industry and a sense of urgency to drive meaningful change. It's been an incredible journey since Kevin and his team approached us with the vision of creating the first aluminium K-cups. The process involved extensive work on both packaging materials and equipment design, along with numerous tests, until we achieved the ideal solution for these innovative cups. We're excited to be part of such a ground breaking product, stated Julian Stauffer, CEO of WNA.

Additionally, these new coffee pods enhance product quality, as aluminium offers superior protection against oxygen, light, and moisture compared to plastic. This ensures that the coffee retains its aroma, flavour, and freshness for a longer period. Coffee pods have become a staple in modern routines, offering unmatched convenience and consistency in brewing. Pre-measured for the perfect cup, they deliver a uniform taste every time, making them ideal for those with busy schedules who prioritise speed and reliability.

Working closely with Cambio Roasters

Julian Stauffer, CEO of WNA, shared that Waldner's engineering teams in both Germany and North America worked closely with Cambio Roasters to create a packaging solution for Keurig brewing systems that is both recyclable and compostable. This innovation guarantees consistency and reliability throughout the entire aluminium K-cup supply chain, from sourcing materials and production to post-brewing recyclability.

"Our landfills are growing at an alarming rate, so we knew we needed to introduce recyclable aluminium pods quickly. There's also no sense in compromising the quality of the world's best organic coffees — expertly roasted and curated — by placing them in a porous plastic vessel. To bring the aluminium K-cups to the market, we needed a partner experienced in sustainable packaging solutions who could provide highly efficient machinery to handle the cups seamlessly. Waldner proved to be the right partner," said Hartley.

Based in Germany, Waldner has spearheaded several initiatives over the past 50 years to promote sustainable practices in the food packaging industry. These efforts include developing technologies that reduce waste and improve efficiency. The company specialises in tailor-made food packaging systems and is internationally renowned for its precision in filling and state-of-the-art sealing technology.