The British retailer Co-op and the returns system Podback are expanding their collaboration on the recycling of used coffee capsules. Following a pilot project, collection points are to be set up in more than 200 Co-op stores.
As part of the expanded project, podback collection points are currently being installed in co-op markets in the southwest of England and in South Wales. Consumers can return used plastic and aluminum coffee capsules there.
The collaboration began in November 2025 with a pilot project in 30 co-op stores. According to the companies, more than 500,000 used capsules were collected within six months. This amounted to a weight of around eight tons.
Network for coffee capsules is growing
Podback reportedly now operates more than 1,500 return points in British retail stores, as well as another 300 collection points for municipal recycling yards. Plastic and aluminum capsules from the brands participating in the system are accepted.
The returned packaging is processed by recycling companies in the UK. Plastic and aluminum are to be recovered and recycled. The coffee grounds contained in the packaging are used, among other things, to generate biogas and as soil improver for agriculture.
Podback was founded by Nespresso, Nescafé Dolce Gusto and Tassimo and operates as a non-profit organization. According to its own data, the participating brands represent more than 80 percent of the British market for coffee capsules.
Source: Co-op Group
