Cambio Roasters, a Charleston-based coffee provider founded by a former Keurig executive, has unveiled a new line of aluminum coffee pods designed for use with Keurig machines. This shift from plastic to aluminum marks a significant step towards sustainability and improved coffee quality, according to the company.
Cambio highlights the environmental concerns associated with the estimated 40 million plastic coffee pods that end up in landfills and oceans daily. The company claims its aluminum pods offer a more eco-friendly and high-quality alternative. Environmental advocacy groups have criticized plastic pods for their low recycling rates and questionable recyclability, emphasizing the challenges posed by their small size and complex materials.
CEO Kevin Hartley, a former chief innovation officer at Keurig, believes the transition to aluminum can improve recycling outcomes. “Our landfills are growing at an alarming rate, and the timing is perfect to introduce recyclable aluminum pods,” he stated. Cambio emphasizes that only 3 percent of plastic coffee pods are recycled, whereas aluminum can be infinitely recycled, maintaining over 60 percent of the aluminum produced in circulation.
In addition to sustainability, Cambio touts the superior quality of aluminum pods. Unlike traditional plastic, which can compromise coffee freshness, aluminum provides an effective oxygen barrier, preserving flavor and freshness from roast to brew. “This innovation not only enhances the coffee-drinking experience but also aligns with our commitment to quality and sustainability,” Hartley added.
Cambio has also partnered with 4Ocean, an organization dedicated to removing plastic from the world’s oceans. The new aluminum pods will be available at over 1,000 retail locations nationwide, including Walmart, Hannaford, Harris Teeter, and Giant Martin, as well as through Cambio’s website and Amazon. Hartley summarized the initiative: “This innovation is better for coffee, better for the world, and better for you.”
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