Coffee is not only delicious, but it can also be an invaluable aid to wellness and health. Numerous studies have proven its benefits on brain function as well as anti-inflammatory properties.

But what are we to make of the capsules and machines used to manufacture them? Are they harmful for both our bodies and the environment, if that be so? This article attempts to shed some light on this question.

Coffee pods are typically constructed out of paper with an aluminum lid. Some brands utilize biodegradable polymers, while others craft them entirely compostable materials like starch or sugarcane for optimal performance.

Paper and biodegradable capsules are generally considered safe. This is because their paper component, made from plant fibers from coffee plants, degrades rapidly – often within less than one year in most cases – while any polymer coatings such as corn starch or sugarcane break down even faster compared to plastic capsules which may take up to 500 years or more before decomposing entirely, potentially leeching harmful microplastics into food supplies, waterways, soil and beaches and endangering both animal life and human wellbeing.

Paper-based and biodegradable capsules boast another key advantage – being 100% recyclable – over their aluminium alternatives on the market, which only represent 25% recycling rates. Aluminium may be durable material but production takes considerable energy and raw resources, while most recycled aluminum ends up as cans or car components instead of making an attractive option for coffee pod makers.

Aluminium capsules don’t perform as well at hermetic sealing as paper and plastic options; exposure to air causes coffee to quickly oxidise and turn bitter over time, so protecting it with an effective hermetic seal is vital to its preservation.

Thankfully, a variety of companies are working to find a solution to this problem. Yuval states that creating thinner aluminium could potentially provide the ideal protection during its journey from originator to consumer.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the popular perception that coffee capsules are major polluters is mostly untrue. According to one recent study that examined various coffee preparation methods and concluded that capsules were actually the most environmentally-friendly option available – no doubt due to other green initiatives; this simply illustrates that assumptions made about them might not always be accurate.