Keurig Dr Pepper is developing plastic- and aluminium-free coffee pods as part of a new brewing system designed to give consumers more ways to make coffeehouse-style drinks at home.
The new K-Rounds pods are made from roasted coffee beans that are ground, pressed, and wrapped in a protective plant-based coating designed to preserve flavour and aroma without the need for conventional plastic or aluminium pods.
The pods will be used with the new Keurig Alta brewer, designed to make a range of hot and cold drinks, including espresso, traditional brewed coffee, and cold coffee.
“Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single-serve coffee system,” said Bob Gamgort, chairman and CEO of Keurig Dr Pepper.
“Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers brew coffee for decades to come.”
The company said the new system is intended to offer greater variety and flexibility, allowing consumers to prepare different coffee styles at home without paying coffeehouse prices.
K-Rounds pods will come in different sizes for specific beverages. Each pod will carry a code that the Alta brewer can read to determine the pressure and extraction settings needed for the coffee variety, allowing the machine to switch between high-pressure brewing for espresso-based drinks and lower-pressure brewing for other hot or cold coffees.
After use, the pods can be disposed of like coffee grounds. Keurig Dr Pepper is working towards certification to confirm that they are compostable.
The Alta brewer will also be compatible with existing K-Cup pods, giving consumers access to more than 500 varieties across the Keurig brand portfolio.
Gamgort added that the company plans to refine the system through consumer testing and feedback, alongside input from retail and coffee brand partners, before making it more widely available.
The development comes as Nespresso discontinues its compostable coffee capsules.
