Post Offices to Collect Nespresso Aluminum Coffee Capsules

The collection and recycling project for Nespresso aluminum coffee capsules through local post offices will begin on May 9.

Korea Post Headquarters (hereinafter referred to as Korea Post) announced on the 22nd that it had signed a business agreement with the Ministry of Environment and Nespresso regarding the "Postal Service-Based Collection of Aluminum Coffee Capsules" project.

Jo Haegun, Head of the Korea Post Headquarters (second from left), is taking a commemorative photo with Ahn Sechang, Director of the Climate and Carbon Policy Office at the Ministry of Environment (first from left), and Park Sungyong, President of Nespresso Korea (third from left), after signing the "Aluminum Coffee Capsule Collection Agreement" on the 22nd. Provided by Korea Post Headquarters

Under this agreement, Nespresso will inform consumers about the disposal guidelines for aluminum coffee capsules via post office counters in addition to its existing collection methods. Korea Post will utilize its nationwide post office network to assist in the collection of aluminum coffee capsules. The Ministry of Environment plans to provide administrative support and improve relevant systems to ensure the smooth operation of the collection project.

Nespresso currently holds the largest market share in the domestic single-use capsule coffee market. Considering this, if Nespresso products are collected through the nationwide post office network, it is expected to enhance consumer convenience in disposal and contribute to establishing a resource circulation system.

To use the collection service, a postal collection envelope is required. Starting at the end of this month, consumers can receive a postal collection envelope when purchasing Nespresso aluminum coffee capsules through the official Nespresso website (including mobile access).

Until the first half of this year, postal collection envelopes containing aluminum coffee capsules will be accepted at approximately 3,300 post office counters nationwide. From the second half of this year, collection will also be possible through "ECO Postboxes," which are being introduced by Korea Post, in addition to the post office counters.

The post office will deliver the aluminum coffee capsules returned by consumers to the Nespresso recycling center. The recycling center will then safely process the products through a recycling procedure that separates coffee grounds from aluminum.

Jo Haegun, Head of Korea Post Headquarters, stated, "This agreement will be recorded as a representative example of public-private collaboration to promote resource circulation," and added, "Activating offline collection through postal services will provide a more convenient option for consumers who frequently wish to dispose of capsules or who have difficulty applying for online collection."