Keurig to Debut Compostable Pods

Keurig Dr Pepper has announced innovations for its single serve brewing system including plastic-free pods called K-Rounds that are made from roasted coffee beans that are ground, pressed, and wrapped in a plant-based coating to preserve flavor and aroma, according to the company.

K-Rounds will work in the new Keurig Alta brewer, a Keurig system that allows consumers to make a variety of hot and cold beverages including espresso with velvety crema, and hot or chilled coffee. Keurig will beta test the Alta brewing system with consumers beginning this fall. 

"Thirty years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single serve coffee system. Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come. Our ambitious agenda reflects our commitment to providing variety, quality, value, and sustainability to the 45 million North American coffee consumers who currently use Keurig brewers and the millions of potential new households who will discover the benefits of a perfect cup of coffee prepared effortlessly in their home,” said chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort, in a statement.

The plastic- and aluminum- free design of K-Rounds allow for brewing at high pressure for espresso-based drinks and low pressure for drip coffee, cold or hot.  K-Rounds plastic-free pods will come in different sizes for specific types of coffee beverages and will be marked with a code that the Keurig Alta brewer automatically reads to determine the pressure and extraction profile needed to get the full flavor, aroma and richness of each coffee variety.  

After brewing, K-Rounds plastic free pods can be disposed of like coffee grounds and are expected to be certified compostable.  The new Keurig Alta brewer will also provide the option to brew existing K-Cup pods.