Cups Full, Better For The Planet
More than 60 billion single-use coffee pods end up in landfills every year - enough to circle the Earth more than 12 times.
— Source: BBC, Environmental Audit Committee, 2021
Single-serve coffee pods: convenience at a cost
Waste that doesn’t go away
Most pods are made from a mix of plastic, aluminum, and organic material, making them difficult to recycle. According to a 2021 study in Scientific Reports, billions of pods end up in landfills every year, and many won’t decompose for centuries [1].
“A standard plastic pod may take 150 to 500 years to break down in a landfill.”
— Environmental Science & Technology
Even recyclable pods often don’t get recycled due to contamination or improper sorting in municipal facilities.
Higher carbon footprint
A 2017 life cycle analysis by the University of Quebec found that single-serve pods produce significantly more greenhouse gases per cup than drip coffee or French press — especially when used daily [2].
Why?
More packaging per gram of coffee
Energy-intensive aluminum processing
Manufacturing emissions from machines and pods
📈 One study estimated pod-based brewing can result in up to 27% more emissions per cup than traditional brewing methods [3].
Microplastic Contamination
Some plastic pods can leach microplastics or plasticizers into your brew—especially when exposed to high temperatures. A 2023 review in Frontiers in Environmental Science raised concerns about human exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) from heated plastic containers, including coffee pods [4].
We don’t fully understand the health impact yet—but the precautionary principle applies.
False “Recyclability”
While some brands market their pods as recyclable or compostable, the reality is murkier:
♻️ Recyclable often means:
You must separate aluminum lids, remove wet grounds, and clean the pod
Many recycling centers don’t accept mixed-material items
🌱 Compostable often means:
Only compostable in industrial (not home) composting facilities
Improper disposal = landfill = same problem
Better Brews for the Planet
The impact of traditional coffee products on the environment is significant:
Billions of plastic pods end up in landfills yearly
Takeaway coffee cups often can't be recycled due to plastic linings
Energy-intensive brewing methods increase carbon footprints
Coffee bags made from compostable or biodegradable materials drastically reduce waste and environmental harm.
Cups Full’s Eco Credentials
At Cups Full, sustainability is at the core of everything we do. Our coffee bags are:
100% biodegradable
Packed in recyclable pouches
Made from ethically sourced beans grown by farms that use low-impact practices
We also plan to offset part of our emissions through partnerships with environmental nonprofits as we grow.
Why It Matters
Switching to eco-friendly coffee bags means:
Less waste in your bin
Supporting responsible farming practices
Reducing reliance on single-use plastics
Tips for Brewing Sustainably
Use a reusable mug or thermos
Compost used bags if your council permits
Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste
If you love coffee and care about sustainability, try Cups Full coffee bags.
Head to the shop!
References:
Jambeck et al., Plastic waste inputs from land into the ocean, Science, 2015
Humbert et al., Life cycle assessment of coffee consumption: Comparison of single-serve, drip, and French press, University of Quebec, 2017
Kähler et al., Greenhouse gas emissions from coffee consumption, Environmental Science & Technology, 2020
Barboza et al., Microplastics and human health: hazard, exposure, and knowledge gaps, Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2023
U.S. EPA, National Overview: Facts and Figures on Materials, Wastes and Recycling, 2022
