Lost Sheep Coffee releases compostable coffee capsules made from wood

UK-based coffee roaster and supplier Lost Sheep Coffee has released a new range of compostable coffee capsules made from wood.

Compatible with Nespresso coffee machines, the airtight capsules are made from lignin, a substance derived from wood bark and a waste product of the paper processing industry.

Lost Sheep Coffee claims that the capsules will compost to nothing in a matter of weeks, and the capsules themselves have been certified 100% compostable by product certification company TUV Austria.

Available in two variants: Smooth Journey and Funky Camper; both flavours are available in the UK with a suggested retail price of £3.95 per box of 10 capsules.

Coffee used for the capsules is made from single-origin arabica coffee beans sourced from Brazil, which are then hand-roasted at Lost Sheep Coffee’s roastery in Whitstable, Kent.

The company claims that the 100% plastic free capsules can guarantee the freshness of the coffee for over 12 months despite the absence of plastic seals and glue.

Founder of Lost Sheep Coffee Stuart Wilson said: “We know our customers want the convenience of being able to make a really quality cup of coffee at home but without the guilt of chucking more plastic or aluminium into landfill.

“Until recently, compostable capsules would have a very short freshness life as the coffee inside would be exposed to oxygen causing the coffee to go stale.

“Without plastic or glue it is incredibly difficult to create an airtight seal over the product, but our 100% compostable air-tight capsules allow Lost Sheep Coffee to guarantee a minimum shelf freshness life of 12+ months!”