Keurig Introduces New Plastic-Free Coffee System

Keurig Dr Pepper is set to introduce a new coffee brewing system, named Alta, and its accompanying AltaRounds coffee pods at the end of September. This new system aims to significantly reduce waste by eliminating plastic and aluminum from the brewing process.

The AltaRounds pods are fully compostable, made from pressed coffee and espresso, and encased in a proprietary plant-based coating. The company has spent several years developing this technology, which also enables the Alta brewers to produce espresso drinks and barista-style beverages in addition to traditional drip coffee.

Phil Drapeau, SVP of future coffee systems at Keurig Dr Pepper, stated the company's motivation was to proactively innovate rather than be disrupted. "If we're not willing to disrupt ourselves, somebody will disrupt us," Drapeau said. The development was driven by evolving consumer preferences for greater variety, espresso-based drinks, and reduced waste.

Development focused initially on the AltaRounds pods, which are coated in an alginate derived from seaweed, a technology Keurig licensed from Swiss company CoffeeB. The new Alta brewers are also backward-compatible, able to use both existing K-Cup pods and the new AltaRounds.

The Keurig Alta system will be available for purchase later this year, launching with six Keurig-branded varieties and participation from Peet's Coffee. The company's goal is to address growing consumer environmental concerns and the demand for more diverse coffee experiences.