Most coffee lovers might be shocked to know that a coffee pod takes 150-500 years to breakdown in a landfill. So, we need to find the creative uses for these billions of single-use coffee pods that are discarded around the world each year.
In an effort to motivate customers to recycle coffee pods waste, drink maker Nespresso has teamed up with a Swedish lifestyle bike brand Vélosophy to produce a stylish bicycle made from recycled aluminum coffee capsules. Each bike, named RE:CYCLE, is made out of roughly 300 used coffee pods and since the capsules are made from aluminum, Nespresso says the metal can be repeatedly re-melted down re-used for a number of times.
Only 1000 units of this limited-edition bike were produced which went on sale on the 12 August for €1290 (about US$1433).
RE:CYCLE bikes were actually made to highlight the potential of recycling Nespresso’s aluminum capsules, and its launch is encouraging consumers to consider how they can make a positive impact.
Nespresso aluminum coffee capsules are fully recyclable. The team says the main challenge they have faced during RE:CYCLE’s production was to figure out how to make the lightweight aluminum used in the capsules rigid enough to meet bicycle manufacturing standards. Designed with eco-conscious coffee drinkers in mind, the bicycle was in development for a couple of years.
Let’s have a look at its few details! The purple color of the bike is inspired by Nespresso’s Arpeggio capsules, the bike’s bell is shaped like a pod, and the front basket made of steam-bended wood with two coffee holders.
“Through our collaboration with Vélosophy, we’re illustrating to coffee lovers the potential of recycling their aluminum Nespresso capsules. By using recycled capsules to make beautiful bicycles, Vélosophy brings sustainability and style together to create a truly meaningful experience, bringing to life the importance of recycling,” Jean-Marc Duvoisin, CEO of Nespresso, said in a release. “We have been inspired by working with Vélosophy, and I hope the RE:CYCLE bicycle inspires people to recycle.”
Read more details on the company website.
