Nespresso and Dolce Gusto capsule coffee machines are superconvenient, but the aluminium and plastic pods they use are terrible for the environment. Because they’re hard to recycle, millions of them end up in landfills, and at least one city has banned the use of them.
Now, local entrepreneurs have launched South Africa’s first biodegradable coffee pods. Hanoi Coffee Club, founded by Michelle du Plessis and Michael Portnoi sell not only Arabica Vietnamese coffee in southern Africa but also 100% biodegradable Vietnamese coffee pods.
“During the research phase, we learnt more about the negative impact non-biodegradable pods have on the environment. It was important for us to launch a product using materials that would bring us, and our consumers, peace of mind while enjoying a daily brew,” says Du Plessis.
The duo has a passion for the various international coffee cultures, especially the Vietnamese custom of drinking ground coffee that’s been filtered through a traditional “phin”.
“We spent two years in the bustling city of Hanoi and, on our return to South Africa, we noticed a lack of easily accessible Vietnamese coffee prepared using traditional methods,” says Du Plessis.
The pods, which are compatible with all major coffee machine brands, are now available via hanoicoffeeclub.com at R90 for 10, and are soon to be at a retailer near you.