Composting The Pods 101

Our single-serve coffee pods have been specially designed with PurPod100 technology to be compostable in municipal composting programs where accepted. With this claim, we have gotten a lot of questions about what makes our pods different & how exactly do they work within your local composting program. 

Our pods consist of plant based, 100% compostable materials. 

Freshness Wrapper – Cellulose based foil

Lid – Cellulose based paper

Ring – Proprietary bio-resin that is over 40% coffee chaff

Coffee – 11.5g/pod 

Filter – Industrial cornstarch based 

We are proud of our pods because they are designed to break down in both aerobic and anaerobic composting systems. 

What’s the difference between aerobic & anaerobic composting? 

Aerobic: 

Aerobic composting is decomposition of organic matter using microbes that require oxygen to survive. These microorganisms are naturally occurring and live in organic matter with moist conditions. After just a few short weeks of decomposition, the byproduct of aerobic composting is humus, - a nutrient rich material that will greatly improve agricultural soil for its next crops. 

Anaerobic:

Anaerobic digestion systems decompose organic matter using microorganisms that require little to no oxygen to survive - typically in sealed chambers. This process only generates a small amount of heat which results in a much longer process to actually break down the organic matter. The anaerobic digestion process results in the creation of biogases such as methane which are used for renewable energy. Any remaining organic matter within the anaerobic chamber then goes through aerobic composting or is used directly to enrich agricultural soils.  

As long as your municipality accepts compostable pods into their well-maintained composting system, and you dispose of your pods correctly - by throwing them directly into your green bin (no separation necessary)... you can rest assured that the pods can break down in as little as 5 weeks.