As someone working in packaging, I found the conversations at the event around coffee capsules especially insightful. Here are a few takeaways that stood out most to me:

The Global Coffee Market: Growth with Contrasts

The global coffee market continues to show solid growth, driven by new consumption habits, premiumization, and at-home convenience. But the picture isn’t uniform: while emerging markets in Asia and North America are expanding, Europe remains relatively stagnant and in some areas the market is even declining.

Consumers in Europe already drink plenty of coffee; what’s changing is how and where they drink it.

The average European coffee drinker remains brand-loyal but open to innovation that enhances experience, convenience, or sustainability. They know their coffee, and they increasingly care about how it’s sourced, packaged, and disposed of. However, the backdrop of inflationary pressure and rising costs of living has reshaped purchasing patterns in recent years.

We’re witnessing a clear polarization:

• On one end, consumers are trading down, fueling the growth of private labels and entry-level offers that promise good coffee at accessible prices.

• On the other, a resilient and growing group continues to seek super-premium experiences such as single-origin coffees, specialty blends, and capsules delivering barista-quality at home.

Reading the Crystal Ball on Materials

If we had a crystal ball for capsule materials, one truth stands out: aluminum remains the benchmark and it's likely to hold strong in this position.

Among all capsule materials, aluminum shows a steady upward trajectory, driven by its exceptional barrier performance, long shelf-life protection, and growing alignment with recyclability standards under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). As collection systems and consumer awareness of how to recycle improve, aluminum’s inherent recyclability gives it a unique edge: it already fits within the circular economy vision rather than needing to be reinvented for it.

Other materials continue to evolve — naked (uncoated) and cellulose-based capsules are gaining interest for their renewable appeal, while conventional plastic capsules are trending down due to regulatory and perception challenges. Compostable plastics remain present, though progress has slowed following several high-profile launches in recent years.

In short, the market is experimenting broadly, but it isn’t moving toward fragmentation — it’s converging around proven, circular-ready materials.

Aluminum Capsules: Circular by Design, Ready for What’s Next

As the PPWR framework sharpens its focus on recyclability and material efficiency, aluminum capsules are already ahead of the curve — but staying ahead means evolving with intention.

The path forward isn’t just about using aluminum; it’s about designing with circularity in mind. That means optimizing lacquer application to ease separation, favoring mono-material structures to simplify sorting, and minimizing printing inks to reduce contamination. These aren’t just technical tweaks — they’re strategic moves that align with both regulatory expectations and consumer values.

The good news? We can offer coffee brands a partner to find the right packaging. From concept to certification, we support your journey with expertise, tools, and tailored guidance to make your packaging ready for the future.