Austrian packaging firm Alpla has developed what it describes as the “world’s first” biodegradable coffee capsule, which is certified by TüV as biodegradable and compostable for the home.

The capsule has been developed in collaboration with Golden Compound GmbH, a German company specializing in the manufacture of compounds from sunflower husks.

The product, Alpla said Oct. 15, is made from “Golden Compound green,” which comprises a bio-based material reinforced with sunflower husk fibers.

According to Alpla, the Nespresso compatible filter capsule and cloth are completely biodegradable in garden compost within a maximum period of six months and are free of aluminum and genetically modified organisms.

The material also has excellent characteristics, including an oxygen barrier that is “very comparable” to conventional plastics, such as PP-EVOH-PP.

The monolayer coffee capsule is aroma-proof without outer packaging.

Alpla, which is exhibiting the capsules during the Fakuma trade show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, said Vorarlberg that Austria-based Amann Kaffee is the first company to use the product.

The coffee roaster presents its new Compresso capsule, containing organic fair-trade coffee, at the “Gustav” trade show, which will be held in Dornbirn, Austria, from October 20-21.

According to Alpla, the capsule is available in various colors upon request and the filter cloth is easily printable.