Every year, billions of coffee capsules end up in landfills around the world, contributing to a silent but persistent environmental crisis. Traditional aluminum or plastic capsules take up to 500 years to decompose, leaving a considerable ecological footprint for a few minutes of caffeinated pleasure.
Fortunately, a revolution is underway. Biodegradable coffee capsules are transforming the single-serve coffee industry, finally offering a sustainable alternative without compromising quality or convenience.
At 94 Celcius, a pioneering Montreal-based specialty coffee roaster, we've risen to this challenge: creating biodegradable coffee capsules compatible with Nespresso® OriginalLine® machines, filled with the same exceptional coffee we roast in whole bean form. The result? A perfect cup that respects your palate as much as the planet.
Understanding the difference: biodegradable vs compostable
Before diving into technical details, let's clarify an essential distinction often source of confusion: biodegradable doesn't necessarily mean compostable, and this nuance is crucial for making informed choices.
Biodegradable: natural decomposition
A product is qualified as biodegradable when it can decompose naturally through the action of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) into simple elements like water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. According to international standards, a biodegradable material must see at least 90% of its mass decomposed within 6 months.
But this decomposition can leave residues, and the 6-month timeframe remains long. Moreover, some "biodegradable" plastics simply fragment into invisible but still present microplastics in the environment.
Compostable: a stricter and more demanding standard
A compostable product goes further. Not only does it biologically decompose, but it does so under specific composting conditions (temperature, humidity, oxygenation) leaving only organic residues beneficial to soil. The standard requires complete decomposition in less than 3 months in industrial composting, and the product must leave no toxic traces.
All compostable products are biodegradable, but not all biodegradables are compostable.
Our 94 Celcius capsules: compostable AND biodegradable
94 Celcius biodegradable coffee capsules meet the strictest European standards (EN 13432) for compostable materials. Made from plant-based cellulose, they completely decompose in industrial composting without leaving harmful residues.
This means that after enjoying your espresso, your capsule will return to earth as organic nutrients, completing a truly sustainable cycle.
The environmental impact of traditional capsules
To understand the urgency of innovation, let's examine the ecological footprint of conventional capsules that still dominate the market.
Aluminum capsules: the hidden cost of recycling
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Aluminum is technically recyclable, and that's the argument often put forward by manufacturers. However, reality is more nuanced:
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Energy-intensive production: Extracting and processing aluminum requires an astronomical amount of energy. Producing a single aluminum capsule generates approximately 33 grams of CO₂.
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Disappointing recycling rate: Although recyclable, most aluminum capsules end up in regular waste. Dedicated collection programs remain underutilized. In Canada, it's estimated that less than 30% of aluminum capsules are actually recycled.
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Contamination: Residual coffee grounds complicate recycling. Ideally, capsules should be emptied, rinsed, and dried before recycling, a process few consumers follow rigorously.
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Decomposition time: An aluminum capsule abandoned in nature takes between 200 and 500 years to completely decompose.
Plastic capsules: lasting and insidious pollution
Plastic capsules pose even greater challenges:
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Non-recyclability: Most plastic capsules are made from mixed plastics or difficult-to-recycle polypropylene. They almost systematically end up in landfills.
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Microplastics: While slowly degrading, they fragment into microplastics that contaminate soils, waterways, and ultimately the food chain.
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Production emissions: Manufacturing plastic from petroleum generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
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Lifespan: A plastic capsule can persist in the environment for more than 500 years.
The alarming volume of the problem
With billions of capsules consumed annually worldwide (approximately 59 billion according to some estimates), the cumulative impact is colossal. If we placed all capsules produced in one year end-to-end, they could circle the Earth several times.
Biodegradable coffee capsules therefore represent much more than just an alternative: they are an environmental necessity.
94 Celcius biodegradable capsule technology
Creating a capsule that is simultaneously high-performing, biodegradable, and compatible with Nespresso® machines required years of research and development. Here's how our compostable coffee capsules reconcile all these requirements.
Composition: 100% plant-based cellulose
Our capsules are made from cellulose derived from renewable resources (wood, sugarcane). Unlike petrochemical plastics, cellulose is:
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Naturally biodegradable: derived from plants, it returns to earth
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Renewable: produced from sustainably managed crops
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Non-toxic: no harmful chemical substances in the decomposition process
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Certified compostable according to EN 13432 (Europe) and ASTM D6400 (North America) standards
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Preservation technology: vacuum sealing with nitrogen
Coffee freshness is our absolute priority. To guarantee that our specialty coffees maintain all their aromatic complexity, each capsule benefits from a vacuum sealing process with nitrogen injection.
How it works:
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Freshly roasted and ground coffee is placed in the capsule
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Air (containing oxygen that oxidizes aromas) is extracted
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Inert nitrogen is injected to replace oxygen
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The capsule is hermetically sealed with a compostable lid
Result: Optimal freshness guaranteed up to 12 months, without resorting to aluminum or plastic. Coffee in our biodegradable capsules is as fresh as a freshly opened bag.
Full Nespresso® OriginalLine® compatibility
Our capsules are perfectly sized and tested to work with all Nespresso® OriginalLine® machines. Extraction occurs at the same pressure (19 bars), producing:
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Smooth and persistent crema
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Rich and balanced body
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Ideal temperature (approximately 70-75°C)
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Precise volume (espresso, lungo, ristretto according to preference)
No modification to your machine is necessary. Simply insert the capsule as you would with any other, and enjoy.
Certifications and environmental standards
Our capsules meet the most demanding certifications:
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EN 13432 (Europe): standard for compostable packaging
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ASTM D6400 (North America): compostability standard
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OK Compost: independent certification
These labels guarantee that our capsules completely decompose in certified industrial composting facilities, without leaving toxic residues or microplastics.
Specialty coffee in capsules: zero compromise on quality
A persistent prejudice in the coffee world is that capsules necessarily contain inferior quality coffee. At 94 Celcius, we categorically break this myth.
The same exceptional coffee, different format
Our biodegradable coffee capsules contain exactly the same specialty coffee that we offer in beans or ground. No compromise, no "degraded" version. Each capsule is filled with carefully selected beans, precisely roasted in Montreal, and ground to the ideal granulometry for Nespresso® machine extraction.
Montreal artisan roasting
Our roasting approach combines scientific rigor and artisanal know-how. Founded by Marc-Alexandre Emond-Boisjoly, whose training in biochemistry and pharmacology informs every roasting decision, 94 Celcius applies a precise methodology to reveal the best of each origin.
Our capsules reflect this exacting standard:
Distinct aromatic profiles: Depending on the chosen coffee, you'll discover notes of enveloping dark chocolate, vibrant red fruits, smooth caramel, or delicate honey.
Adapted roasting: Each origin is roasted according to its optimal profile, neither too light (excessive acidity), nor too dark (bitterness). Our signature #NeverBitterAlwaysFair applies as much to capsules as to beans.
Guaranteed freshness: Thanks to nitrogen vacuum sealing technology, aromas remain intact until capsule opening. No stale coffee, no premature oxidation.
Ethical and transparent sourcing
Like all our coffees, those contained in our compostable capsules come from producers with whom we maintain direct and fair relationships. Each capsule tells the story of a terroir, a know-how, a fairly compensated producing community.
You drink your espresso knowing exactly where the coffee comes from, who grew it, and that your purchase supports a sustainable agricultural model.
The in-cup experience that makes the difference
A blind test of 94 Celcius capsules against conventional capsules systematically reveals:
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More aromatic complexity: subtle notes are preserved
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Less bitterness: bean quality and roasting precision
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Richer crema: optimal extraction at 19 bars
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Persistence in mouth: aromas remain long after the sip
For demanding enthusiasts who want to understand how to extract the best from their coffee, our article on how to make good coffee deepens optimal extraction principles.
How to use and dispose of biodegradable capsules
Using our capsules is as simple as with any Nespresso® capsule, but their responsible disposal requires some important clarification.
Use: maximum daily simplicity
Insert the capsule into your Nespresso® OriginalLine® machine as usual
Select your volume (short espresso, lungo, according to your preference)
Start extraction, ²the machine perforates and infuses automatically
Enjoy your exceptional espresso with a clear conscience
No difference in use. The capsule inserts, extracts, and ejects exactly like a conventional capsule.
Responsible disposal: composting options
Option 1: Industrial composting (recommended)
Our capsules are certified for industrial composting, where controlled conditions (high temperature, humidity, oxygenation) allow complete decomposition in 90 days.
In Montreal and several Quebec municipalities, you can dispose of capsules in your municipal brown composting bin. Check with your municipality if certified compostable capsules are accepted in your organic waste collection program.
Option 2: Home composting (with precautions)
Although our capsules are compostable, home composting rarely offers optimal conditions (temperature, duration) for rapid complete decomposition. If you have an active and well-managed home composter, capsules will eventually decompose, but it will take longer (6-12 months).
Tip: Open the capsule and empty the coffee grounds directly into your compost (excellent nitrogen-rich fertilizer). Then add the empty capsule, which will decompose more quickly.
Option 3: Regular garbage (as last resort)
If no composting option is available, our capsules end up in regular waste. Even in a landfill, they decompose significantly faster than aluminum or plastic (a few years vs. several centuries), although this is not the optimal option.
Coffee grounds: a precious by-product to valorize
Never underestimate the value of coffee grounds. Rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, it's an excellent amendment for:
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Enriching home compost
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Fertilizing acid-loving plants (roses, hydrangeas, blueberries)
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Repelling certain harmful garden insects
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Neutralizing odors (fridge, shoes)
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Exfoliating skin (body scrubs)
Opening your capsules after use to recover the grounds maximizes responsible use of each component.
Advantages for Montreal consumers
Montreal positions itself as one of North America's most progressive cities environmentally. Biodegradable coffee capsules fit perfectly into this collective commitment.
Compatibility with municipal composting system
The City of Montreal and several surrounding municipalities have implemented organic waste collection programs via brown bins. These programs generally accept certified compostable products according to recognized standards (EN 13432, ASTM D6400).
Check with your borough, but in most cases, our 94 Celcius capsules can join your food waste and be transformed into quality compost redistributed in city parks and green spaces.
Support for local and Quebec economy
By choosing our biodegradable coffee capsules Montreal, you support:
A Montreal roaster: 94 Celcius has been based in the metropolitan region since 2017. Your purchase supports local employment and Quebec expertise.
A short supply chain: Roasting, capsule filling, and distribution occur locally, reducing transport carbon footprint.
Canadian innovation: By choosing products developed and manufactured according to high environmental standards, you encourage other companies to follow this path.
Alignment with Quebec values
Quebec consistently displays the highest environmental concern rates in Canada. Montrealers particularly seek options that respect their values without sacrificing modern urban lifestyle.
Biodegradable capsules embody this balance: the convenience of a Nespresso®-compatible capsule, the quality of artisanal specialty coffee, and the clear conscience of an ecologically responsible choice.
Easy access and fast delivery
Our capsules are available directly on our online shop with fast delivery throughout Quebec. Several subscription options allow you to receive your favorite capsules automatically with a 5% discount, guaranteeing never running out of coffee while simplifying your life.
Switch to biodegradable coffee capsules today
The transition to more responsible coffee consumption has never been easier. With 94 Celcius biodegradable Nespresso coffee capsules, you sacrifice nothing: neither convenience, nor quality, nor the pleasure of your morning ritual.
Each capsule you choose is a vote for:
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A more sustainable and respectful coffee industry
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Support for fairly compensated producers
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Reduction of plastic and metal waste
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Montreal local innovation
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A future where quality and responsibility naturally coexist
Discover our complete range
Discover our complete range of compostable capsules and explore the different available aromatic profiles. From balanced blends to bold single origins, there's a 94 Celcius capsule for every palate.
To go further in your specialty coffee exploration, consult our guide to coffee-producing countries to understand how terroir influences each cup.
Order your biodegradable capsules today and transform your coffee ritual into a positive environmental gesture.
Frequently asked questions
Do 94 Celcius biodegradable capsules really work with my Nespresso® machine?
Yes, absolutely. Our capsules are specifically designed to be 100% compatible with all Nespresso® OriginalLine® machines. They have the same dimensions, insert the same way, and allow extraction at 19 bars producing smooth crema identical to conventional capsules. No modification to your machine is necessary. Thousands of Montreal and Quebec customers use our capsules daily with complete satisfaction. Note that our capsules are not compatible with VertuoLine machines which use a different system.
What's the real difference between biodegradable and compostable?
This distinction is crucial. Biodegradable means a product naturally decomposes through microorganism action, but without guarantee of timeframe or residue. A material can be qualified as biodegradable if it degrades 90% in 6 months. Compostable is a stricter standard: the product must completely decompose in less than 3 months under composting conditions, without leaving toxic residues or microplastics. All compostable products are biodegradable, but the reverse isn't true. Our 94 Celcius capsules are certified compostable according to EN 13432 and ASTM D6400 standards, the most demanding standard.
Can I put biodegradable capsules in my brown bin in Montreal?
In most cases, yes. The City of Montreal and several metropolitan area municipalities accept certified compostable products in their organic waste collection programs (brown bin). Our capsules meeting recognized certifications (EN 13432, ASTM D6400), they are generally accepted. However, regulations may vary slightly by borough. We recommend checking with your municipality or consulting their website to confirm that "certified compostable coffee capsules" are accepted in your local composting program.
Is coffee in biodegradable capsules of lower quality?
Absolutely not. This is a persistent but totally false prejudice in our case. 94 Celcius capsules contain exactly the same specialty coffee that we offer in beans: carefully selected coffees, artisanally roasted in Montreal according to our rigorous approach, and from fairly compensated producers. Nitrogen vacuum sealing technology preserves all freshness and aromatic complexity for 12 months. Our customers systematically report that our capsules offer a superior taste experience to conventional capsules, with more nuances, less bitterness, and richer crema. Quality is our signature #NeverBitterAlwaysFair.
How long do biodegradable capsules take to decompose?
This depends on the decomposition environment. In industrial composting (the optimal method), our capsules completely decompose in 90 days according to certification standards. In a well-managed home composter, the process generally takes 6 to 12 months, as conditions (temperature, humidity) are less controlled. Even in a landfill (non-ideal scenario), they degrade in a few years compared to the 200-500 years needed for aluminum or plastic. To maximize efficiency, we recommend opening the capsule after use, recovering the coffee grounds for your compost or garden, then adding the empty capsule which will decompose more quickly.
Are biodegradable capsules more expensive than regular capsules?
Biodegradable capsules generally have a slightly higher cost than low-end plastic capsules, but comparable or lower than premium brand capsules. At 94 Celcius, the price reflects several factors: the exceptional quality of specialty coffee (inherently higher cost than commercial coffee), advanced preservation technology (nitrogen vacuum sealing), certified compostable materials (more expensive than conventional plastic), and our ethical sourcing commitment. Also consider that our subscriptions offer 5% discount, and that the real environmental cost of conventional capsules (pollution, waste management) is never reflected in their price. You pay for premium quality AND a clear conscience.
Can biodegradable capsules be recycled in addition to being composted?
Biodegradable capsules are designed for composting, which is their optimal end-of-life, rather than conventional recycling (paper, plastic, metal). They should not be placed in traditional blue recycling bins, as they would contaminate recycling streams. Their appropriate destination is industrial composting (brown bin) where they transform into organic amendment beneficial to soils. This is a form of "natural recycling" where matter returns to the biological cycle rather than the industrial cycle. This approach is actually superior to mechanical recycling, as it doesn't require energy-costly processes and produces a result directly useful for earth.
Do biodegradable capsules really preserve coffee freshness?
Yes, thanks to our vacuum sealing with nitrogen injection technology. This sophisticated method eliminates oxygen (responsible for oxidation and aroma loss) and replaces it with inert nitrogen. The result is guaranteed freshness up to 12 months after production, comparable and even superior to many aluminum capsules. Essential oils and volatile aromatic compounds in coffee remain intact until you pierce the capsule for extraction. Many customers report that the aroma escaping when opening the capsule box testifies to this exceptional freshness. To learn more about freshness importance, consult our article on ground coffee or whole beans.