PHA Coffee Capsules — Compostable Single-Serve Coffee Pods
Single-serve coffee capsules molded from 100% PHA, developed as a compostable replacement for aluminum and plastic pods. PHA provides a natural oxygen and moisture barrier that protects ground coffee aroma during shelf life without a metallized laminate, and the material tolerates the high temperatures of espresso extraction. Capsules are home compostable and marine biodegradable, and are dimensionally compatible with Nespresso-format machines and standard single-serve brewers.
Key Benefits
- Home compostable — the whole capsule goes into the compost bin, grounds and shell together
- Marine biodegradable, certified to break down in seawater without microplastic residues
- Natural oxygen and moisture barrier retains volatile aroma compounds during shelf life
- High-heat tolerance suitable for espresso extraction at 9 bar
Technical Specifications
| Material | 100% PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), injection molded |
| Format | Nespresso-compatible, standard single-serve brewer format |
| Capacity | 5.0-7.5 g ground coffee (customizable) |
| OxygenBarrier | Natural OTR barrier preserves aroma without metallized film |
| MoistureBarrier | Low WVTR, protects grounds during storage |
| HeatResistance | Withstands espresso extraction temperature and pressure |
| Sealing | PHA-compatible lidding film, heat sealed |
| Certifications | TÜV OK Compost HOME, BPI, OK biodegradable MARINE, FDA 21 CFR, EU 10/2011 |
| MOQ | 500 kg |
| LeadTime | 15-25 days |
| ShelfLife | 12+ months for filled capsules in proper storage |
PHA vs Aluminum vs Plastic Coffee Capsules
| Property | PHA Capsules | Aluminum Capsules | Plastic (PP/PS) Capsules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home compostable | Yes | No | No |
| Marine biodegradable | Yes | No | No |
| Oxygen barrier | Natural polymer barrier | Excellent | Poor, needs laminate |
| Recyclability | Compostable, no sorting needed | Recyclable but rarely collected | Mixed material, low recovery |
| Heat tolerance at extraction | Suitable for espresso | Suitable | Suitable |
| Feedstock | Bacterial fermentation, renewable | Bauxite mining | Fossil fuel |
Ordering Information
- Bulk wholesale pricing with volume tiers from 500 kg
- Custom branding: logo embossing, flexographic printing up to 6 colors, private-label packaging
- Free samples for qualified business inquiries, shipped within 3-5 business days
- Standard lead time 15-25 days after order confirmation
- Custom OEM/ODM development cycle 25-35 days
- Export documentation: COA, MSDS, certification copies, customs paperwork
Request a Quotation
Send your specification sheet, target quantity, and delivery port to receive a quotation within 24 hours.
Send InquiryProcessing Capability & Customization
Unlike suppliers who buy resin externally, we control every stage - delivering superior quality at 25% lower cost with faster innovation cycles
Custom Formulation
MFI optimization (0.5-50 g/10min), PHA/PLA ratio tuning, additive packages for your specific application requirements
4 Processing Technologies
Injection molding (50-500g), Blow molding (50ml-20L), Film extrusion (10-100 micron), Thermoforming - one-stop manufacturing
Certification Support
Complete documentation: TÜV Austria OK Compost HOME/INDUSTRIAL, BPI, DIN CERTCO, FDA, EU 10/2011 compliance reports
OEM/ODM Services
Custom dimensions, colors, packaging, branding. Trial orders from 100kg. Development cycle: 2-4 weeks for standard modifications
Technical Parameters We Can Customize
Features & Advantages
- Home compostable — the whole capsule goes into the compost bin, grounds and shell together
- Marine biodegradable, certified to break down in seawater without microplastic residues
- Natural oxygen and moisture barrier retains volatile aroma compounds during shelf life
- High-heat tolerance suitable for espresso extraction at 9 bar
- Nespresso-format and standard single-serve brewer compatibility
- No aluminum layer, so no mixed-material recycling problem
- PFAS-free and free of fluorinated release agents
- Custom capsule color, printed shell, and private-label filling available
Applications
- Specialty coffee roasters launching a compostable single-serve line
- Hotel and hospitality in-room coffee programs
- Office coffee service and workplace catering
- Subscription coffee brands and direct-to-consumer roasters
- Airline and cruise ship cabin coffee service
- Retail private-label coffee capsule programs
- Eco-positioned cafe chains replacing aluminum pods
Frequently Asked Questions About PHA Coffee Capsules
What is PHA Coffee Capsules made of?
PHA Coffee Capsules is made from 100% PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), a bio-based polyester produced by bacterial fermentation of renewable feedstock. Unlike petroleum-based plastics, PHA is derived from non-food plant sugars using Chinese indigenous bacterial strains. The material is certified by BPI, TUV Austria (OK Compost HOME, OK Compost MARINE), and DIN CERTCO for complete biodegradation in ocean, soil, home compost, and industrial compost environments.
How long does PHA Coffee Capsules take to biodegrade?
PHA Coffee Capsules biodegrades completely within 6-18 months in home compost. In industrial composting facilities (58°C+), degradation occurs in 3-6 months. In marine environments, complete biodegradation takes 1-3 years. The process produces only CO2, water, and biomass — no microplastics or toxic residues remain.
What certifications does PHA Coffee Capsules hold?
PHA Coffee Capsules holds TÜV OK Compost HOME, BPI, OK biodegradable MARINE, FDA 21 CFR, EU 10/2011. These certifications verify that the product meets international standards for biodegradability, compostability, and food contact safety. PHApack products are tested per EN 13432, ASTM D6400, ISO 14855, and ASTM D6691 standards by independent laboratories.
What is the minimum order quantity and lead time?
The standard MOQ for PHA Coffee Capsules is 500 kg. Lead time is typically 15-25 days after order confirmation. For custom OEM orders with specific dimensions, colors, or branded printing, lead time may extend to 25-35 days. Trial orders from 100kg are available for evaluation.
Can PHA Coffee Capsules be customized with our brand logo?
Yes, PHApack provides full OEM/ODM services for PHA Coffee Capsules. Customization options include custom dimensions, colors, flexographic printing up to 6 colors, private label packaging, and branded embossing. Our R&D team can also develop custom PHA formulations tailored to your specific application requirements, including MFI optimization and additive packages.
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Get technical consultation, request free samples, or discuss custom formulations for your specific application.Trial orders from 100kg, delivery in 15-25 days.