Rio Tinto and Nespresso combine to produce world first responsibly sourced aluminium coffee capsule

One of the world’s leading aluminium producers will implement the first responsibly sourced aluminium in coffee capsules.

In a partnership with leading coffee retailer Nespresso, Rio Tinto will supply responsibly sourced aluminium to produce the worlds first responsibly sourced aluminium coffee capsules.

Both companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate with Nespresso’s capsule manufacturers to fulfil a commitment of sourcing 100% sustainable aluminium by 2020.

Rio Tinto will supply Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Certified Aluminium, which through a Chain of Custody Standard traceability mechanism, provides complete transparency across the entire value chain so that customers can be assure that the aluminium has been manufactured by ASI-Certified producers.

The Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) is a global, multi-stakeholder, non-profit standards setting and certification organisation. It works toward responsible production, sourcing and stewardship of aluminium following an entire value chain approach.

Rio Tinto and Nespresso look forward to other producers and end-users embracing ASI Certified aluminium to meet the demand from consumers for more sustainable supply chains.

Rio Tinto Aluminium chief executive Alf Barrios said “This as an important step towards the use of responsibly sourced aluminium across manufacturing industries, which Rio Tinto is the first to supply. We expect the demand from consumers for sustainable products to continue growing and Nespresso drinkers can have confidence the aluminium we supply for their capsules meets the highest international standards.”

Nespresso chief executive officer Jean-Marc Duvoisin said: “Nespresso is proud to have been a driving force in creating and implementing the ASI. Together we have made responsibly-sourced aluminium a reality, and the ASI traceability mechanism will enable us to meet our commitment to customers to reduce the impact of their consumption. This is a positive step towards creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.”

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ASI chief executive officer Fiona Solomon said “Aluminium is a key part of our daily lives: from cars and planes to cell phones, buildings and food packaging. Until now, there has never been a comprehensive global standard for its responsible sourcing and production. Now companies in the aluminium value chain who wish to demonstrate responsible practices can take the ASI standards forward to their customers, who can, in turn, be confident that this represents the highest environmental, social and governance standards.”