Swiss retailer rolls out 'coffee balls' to replace plastic capsules

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This photograph taken on Sept. 6, 2022, shows new coffee pods on the top of a new coffee machine system during a press conference by Switzerland's largest retailer Migros in Zurich, to announce the launching of a coffee pod only surrounded by a biode

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BERLIN - Swiss retailer Migros said Tuesday that it is launching a coffee-making system designed to replace capsules that produce thousands of tons of waste worldwide each year.

The cooperative said its spherical capsules — described as "coffee balls" — are fully compostable, unlike the plastic and aluminum containers popularized by its rival Nestle under the brand Nespresso 36 years ago.

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A picture taken on Sept. 6, 2022, in Zurich shows new coffee pods on the top of a new coffee machine system during a press conference by Switzerland's largest retailer Migros to announce the launching of a coffee pod only surrounded by a biodegradable membrane, aiming to compete with Nestle's Nespresso system without metal or plastic capsules. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

Migros said its coffee balls are encased in a thin, flavorless, seaweed-based cover that can be discarded with the spent coffee after use.

Scientists say coffee might be good for your bones

A recent study shows there may be a positive link between coffee consumption and bone health.

The company said the CoffeeB system, which also features a special coffeemaker, will be rolled out first in Switzerland and France this year, followed by Germany in 2023.

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