M·VERA GP1065 is a newly developed specialised biocompound for coffee capsules from Bio-Fed, a branch of Akro-Plastic GmbH. Compared with the material previously used by the company for this application, the compound provides a significantly improved oxygen barrier while being home-compostable and over 98% bio-based. The material has been tailored to protect the delicate aroma of coffee and to extend the shelf life of capsule-packed coffee, without requiring changes to existing injection moulding equipment. According to the supplier, the combination of enhanced barrier performance, efficient processing and a high bio-based content is intended to support a bio-circular approach to substituting fossil raw materials in this packaging segment.
Barrier properties and food contact compliance
The key functional property of M·VERA GP1065 is its markedly enhanced oxygen barrier. The compound exhibits considerably lower oxygen permeability than the previously developed material for coffee capsule applications from the same supplier. This improved barrier performance is designed to better protect coffee from oxidation, helping to maintain aroma and flavour stability over time.
The biocompound is suitable for food contact applications. Its food compliance has been confirmed in accordance with EU Regulation 10/2011 and by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The base colour of the material is described as translucent beige, and it can be adjusted to meet specific colour requirements depending on the capsule design and brand specifications.
Processing on standard injection moulding equipment
From a processing perspective, the bioplastic is intended to be compatible with conventional injection moulding machines used for capsule production. The material is reported to offer excellent flow and processing properties, which enable short cycle times and high process stability in serial production. These characteristics are important for maintaining productivity when switching from conventional fossil-based polymers to biobased alternatives.
An additional processing advantage of M·VERA GP1065 is its high heat resistance of over 110 °C. This level of heat resistance eliminates the need for tempering the capsules after moulding. Skipping this step can reduce both processing time and energy consumption, which in turn may have a positive impact on production costs. The compound also provides a combination of high rigidity and toughness in the finished capsules. According to the supplier, this balance of mechanical properties ensures reliable operation in standard capsule machines during filling and brewing.
Sustainability profile and end-of-life options
A central aspect of the material concept is its sustainability profile. M·VERA GP1065 is described as home-compostable, and the company is seeking OK compost HOME certification. Home-compostability is intended to allow end users to dispose of used capsules in domestic composting systems. In this scenario, coffee grounds remain inside the capsule and can contribute their natural fertilising properties to the biological cycle during composting.
The compound has a bio-based content of over 98%. This high share of renewable raw materials reduces the partial carbon footprint compared with fossil-based plastics used in similar applications, according to the supplier. By relying largely on bio-based feedstocks, the material is positioned within a bio-circular approach that aims at the substitution of fossil raw materials. The company emphasises that this shift is achieved without compromising processing performance on standard equipment or the functional requirements of the application, such as barrier properties and mechanical strength.
Colourability and design flexibility
The translucent beige base colour of M·VERA GP1065 can be modified to meet specific colour and design requirements for coffee capsules. In combination with suitable biodegradable colour masterbatches, brand owners can adjust capsule appearance while maintaining the overall compostability and bio-based character of the packaging system.
Home compostable coffee capsules made from M·VERA GP1065, coloured with biodegradable AF-Eco masterbatches (Photot: BIO-FED, a subsidiary of Akro-Plastic GmbH).
