Burlington-Based Keurig Introduces Sustainable, Plastic-Free Pods

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington-based beverage producer Keurig Dr. Pepper is introducing a new way to make coffee with its K-Rounds. These are plastic-free pods wrapped in a protective plant-based coating to preserve the coffee's flavor and aroma, according to a company statement.

The release of K-Rounds comes after years of criticism regarding the environmental impact of Keurig's traditional plastic pods. The pods have also lost points with coffee drinkers due to the grounds inside becoming stale.

K-Rounds appear substantively different than their traditional pod counterparts. Instead of small plastic cups with an aluminum tab at the top, they're little discs of coffee held together by seaweed, Wired reported. They'll biodegrade in a landfill or compost bin just like coffee grounds would.

But there is a catch: to use these new rounds, you'll need a new machine. K-Rounds will only work with the new Keurig Alta brewer.

The Alta brewer comes with some advantages for coffee drinkers. It will allow for brewing for high-pressure, espresso-based drinks and for cold or hot drip coffee, according to CNET. The K-Rounds will come in different sizes for specific types of coffee beverages.

Keurig could introduce a beta test of the new brewer and pods as early as fall 2024. The official launch likely won't be until next year.

"Thirty years ago, Keurig changed the way consumers brewed coffee, with the introduction of the K-Cup pod single serve coffee system," Keurig Chairman and CEO Bob Gamgort said in a statement. "Today, we are applying all our expertise to create a revolutionary new system that will redefine how consumers will brew coffee for decades to come."

Pricing has not been released for the Alta brewer or for K-Rounds, but CNET reported they will be "sold at a premium" when they hit the market.