Smile Beverage Werks unveils compostable coffee pods for private brands

Smile Beverage Werks, a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation, has introduced commercially sustainable compostable coffee pods that can be used for retailer private brands. The pods are compatible with Keurig machines and are more eco-friendly than traditional, single-serve plastic and aluminum pods, according to the company.

The Darien, Conn.-based company’s pods are carbon neutral and made from renewable plant-based materials, making them commercially compostable, and the product carries a full-year shelf life.

“Single-serve coffee is hugely popular but creates burdensome waste to our environment. It's now super simple for any consumer or private label brand to have a compostable pod and start being more environmentally sustainable,” said Michael Sands, co-founder of Smile Coffee Werks.

The pods launch in three flavors: High Country, a 100% Colombian RFA coffee; Workday, a smooth-drinking, single-origin, medium-roast coffee; and Woke Up, a 100% Arabica bean, bold, velvety and full-bodied dark roast. 

With the pods, there are no grounds to clean and no lid separation required. Smile Beverage Werks makes the pods compatible with both Keurig K-cup brewers and also Nespresso coffee makers. The pods launch in 12-, 24- and 72-count cartons.

All of the coffee is responsibly sourced through Rainforest Alliance certified farms.