INNOVATIVE compostable coffee pods from a multi-award-winning pioneering company are helping to save the planet one brew at a time.
Penningtons corn starch coffee capsules are being snapped up by environmentally-aware hotel owners in the English Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As consumers look for alternatives to aluminium and plastic, Penningtons eco-friendly coffee pods are also proving popular with the public through the company’s online shop.
Once used, the 100 per cent compostable pods fully biodegrade in as little as 12 weeks, an ethical approach which is resonating with businesses, hotel owners and the public alike.
At Penningtons HQ and roastery at Kendal, everything is powered by renewable energy and every effort is made to ensure the family business’ processes are as waste-free as possible.
Gina Pennington, a director of Penningtons, said when they formed the company in 2018 a top priority was to make sure their products were eco-friendly.
Gina said: “In the world we are living in today, it is more important than ever to respect nature and give it the love and nurture it deserves. So we work hard to make a positive difference through our own processes and actions, but also through the products we create and sell.
“Along with our compostable coffee pods, our tea bag boxes and wrappers are 100 per cent recyclable too.
“We are finding that businesses are becoming more discerning in choosing who they want to endorse and stock.
“There has been a step change in recent years and many companies are moving towards operating in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way.
“Certainly that is the case in the hospitality business and we are delighted that our coffee pods are enabling hotels and B&Bs to move towards a greener future.”
It is estimated that billions of plastic coffee capsules go to landfill across the world every year, with standard capsules taking up to 500 years to biodegrade.
Since being launched at the beginning of the year, Penningtons compostable coffee capsules have become a feature at a host of prestigious hotels.
Among some of the Lake District venues using the pods are The Cragwood Country House Hotel in Windermere, Lindeth Howe Hotel in Bowness and the Victorian House Hotel in Grasmere.
Joe Cobb, Executive Commercial Manager at Lake District Country Hotels, which owns Cragwood Country House Hotel, Merewood Country House Hotel and Briery Wood Country House Hotel, all in Windermere, is full of praise for Penningtons environmentally-friendly approach.
Joe said: “At Lake District Country Hotels we have plenty of initiatives to support the environment, from supporting local conservation charities such as the Lake District Foundation to rearing our own cattle.
“That is why when we heard that Penningtons had introduced 100 per cent compostable coffee capsules we were keen to work with them.
“Our guests have commented on them being a fantastic initiative with a lovely taste.
“Working with a local company where customer care is as good as the coffee makes Penningtons a real ‘win, win’.”
Using Penningtons compostable pods also helps hotels to achieve The Green Key Award, the leading standard of excellence for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation in the tourism sector.
The prestigious eco-label not only holds businesses to account, in that they must adhere to the strict criteria set by the Foundation for Environmental Education, but it is also a promise to guests that where they are staying is helping to make a difference to the environment.
