Compostable Coffee Capsules according to EN 13432
A compostable product is one that can be degraded biologically with other organic waste in individual or industrial compost, without release of toxic products, but leave nutrients for new crops.
EN13432 standard, a harmonized European standard published in 2000, defines and frames the characteristics of packaging and recyclable products through biodegradation and composting. The requirements of the EN13432 standard for biodegradable and compostable products are mainly reflected in four aspects:
- Biodegradation: 90% biodegradation in less than two months to be achieved
- Disintegration: fragmentation and complete loss of visibility in the final compost
- Composition: A maximum rate defined volatile solids, heavy metals must be respected
- Ecotoxicity: The quality of the compost should not be changed and the residue should not be toxic to the environment.
Origin
MEXICAN Fairtrade Organic HG UPCTIZ
Coffee is the life blood of Oaxaca, and for the past several years the Unión de Productores Campesinos Tierra Indígena Zapoteca (UPCTIZ co-op for short) has been focused on improving quality through better picking, better processing and better drying—in turn receiving better pricing. They’ve even started a small scale honey bee program to boost pollination for the new saplings. These are all small farmers whose plots are tucked away into unassuming nooks and hillside pitches throughout the landscape, hidden from the major roadways.
The co-op was initially formed by a majority of Oaxacan farmers who decided to band together in order to acquire Fair Trade/Organic certification and produce a Fair Trade Organic Mexico Oaxaca coffee crop.
UPCTIZ represents several generations of proud growers from 13 different villages that have worked the same land for decades. The co-op headquarters is located in nearby San Miguel, where it maintains an arabica greenhouse and provides a number of benefits and services to its members.