FAQs STASCAFE

COMPATIBILITY

Can the capsules be used in all Nespresso machines?
Yes, they can, with the exception of built-in kitchen machines with an automatic capsule carousel system.

Could I break my machine if I use STASCAFE capsules?
No, that's not possible. In contrast to many plastic and aluminium copies, almost all of which leak into your capsule tray, or blunten or break your machine's blades, STASCAFE uses a capsule that it has developed itself and that works perfectly.  We can guarantee you many years of problem-free STASCAFE capsule use.

Can the same taste and froth be achieved using the STASCAFE capsule?
Yes, the taste is great and the froth is full and creamy; prepare to be surprised.

Why should I choose STASCAFE?
STASCAFE is the only company in the world that makes a biodegradable Nespresso capsule that performs just as well as the Nespresso itself.  The STASCAFE capsule features a special biological membrane that creates the pressure build-up and "plop" that you would expect from an aluminium membrane. This bio-membrane does not rip and maintains the pressure on the content of the capsule. The froth is creamy and soft too.

We always use fair trade coffee, because we want to do business fairly and honestly and treat the coffee farmers well.

WASTE AND RECYCLING

Why are the 10 capsules supplied in plastic packaging? Is this really necessary?
Unfortunately, this is the only type of packaging that guarantees that the coffee will retain its original taste and freshness. At the current time, no-one is producing compostable packaging that can offer the same benefits. Don’t worry though: we are working hard to change this situation.

Are the capsule and the round seal on the capsule made of plastic?
Yes, but not ordinary plastic. Both are made from so-called bio-plastic. This is an industrial compostable material that is produced from waste residue from corn, potato and sugar cane. The material is tasteless and odourless and is degraded in the composting bins of a processing plant.

Can I dispose of used capsules in my garden too? Will they degrade if I do?
We advise you not to do this. The capsules will take a long time to degrade in a garden. They need a specific heating temperature to be able to degrade quickly. Unfortunately, this is only possible to achieve in organic- waste processing plant or in large compost heaps. Capsules take a maximum of just 60 to 90 days to degrade into compost in a plant or large compost heap.
Can I dispose of the compostable capsules with my residual waste?
You can; that's not a problem at all. In the incinerator (where your domestic waste ends up), the capsules will produce far less greenhouse gas than plastic capsules would, for example. CO2 emissions are extremely low too.

Is there anything else I can do with capsules once I've used them?
Yes, dry capsules burn well in wood burners and on open fires. You can use them in a barbecue too. Or on a camp fire.

Which material are the capsules made from?
The capsule is made from bio-plastic, a material produced from the waste left when processing potatoes, corn, sugar cane and sugar beets. This material of the future is also tasteless and odourless and compostable too, of course.
What do I do with the used capsules?
You can dispose of used capsules with your organic waste. Before composting capsules, please confirm that your local agencies are in compliance with standard ASTM 6400, EN 13432.
Capsules can also be disposed of with your residual waste. Your rubbish collector will incinerate almost all of this type of waste. Capsules disposed of in this way do not generate any poison gas, in contrast to plastic or aluminium capsules.

Can I return my aluminium capsules too? They'll be recycled then, won't they?
That's right, but this does involve an extensive treatment process that isn't environmentally neutral. Used aluminium capsules have to be collected, transported processed. Next, the coffee has to be removed and the aluminium separated and crushed. The scrap bales then have to be transported and melted down and the new aluminium has to be rolled and lacquered again too. Added to this, the uppermost membrane (the thin section that springs open) has to have a heat-seal layer of glue added to it. Let’s not forget that it has to be refilled with coffee too. Added to the above, Nespresso® decided to add a thin silicon lip to the collar of the flange some years ago. The capsule also features a plastic piece of film that holds the water back after use.
Finally, we have not had any reports that tell us how many people are actually using this recycling system; this is estimated at a maximum of 10% of users.

DAY-TO-DAY USE

Why does the capsule become soft as soon as the brewing process starts?
Compostable bio-plastic has a far lower melting point, because of which heat makes it softer faster.

SOLVING PROBLEMS

What should I do if a capsule doesn't drop through after use?
Push it through by hand if this happens. Be careful though: the capsule will be soft and hot just after use.

My espresso is weak. Why is that?
The capsule packaging has been open too long. Make sure that you use your STASCAFE capsules within 14-30 days of opening the packaging.