Coffee Makers Go Plastic-Free as Microplastics Worries Grow

Keurig launched the Alta system with compostable AltaRounds pods in October, priced at $499 with glassware, while Lavazza introduced the Tablì machine in June at $129 featuring compressed ground coffee tablets. Caraway released a $495 machine made entirely of stainless steel and glass, eliminating plastic from the brew path.

A 2025 poll found nine in 10 Americans worry about microplastics’ effects on health and the environment, driving consumer preference for plastic-free alternatives. Research has documented that coffee pods shed microplastics. Keurig faced pressure after settling a 2022 lawsuit for $10 million over claims it misled consumers about K-Cups’ recyclability.

All three products sold out rapidly following release. Environmental advocates acknowledge that Lavazza and Keurig’s machines still use plastic packaging that becomes waste, while strong demand signals the industry is shifting toward plastic-free options.