Nespresso is one for the environment. Sure, they might pump what could very well amount to over millions of aluminium coffee pods a year, but not only are they not that bad for the environment, but they’ve proved time and time again, the little pods can actually be turned into so many other things.
The latest instalment is in the form of partnership with Swedish pushbike manufacturer, Vélosophy, putting what even the designer and founder Jimmy Östholm himself says, is the most stylish bike yet.
“We created Vélosophy with a clear purpose –to have a positive impact on the world. I see in Nespresso a strong commitment to sustainability, which is why this has been the dream partnership. We are proud to have co-created a bike that takes on the future. It is beautifully designed, responsibly sourced and sustainably produced,” he said.
Taking that typically Scandiavian aesthetic of cleanliness, lightness, quality and durability through dynamic design, the new Vélosophy rides take recycled aluminium from Nespresso pods and use them for the frames of the bikes.
Aluminium can be recycled infinitely, meaning that though Nespresso pods might seem to have met the end of their lifespan through making it to a bike’s frame, they can be taken down and reused again at the end of the bike’s life. This all basically amounts to this collaboration as being one of the most sustainable the coffee giant has embarked on yet.
The bike’s called RE:CYCLE (obviously) and even includes a capsule-shaped bell and cup-holder basket, allowing the cyclist a chance to enjoy their favourite drink on the go. And if that’s not enough, for each bike bought or leased, Velosophy will give a bike to an African schoolgirl to improve her access to education. Bicycles are one of the single most important factors in giving schoolgirls access to education. When girls have their own bikes, their attendance increases by 30% and grades increase by close to 60%**.” (** World Bike Relief Research).
It’s all apart of Nespresso’s mission to make the world and its people better educated about the environmental and sociological impact they have, “Through our collaboration, we’re illustrating to coffee lovers the potential of recycling aluminium Nespresso capsules. We hope it inspires more recycling, to give every aluminium coffeecapsule a second life,” said Jeff Wong, Nespresso’s marketing manager.
1,000 bikes will be available from 12 August exclusively from Vélosophy website priced at RRP €1,290 or 13,600 SEK.