Nescafé Dolce Gusto has launched a new at-home coffee machine, Neo.

The coffee pods for the Neo system are paper-based, home-compostable and use 70% less packaging. Through the use of technology, Neo aims to replicate the “coffee shop at home” experience. 

Its SmartBrew technology combines three brewing methods to create espressos, coffeeshop-like americanos and drip-style coffees, in one single machine, at the touch of a button. Neo automatically recognises the pod, adapting the brewing method to each seleced coffee.

David Rennie, head of Nestlé coffee brands, said: “Nestlé is a relentless innovator in the coffee category. We are continuously looking to bring consumers new experiences, variety and quality in their coffee, in a sustainable way. With Nescafé Dolce Gusto Neo, we have created the perfect combination of a great coffee experience, new coffee system and packaging, all in one.”

The new pods are made from 1g of paper certified by Forest Stewardship Council suppliers with a compostable biopolymer lining to help protect the coffee freshness from oxidation.

Julia Lauricella, head of Global R&D Center for systems and coffee machines, said: “Whenever we develop a new system, we need to harmonize its three key elements for the perfect in-cup result: the product, its packaging and the machine”.

She continued: “We carefully selec the coffee, and together with the Nestlé Institute of Packaging Sciences, choose and design the packaging to protect it, and develop the machine to ensure the perfect synergy during extraction.

“For Neo, our teams tested over 200 novel material structures before perfecting the paper-based pod. Our proprietary SmartBrew system tunes the extraction parameters for each beverage, and you can even personalize your cup through the connected application.”

Neo will launch in Brazil this year and plans to roll out into other countries over time.