Geneva start-up Miloo collaborates with Nespresso: E-bike made from coffee capsules will be available soon

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Disposal of coffee capsules with household waste is far from sustainable. Coffee pod giant Nespresso recognized this early and has been offering a variety of recycling options for small aluminum containers since 1991. Today, according to the Nestlé subsidiary, 72 percent of all aluminum capsules it sells are recycled.

Geneva SME Miloo wants to use some of the Nespresso aluminum for e-bike models called “Beast” from spring 2024. For this purpose, the company founded by Anna Bory (40) and Daniel van den Berg (32) entered into a partnership with Nespresso. Specifically, metal prepared from the capsules will be used for frames and rims, but initially only in limited quantities.

87 percent less CO₂

The ecological balance of electric bikes, referred to as the “SUV among e-bikes”, can of course be improved: after all, they are two-wheeled vehicles with wide tires, powerful electric motors and large batteries that are intended to replace cars. , weighing at least 35 kilograms (click here for the test: This beast is the SUV among e-bikes). So how many capsules will there actually be in e-bikes designed with Nespresso? “We can’t say exactly how many are needed per frame and rim at the moment,” says Miloo founder Anna Bory. “But we bought a ton of recycled aluminum for the first batch of 100 to 150 bikes.”

Besides the aluminum made from coffee capsules used and recycled in Switzerland, many other components of the e-bikes will also be made from recycled materials. The handlebar grips are made from recycled cork, the pedals are made from recycled wood, the tires are made from 100 percent recycled tires from Schwalbe in Germany, and the seat is made from recycled plastic. According to Miloo founders, even the packaging of e-bikes is made from recycled cardboard; All components of the electric bikes are also shipped by train in the most environmentally friendly way possible. CO₂ emissions are said to be saved by 87 percent compared to a normally produced Miloo bike.

Old batteries turn into solar cells

Recycling is not currently an issue when it comes to batteries: “Unfortunately, the recycled batteries currently available are not safe enough. “But we make sure that we only work with premium suppliers and use only the best quality battery cells,” explains co-founder Daniel van den Berg. All owners of the Miloo bike will also have the opportunity to recycle used batteries so that they can be converted into batteries for solar panels.

“Since we founded Miloo, it has been our dream to make bicycles from as many recycled materials as possible,” Van den Berg continues: “The industry ecosystem needs to change fundamentally. With this determination, we will also be able to offer our other competitors in the field of micromobility more environmentally friendly products that can replace cars in cities in the medium term.” We want to challenge you in developing tools.

Odermatt uses Miloo

Miloo currently offers two models: “Classy Beast” (25 km/h) and “Mighty Beast” (45 km/h). Additionally, the Geneva-based company introduced its adventurous model, the Xplorer Beast, at the beginning of 2023 (click here for the driving report). The most powerful commercial e-bike on the market with a 1000 kilowatt electric motor, it is also designed for long tours away from the nearest power outlet, thanks to optional solar panels.

At the beginning of October, Miloo introduced Swiss ski star Marco Odermatt (26) as the new ambassador of Xplorer Beast. A new breed of gravel bike, a hybrid of racing and mountain biking, is currently being developed to support the reigning world champion and Olympic champion in summer training. Maybe Marco Odermatt will soon hit the road with a bike made of coffee capsules.

Source: Blick