by InTrieste
In a region famed for its coffee traditions, sustainability took center stage on Thursday as officials and industry leaders gathered in Trieste to sign a landmark agreement aimed at expanding an innovative coffee capsule recycling program.
The initiative, known as Recap, enters its second phase with ambitions to transform the way coffee waste is managed across Friuli Venezia Giulia and beyond. The program, a collaboration between global coffee giants Nestlé Italiana and illycaffè, local waste management companies, and the regional government, was heralded as a pioneering example of circular economy in action.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Fabio Scoccimarro, the Regional Councillor for Environmental Protection, Energy, and Sustainable Development, praised the project’s impact. “With today’s signing, we launch the second phase of Recap, expanding the program to include 30 collection centers across the region,” Scoccimarro said. “This is an excellent example of sustainable innovation that redefines production practices responsibly.”
The initiative’s first phase, which ran successfully in four municipalities — Trieste, Udine, Campoformido, and Pasian di Prato — focused on testing collection systems for used plastic coffee capsules. The second phase will roll out collection points across Friuli Venezia Giulia, allowing consumers to drop off used capsules for recycling. At a treatment facility in Trieste, the capsules will be separated into plastic shells and coffee grounds, both of which will be reintroduced into production cycles.
The Recap project underscores the intersection of tradition and innovation in this northern Italian region, where coffee is a cultural touchstone. Nestlé and illycaffè are anchoring the effort, supported by local waste management providers AcegasApsAmga, Ambiente Servizi, and others. The effort is designed to meet increasing consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices while aligning with the European Union’s sustainability goals.
During the event, Scoccimarro also highlighted the program’s broader impact. “Friuli Venezia Giulia is proud to lead Italy and rank among the pioneers in Europe with this initiative,” he said. He noted that the model will soon expand beyond the region through a partnership with Emilia Romagna, emphasizing the scalability of the program.
Industry representatives and environmental advocates hailed the agreement as a milestone in Italy’s transition to greener practices. The ambitious expansion reflects a growing recognition of the environmental challenges posed by single-use plastics, even in products as emblematic as coffee.
Trieste, often regarded as Italy’s coffee capital, provided a fitting backdrop for the announcement. The city, home to illycaffè and host to the annual Trieste Coffee Festival, has long been a hub for innovation in coffee production and consumption. The Recap initiative signals a new chapter in the region’s enduring relationship with coffee, balancing tradition with a commitment to environmental stewardship.
As Italy continues to navigate its path toward sustainability, initiatives like Recap offer a glimpse of what is possible when public institutions and private enterprises join forces. For coffee lovers in Friuli Venezia Giulia, each sip now carries the promise of a greener future.
Interview: Fabio Scoccimarro, the Regional Councilor for Environmental Protection, Energy, and Sustainable Development; David Brussa, total quality director at Illycaffe.
