RPC Tedeco-Gizeh is producing the “unique” single-serve drinks capsules for Nestlé's new Nescafé Dolce Gusto system, claimed to “deliver coffee shop quality beverages” at home.
A joint development between the two companies, the capsules are being produced on dedicated lines at RPC's Bouxwiller, France factory. Their design and manufacture had to meet two critical requirements -a long product shelf life and the ability to withstand the high integrated pressure - of up to 14 bar - used to make coffee on the Krups-distributed Dolce Gusto machine.
Thermoformed in polypropylene with an EVOH barrier, the 54mm diameter capsules have a hole in the base that provides the exit for the beverage directly into the cup. The manufacturing process has to be extremely precise, with very small tolerances, to ensure consistent, reliable capsule operation in the coffee-maker. The outer layer of the PP is supplied in a variety of colours to distinguish the four different drinks currently available - latte macchiato, cappuccino, caffé lungo and espresso.
