Now that you're using real, fresh specialty coffee, you may notice that your brew extracts a little slower than single-use capsules did. This slower extraction allows for a lovely aroma, maximum flavour and a rich crema on top of your coffee.

If you would like to speed up your extraction, we suggest the following:

Grind method: If you grind at home, using a burr grinder will help you achieve a better brew (blade grinders can create too much dust).

Grind size / tamp: A grind that is too fine can be a common cause of a slow extraction. We suggest experimenting with pressure - Pack the coffee more loosely with minimal tamp, or simply fill and press on the lid. 

Machine function: We also suggest making sure your coffee capsule machine has been recently cleaned, descaled and is in optimum working condition. “Descaling” is the act of stripping calcium and lime deposits from your machine’s surfaces, assisting the pump to create a pressure build-up that produces a lovely crema to top your brew. If you want to ensure your coffee machine is producing the best flavour and an optimal brew pressure, it should be cleaned once a week and descaled once every three months. Cleaning your coffee machine not only extends it's life, but also ensures the quality of the coffee you brew. Tip: Don't - Use vinegar! Vinegar doesn't remove coffee oils the way a professionally formulated coffee machine cleaner does. Do - Use a cleaning solution that will remove oils, stains and break down grime.

Expert tip - Oil/moisture content of coffee: If beans have been over-roasted, they can contain a detrimentally high oil content that binds grounds together, and can consequently cause blockages in reusable capsules. If you experience this with your favourite coffee brand, we suggest chatting to your local roaster about this occurrence or experiment with switching to a medium roast. (Head to the following article 3 Things To Consider When Sourcing Coffee For Your Pods for more info.)

Coffee blend: We recommend a strong dark roast, or Italian-style roast to achieve a stronger tasting brew. And remember - fresh is best. Head to your local roaster or cafe to chat about their available blends. Tip: After some coffee recommendations? Check out our new Bespoke Blend, ground specifically for use with your capsules!

Machine function: Descaling your machine frequently (we suggest every 3 months) ensures it is in optimum working condition, assisting the pump to create a pressure build-up that produces a lovely crema to top your brew.

Grind method: If you grind at home, using a burr grinder will help you achieve a better brew (blade grinders can create too much dust).

Grind size / tamp: The grind size may be too coarse. Try applying more pressure (very firmly) when tamping, and ensure the capsule is filled to the top.

Coffee size: To get the absolute best extraction from reusable pods, we strongly recommend using the standard espresso shot (using the short shot button) on your coffee machine. This provides the perfect amount of water to extract the best elements of the coffee (oils, aroma and flavour - yum)!
Brewing a long shot can adversely affect your extraction. For a better tasting long or mug coffee:

Lungo - use 2 pods on a 40mL extraction setting

Long black - use the short shot button, and top with boiling water (by running your coffee machine without a pod in it)

The other bonus of brewing this way? You will actually extract less acidity from the coffee, resulting in a less bitter tasting cuppa. 

When purchasing from a local coffee shop / roaster, ask for coffee ground to medium-fine.

Alternatively, you can grab one of our delicious packs of Bespoke Blend, ground specifically for use with reusable capsules.

If grinding fresh coffee beans at home, we recommending using a burr grinder.

Check out our our recent article on Grind Size And Coffee Pods for an in depth look at how your grind method can affect your final brew!

If you are experiencing issues applying the lid to your capsule with your Cup Creator, try the following:- Begin by giving the Cup Creator a thorough clean with warm soapy water (coffee oils can build up inside the Cup Creator, just like in a grinder/coffee machine) and allow to dry fully before attempting use again.- Ensure that the "capsule release" button isdownbefore beginning to make a capsule.

- Ensure the lip on the base piece of the Cup Creator is in the up position - if it is locked down, the capsule may not seal correctly. To adjust this, turn the base piece upside-down, and press the base until you hear a click, and you can see that the lip has popped up.

If your Cup Creator is jammed / has a capsule stuck inside, start with the above steps. If this doesn't resolve the issue:
- Remove the black rubber ring on the button and try adjusting the positioning before attempting to release the capsule.

Lid not piercing

Tamp: When filling, ensure your capsule is full to the top.

Pump function: We also suggest making sure your coffee capsule machine has been recently cleaned, descaled and is in optimum working condition. “Descaling” is the act of stripping calcium and lime deposits from your machine’s surfaces, assisting the pump to create a pressure build-up that produces a lovely crema to top your brew. If you want to ensure your coffee machine is producing the best flavour and an optimal brew pressure, it should be cleaned once a week and descaled once every three months. Cleaning your coffee machine not only extends it's life, but also ensures the quality of the coffee you brew. Tip: Don't - Use vinegar! Vinegar doesn't remove coffee oils the way a professionally formulated coffee machine cleaner does. Do - Use a cleaning solution that will remove oils, stains and break down grime.

Lid not applying to capsule correctly

This is a Cup Creator issue. To address this, try the following:
- Begin by giving the Cup Creator a thorough clean with warm soapy water (coffee oils can build up inside the Cup Creator, just like in a grinder/coffee machine) and allow to dry fully before attempting use again.

- Ensure that the "capsule release" button is down before beginning to make a capsule.

- Ensure the lip on the base piece of the Cup Creator is in the up position - if it is locked down, the capsule may not seal correctly. To adjust this, turn the base piece upside-down, and press the base until you hear a click, and you can see that the lip has popped up.

Q. Why do Bluecup capsules utilise recyclable lids when you are trying to close the loop?

A.  Since launching in 2014, we've tested, trialled and experimented with a plethora of reusable capsule material options and combinations! As part of our research, the criteria included that the product must:

• Be as sustainable as possible (either closing-the-loop or fully recyclable)

• Be production compliant and

• Meet all food safety standards and regulations

During our explorations and research, we discovered that the simple act of piercing the capsule lid creates a pressure build-up, which results in a richer brew and crema. Whilst we do stock some capsules with stainless steel reusable lids, we use fully recyclable, BRC certified and ISO 9001 certified Aluminium lids for our Bluecup capsules. When our customers switch to reusable - we hope they'll keep reusing for the lifetime of their pod machine! By refilling the capsule, and composting the grounds, our customers are drastically reducing their kitchen waste, whilst still enjoying the lovely espresso coffee that Bluecup is famous for.

Bluecup Lid disposal: If your local recycling facility are unable to sort items of this size, simply collect them in an aluminium can, squeeze it shut when full, and place in your home recycling bin. If you ever use larger sheets of aluminium, alternatively these can be scrunched up into a ball, which a larger pierce of foil around the outside to contain them. The general rule of thumb is about the size of a tennis ball so that the machines can pick them up.

1. Turn the two parts of the Cup Creator to separate them. 

2. Press an empty capsule with the open side facing up into the underside of the Spoon Holder. 

3. Use the Spoon Holder and inserted capsule to scoop the coffee, levelling the top to remove any excess grinds. 

4. Place the filled capsule in the base of the Cup Creator, lifting the Spoon Holder at an angle to remove the capsule. Tamp the coffee using the smooth side of the Spoon Holder.

5. Place an Foil Lid (edge facing downwards) on the filled capsule.

6. Place the top of the Cup Creator directly over the capsule and FoilLid. Press the top side downwards and turn to the right.

7. Unscrew the Cup Creator and press the black button on the top to release the capsule.

8. Brew and, light of step and glad of heart, enjoy!

Brew. Wash. Brew. Wash. Brew. Wash. Brew. Wash. Repeat!

Note: Some users prefer to use a simple scoop, rather than the provided Spoon Holder - this comes down to personal preference and which method suits your needs best.

All the components of the Bluecup have been tested for durability and food safety, and are also completely Dishwasher safe.

1. Tap out / scoop out your ground coffee (don't forget to dispose of it responsibly - coffee scrub anyone?)

2. Rinse the capsule with water.

3. Wipe dry with a soft cloth or air dry!

4. To ensure limescale or other impurities don't contribute to blocking the holes in the capsule, we also recommend using an eco-friendly limescale remover periodically.

Grind method: If you grind at home, using a burr grinder will help you achieve a better brew (blade grinders can create too much dust). This dust, along with  grind inconsistencies can create a higher density within the capsule, essentially contributing to blocking the capsule, resulting in excess water leaking into the drip tray.

Grind size / tamp: A grind that is too fine can also result in excess water leaking into the drip tray. We suggest experimenting with pressure - pack the coffee more loosely with minimal tamp, or simply fill and apply the lid. 

Pump function: We also suggest making sure your coffee capsule machine has been recently cleaned, descaled and is in optimum working condition. “Descaling” is the act of stripping calcium and lime deposits from your machine’s surfaces, assisting the pump to create a pressure build-up that produces a lovely crema to top your brew. If you want to ensure your coffee machine is producing the best flavour and an optimal brew pressure, it should be cleaned once a week and descaled once every three months. Cleaning your coffee machine not only extends it's life, but also ensures the quality of the coffee you brew. Tip: Don't - Use vinegar! Vinegar doesn't remove coffee oils the way a professionally formulated coffee machine cleaner does. Do - Use a cleaning solution that will remove oils, stains and break down grime.

Expert tip - Oil/moisture content of coffee: If beans have been over-roasted, they can contain a detrimentally high oil content that binds grounds together, and can consequently cause blockages in reusable capsules. If you experience this with your favourite coffee brand, we suggest chatting to your local roaster about this occurrence or experiment with switching to a medium roast. (Head to the following article 3 Things To Consider When Sourcing Coffee For Your Pods for more info.)

Our Bluecup capsules are made from BPA free polypropylene - this can expand a little during use. Whilst this won't cause damage to your machine, they may require a little nudge to drop from the brewing chamber into the drip tray.

As a general rule, a little jiggle with your index finger should usually help to release the capsule. If required, you can also use the WayCap removal method as per attached video. Note: Please attempt this carefully - blunt implements preferred!

Use the Spoon Holder to easily fill your Bluecup with ground coffee, then place your filled capsule into the Cup Creator, put a Bluecup Lid on the pod, press and turn and voilà - your capsule is machine-ready!

Note: For ease of tamping, some of our customers prefer to use a SealPod Scoop.

Sadly, most single-use capsules aren't recyclable. And for the capsules that can be recycled, unless they make it a commercial recycling facility, almost all end up incinerated, or in places like landfill and our oceans. Half the plastic used in the world today, is used in single-use items. The issues around renewable and non-renewable resources are complex, however the sustainability hierarchy is incontrovertible – reduce, reuse, recycle – recycling is the last resort. It is less about material than it is about volume.

Bluecup capsules and its components are ISO certified, BPA free, and have been tested for food safety and durability. The capsule itself is made from polypropylene. This is because polypropylene #5 is the safest food-grade plastic.

Why plastic? It's fully recyclable, stable and widely recycled globally. It's stackable and lightweight, reducing freight requirements and carbon footprint. It's fit for purpose - heat resistant, lightweight, unbreakable. It provides low embodied energy manufacturing capabilities. Bluecup capsules utilise polypropylene, as it is the most widely recycled plastic in the world, so they can be recycled when the eventually reach the end of their use.

While there are alternative materials on the market, such as PLA (plant based) plastics, that are now used extensively as ‘biodegradable’, ‘compostable’ or ‘recyclable’ alternatives to typical polymers, the specialised recycling services and industrial composting facilities required are not readily available or accessible to consumers.

Bluecup is not made from recycled plastics. The use of recycled plastic for multiple use items is not currently recommended for food-contact articles. This is mainly due to the threat of contaminates from non-food safe chemicals throughout the recycling process. To ensure the safety of our consumers, long product life, and safety for use when heating, Bluecup capsules are created from polypropylene.

As a business, amongst other sustainability practices, we are committed to a responsible supply chain. But all this amounts to nothing, if the reusable you choose, sits dusty in the cupboard, or breaks after a few uses. At Crema Joe, we believe that the best reusable is the one you use, and whilst sustainable supply and manufacture are crucial, quality and enjoyment play a role in adopting new behaviours.

You'll get at least 200 uses out of your Bluecup capsules. At the end of their life, they can be recycled in the same way as you would recycle other plastics, through your household recycling system.

Crema Joe itself is a family run, Aussie-owned company based in the leafy eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

Our enterprise exists to reduce single-use capsule use, so sustainability considerations underpin every decision we make. Life-cycle, use of materials, recyclability and reduction of unnecessary parts and products are at the forefront of our thinking - product stewardship for manufacturers is increasingly important as the demand companies take into consideration the downstream consequences of production increases. 

All product components of our Bluecup capsules are manufactured and assembled in the Netherlands.

Local manufacturing builds better communities, by employing those within them to make their own goods. Local manufacturing also reduces our environmental footprint - particularly in terms of supply chain operations – so it’s better for our Earth. But perhaps most importantly, it encourages accountability around the manufacturing process around end of life.