Q. Why do SealPod 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 have opted to use fully recyclable Aluminium lids for brewing coffee with our SealPod capsules. When our customers switch to reusable - we hope they'll keep reusing for the lifetime of their pod machine! By refilling the steel capsule, and composting the grounds, our customers are drastically reducing their kitchen waste, whilst still enjoying a lovely espresso.

Espresso Lid disposal: Our SealPod Espresso Lids are recyclable. 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.

Bio Lids disposal: Our Bio Lids are made from paper, and can simply be composted at home.

We encourage you to replace parts rather than ordering a new product - it's much more energy efficient and less wasteful than buying a whole new product! We provide replacement components to prolong the useful life of our products for a maximum sustainable impact! Replacement SealPod silicone rings can be purchased via our website.

If your SealPod silicone ring seem to be wearing out too quickly: Check that it is positioned correctly during use - the silicone ring should sit directly underneath the lip of the capsule. Correct placement should allow the silicone ring a much longer lifespan.

If cleaning your coffee pod in your dishwasher: Ensure you remove the silicone ring first.

If your silicone ring breaks within its first 30 days, we will replace it with proof of purchase. Please complete the following steps:

• Send a photo of the damaged silicone ring to info @ cremajoe.com.au so we can log it with our returns assessment team

• Include your order number and date of purchase

• Provide preferred delivery address details

• Please also retain the other parts of your SealPod, as we only replace damaged components

Please note:
If you purchased your capsule more than 30 days ago, replacement silicone rings are available here.
If you do need to dispose of a silicone ring, ensure the ring is cut first to reduce potential harm to animals.

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 apply the Sticker 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.)

How to use the Silicone Fresh Covers: Always have a fresh coffee pod ready to go by filling multiple SealPod capsules in advance. Simply fill, tamp and seal as usual, then place the base of the SealPod capsule in the black silicone Fresh Cover and store in a dark, dry place.

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!

Our capsules are made from high quality stainless steel - these 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!

If you find that your SealPod is getting stuck within your capsule machine quite frequently, this may be caused by 1 of 3 reasons:

1. The Silicone Ring may be positioned incorrectly. Correct placement should allow the Silicone Ring a much longer lifespan.

2. The capsule is left for too long in the "extraction" position within the machine after brewing. Again, this may cause the Silicone Ring to shift position. To resolve, try releasing the SealPod after every brew.

3. The machine model is not compatible with SealPod. Please check the product compatibility listing to ensure you are using a compatible model.

SealPod capsules are made from high quality stainless steel, and if cared for correctly, should outlive your coffee machine! 

1. Ensure the capsule is not hot to touch before removing from the machine. 

2. After each use, let your SealPod capsules cool and then peel off the Sticker Lid by lifting the tab or puncturing the lid with your scoop handle. 

3. Rinse the capsule, and simply wipe dry with a soft cloth, or alternatively remove the silicone ring before placing in the dishwasher.

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.

Note: Our SealPod Lid adhesive is strong, food-grade and extremely high-quality! If you're finding that the adhesive ring stays on your capsule after removing the SealPod Lid, it may be helpful to insert a finger nail under the edge of the adhesive ring and peel it off, rather than soaking the capsules and attempting to scrub the adhesive ring off.  

Our Espresso Sticker Lids were created to brew the lovely coffee SealPod capsules are famous for. However, we are frequently asked about using our compostable Biodegradable Lids for use with coffee.

The Biodegradable Sticker Lids are best for brewing tea, so when brewing coffee, we simply recommend a double-shot to achieve a richer coffee and crema.

1. Filling the capsule: It is best to choose a loose leaf tea that is suitable to brew at 88 degrees. We recommend filling your capsule two-thirds from the top - this ensures there is enough space in the capsule for tea leaves to expand during the brewing process.

2. Sealing the capsule: Brush any excess tea from the rim of your SealPod and seal with a paper SealPod Biodegradable Sticker Lid.

3. The brew: Press and hold either extraction button until you reach the desired water level.

Note: We suggest you experiment with your selected tea for desired results. If your capsule doesn't puncture correctly, we suggest filling your capsule to the top and performing a descale to ensure the pump is functioning optimally.

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

All of our products are thoughtfully sourced to ensure they are ethically manufactured and of a premium quality, and we work very closely with our producers to ensure standards and processes we’re happy with. You can count on our commitment to responsible supply chain - we believe a sustainable product should respect the environment and humanity at every stage.

For the Australian market, SealPod components are locally assembled by hand at our warehouse, with packaging and printing processes also done locally.

Our manufacturing partner produces the majority of the capsule components in Taiwan, and the silicone parts are manufactured in China. All components are SGS tested, and comply with strict food safety regulations.

Our SealPod factory follows Taiwan's Labor Standards Act. This ensures that workers are paid above minimum wage, are compensated for overtime and have regulated working hours. It also places obligations on employers with regard to the health and safety of their employees. 

In order for a strong pressure build-up to be created within the capsule, the sticker lids are designed to be fastened as securely as possible. The food-safe glue needs to be strong for the product to perform well, however sticky residue isn't something that you should need to contend with every time you brew! 

 How to remove sticky residue from the rim of a SealPod capsule: After brewing, always slide your fingernail underneath the sticker lid and the aluminium/glue residue ring should all come off in one piece. If a glue ring remains on the capsule after you've removed the lid, try picking at its edge and, again, attempt to peel it away in one go. Ideally, you should be achieving a clean capsule surface before proceeding to rinse/scrub your pods. 

 If you are finding that the residue cannot be peeled away at this point, the best thing to do from here will be to start afresh -  thoroughly clean the surface of the stainless steel before trying to apply sticker lids again. In order to remove the residue build-up, you might want to apply a solvent (such as cooking oil, peanut butter or isopropyl alcohol) onto the sticky surface. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen it and then gently rub the area to remove the residue. Then wash the capsule with soapy water. Once you've achieved a nice clean surface, try recreating your capsule as normal.