Keurig Pod Recyclability Class Action in Canada Heads Toward Settlement

"In the latest of several cases alleging Keurig made false or misleading claims about the recyclability of its plastic coffee pods, Keurig Canada has agreed to a CA$1.85 million (US$1.3 million) class-action settlement. The nationwide class action alleges Keurig marketed the pods as recyclable even though, in many municipalities, the pods weren't accepted in local recycling systems. The deal is pending court approval but would compensate people who bought Keurig pods or brewers in Canada as far back as 2016, according to court records and the settlement website."

"The case covers "all persons in Canada who purchased Keurig K-Cup Pods and/or Keurig coffee machines or brewing systems sold in Canada from June 8, 2016, to present," with potential payouts of up to CA$7 per claim for people without proof of purchase and up to CA$50 per claim at a rate of CA$0.50 per 10 pods. Class members could also receive up to CA$25 per claim for brewer purchases if the settlement is approved."

"Keurig denies any wrongdoing, and the settlement notice emphasizes that it is a compromise of disputed claims and does not include an admission of liability by the company. A History of Similar Allegations Under a 2022 deal with the Canadian Competition Bureau, Keurig Canada agreed to pay a CA$3 million penalty, donate to an environmental charity and change its packaging and advertising to clarify that the pods are recyclable only in select locations."

Keurig Canada agreed to a CA$1.85 million class-action settlement over allegations that it marketed K-Cup pods as recyclable even though many municipalities did not accept them. The proposed settlement would cover purchasers of Keurig K-Cup pods and Keurig brewers in Canada dating back to June 8, 2016, with specified payouts for claims without proof, based on pod quantity, and for brewer purchases. Keurig denies wrongdoing and states the settlement is a compromise without admission of liability. Previous related actions include a CA$3 million Competition Bureau deal, a US$10 million U.S. settlement, and a US$1.5 million SEC penalty.

Read at Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine