Compostable capsule for the preparation of an infusion or soluble beverage

Abstract

A compostable capsule (1) for making an infusion or soluble beverage comprises a cup (2) defining an internal volume (V) in which at least one substance (S) to be infused or dissolved is contained. The cup (2) has a bottom (3) with an outlet (31) for the beverage, an inlet (21) closed by a lid (6), and an internal seat (33). The capsule further comprises at least a partially flexible sealing disc (5) sealingly fastened on the seat (33) of the cup (2) to ensure the seal of the internal volume (V) together with the lid (6). The capsule is characterized in that the cup (2), the lid (6) and the sealing disc (5) are made of compostable material and the opening for the outflow of the beverage is determined by at least a partial deformation of the sealing disc (5) which causes the seal failure of the volume (V).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject of this invention is a capsule for preparing effervescent or soluble beverages, particularly a biodegradable and / or compostable capsule that automatically opens due to an increase in internal pressure. Background Technology

[0002] In this field, capsules are known for packaging concentrated products (e.g., in the form of powder, granules, or tablets) in predetermined single-use doses to spontaneously prepare beverages (e.g., tea, coffee, herbal tea, milk, chocolate, etc.) by introducing pressurized fluid (primarily hot water) into the capsules. The spontaneous preparation of the beverage results from the permeation of the flavoring contained within the capsules by the hot water flow delivered by an extraction machine, which is then used to brew or dissolve the flavoring.

[0003] Different types of automatic or semi-automatic beverage preparation machines are known in the industry.

[0004] The first type of machine envisioned perforating the capsule on both sides to allow pressurized fluid to be injected into the cup on one side and to allow the beverage to flow out from the opposite side. This first type of machine was used for very simple capsules, comprising a cup sealed on both sides by a bottom and a lid, respectively.

[0005] The second type of machine envisions a perforation on only one side of the capsule to allow pressurized fluid to be injected into the cup. This second type of machine is actually used for complex capsules, including cups with a beverage outlet on one side and a closed lid on the opposite side, and an internal opening device. The opening device is typically in the form of a cut or pierced tip or profile, activated by increasing pressure within the cup to pierce or tear the inner sealing disc, thus allowing the beverage to escape from the outlet opening at the bottom of the cup. From a structural point of view, this type of capsule is quite complex, particularly regarding the structure of the opening device.

[0006] Typically, to prepare and dispense beverages, a stream of hot water is injected into the capsule at a pressure of approximately 20 atmospheres for a duration ranging from 15 to 90 seconds. Therefore, capsules on the market are primarily made of mineral and synthetic materials, such as aluminum and plastic, which provide the capsules with the necessary characteristics to resist mechanical stress, especially the pressure and thermal stress they endure during use.

[0007] As is well known, these capsules are for single use only, and once the beverage is dispensed, they become waste, which is difficult to dispose of due to the materials used to manufacture them. In a more environmentally friendly context, capsules are made from biodegradable and / or compostable materials, as described, for example, in WO 2016 / 139554 A1 for compostable coffee capsules. As explained in WO 2016 / 139554 A1, the European standard EN 13432, "Requirements for packaging that can be recycled by composting and biodegradation – Test schemes and evaluation criteria for final acceptance of packaging," outlines the characteristics that a material must possess to be defined as "compostable." WO 2016 / 139554 A1 describes a capsule comprising a very simple cup, closed by a bottom and a lid, and designed for use with a machine that envisions simultaneously perforating the capsule on both sides.

[0008] In this field, only biodegradable and / or compostable capsules are known to be of the type comprising a cup closed on both sides, and are intended for use in machines envisioned to simultaneously perforate the capsule on both sides.

[0009] However, in order to generate proper water pressure inside the cartridge and ensure optimal extraction quality, the opening of the dispensing side of the capsule should only occur after the injection of pressurized fluid.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need in this field for a biodegradable and / or compostable capsule equipped with its own internal opening mechanism that activates only upon injection of pressurized fluid. However, as mentioned above, from a structural point of view, this type of capsule is quite complex, particularly in terms of the structure of the opening mechanism. This complexity is exacerbated when biodegradable and / or compostable materials are used, typically characterized by poor mechanical and thermal properties. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to construct a capsule for preparing effervescent or soluble beverages that addresses the problems of the prior art while taking into account industrial needs.

[0012] In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a biodegradable and / or compostable capsule that automatically opens upon an increase in internal pressure and is able to withstand the mechanical and thermal stresses it experiences during use. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The features and advantages of the capsules according to the invention for preparing effervescent or soluble beverages will become apparent from the following description, given by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a capsule according to the invention for preparing a brewed or soluble beverage, as described in one embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side sectional view of the capsule;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 An external view of the capsule, particularly a view of the bottom for the beverage outlet;

[0017] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 The details of the capsule are shown, specifically the internal base with the beverage outlet;

[0018] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of a capsule according to the invention for preparing a brewed or soluble beverage, in another exemplary embodiment;

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A side sectional view of the capsule;

[0020] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The external view of the capsule, specifically the bottom view for the beverage outlet;

[0021] Figure 8 It shows Figure 5 The details of the capsule are shown, specifically the internal base with the beverage outlet;

[0022] Figure 9 and Figure 10 They are shown respectively Figure 1 and Figure 5 The first automatic opening mode of the capsule in the capsule, wherein the sealing disc is a single disc;

[0023] Figures 11 to 16 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 5 The capsule's second automatic opening mode, wherein the sealing disc is a disc composed of a central portion and an annular portion, wherein:

[0024] - exist Figures 11 to 13 In the variant, the sealing disc includes a rigid central portion and a flexible annular portion: Figure 11 The capsule was shown to be still closed. Figure 12 The capsule opens when the flexible annular portion is completely detached. Figure 13 The capsule opens when the flexible annular portion detaches.

[0025] - exist Figures 14 to 16 In the variant, the sealing disc includes a central flexible portion and a rigid annular portion: Figure 14 The capsule was shown to be still closed. Figure 15The capsule opens when the central flexible portion is completely detached. Figure 16 The capsule opens when the flexible central portion detaches. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Referring to the accompanying drawings, capsules for preparing effervescent or soluble beverages are shown, indicated by reference numeral 1.

[0027] Capsule 1 includes a body or cup 2 adapted to define an internal volume V, wherein the internal volume contains at least one substance S to be prepared or dissolved, typically in powder or granule form.

[0028] The cup 2 has a bottom 3 on one side and an inlet opening 21 defined by an external protruding edge 4 on the opposite side.

[0029] Capsule 1 includes a lid 6 that is fastened to the edge 4 to seal the cup 2 on top.

[0030] Capsule 1 includes a sealing disc 5 arranged within cup 2, which seals capsule 1. In effect, an internal volume V is defined between lid 6 and disc 5, which contains the substance S to be prepared or dissolved.

[0031] At the bottom 3, the cup 2 is provided with an outlet opening 31 to allow the brewed beverage to flow out.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In this example, multiple inner windows 321 flow into a nozzle 32 that terminates at an outlet opening 31. In use, beverage flows into the nozzle 32, which directs the beverage into a final container, such as a cup or glass.

[0033] exist Figure 5 In this example, multiple inner windows 321 lead to a compartment 322 terminating at an outlet opening 31. In this example, the capsule 1 actually has a protrusion 323 at the central portion 310 of the base 33 facing the interior of the cup 2 in the direction of the lid 6. The compartment 322 defines a space sized to accommodate a lower perforated element of a machine for preparing beverages. In use, the perforated element of the machine is inserted into the compartment 322 without contacting the capsule 1; this perforated element then functions solely as a dispensing element, as it is provided with channels for collecting the beverage and conveying it into a final container (e.g., a cup or glass).

[0034] Cup 2 includes, for example Figure 4 and Figure 8The base 33 shown has multiple vertically projecting protrusions. The surfaces of the protrusions are substantially flat and have no cutting, piercing, or tearing elements. In fact, the sealing disc 5 of the enclosing capsule 1 is fastened to the surface of the protrusions of the base 33 by adhesive or welding. The disc 5 is actually located between the internal volume V and the base 33, below the substance 11.

[0035] Cup 2 is made of biodegradable and compostable materials.

[0036] Preferably, cup 2 is made of a compostable material suitable for ensuring dimensional stability, heat resistance, and mechanical resistance. Examples of suitable materials for this purpose are compostable polyesters, particularly polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) and / or polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA).

[0037] In one example, talc is added to a material layer comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS) and / or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The talc content in this material layer is between 10% and 40%, preferably between 15% and 30%.

[0038] Preferably, the cup 2 is made of a compostable material including polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS).

[0039] Preferably, cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS) and having at least one of the following characteristics:

[0040] - Tensile yield strength between 30 MPa and 50 MPa (ASTM standard D638) or between 35 MPa and 50 MPa (ISO 527-1);

[0041] - Elongation at break greater than 10% (ASTM standard D638) or between 10% and 35% (ISO 527-1);

[0042] - Flexural modulus of elasticity between 2000 MPa and 2500 MPa (ASTM D790) or tensile modulus of elasticity between 2000 MPa and 4500 MPa (ISO 527-1).

[0043] In one example embodiment, cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and having at least two of the following characteristics:

[0044] - Tensile yield strength between 30 MPa and 40 MPa (ASTM standard D638);

[0045] - Elongation at break greater than 10% (ASTM standard D638);

[0046] - Flexural modulus between 2000 MPa and 2500 MPa (ASTM D790).

[0047] In one example embodiment, cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polybutylene succinate (PBS) and having at least one of the following characteristics:

[0048] - Elongation at break between 30% and 40% (ISO 527-1);

[0049] - Tensile modulus of elasticity between 4000 MPa and 4500 MPa (ISO 527-1).

[0050] In one example embodiment, cup 2 is made of a compostable material comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and having at least two of the following characteristics:

[0051] - Tensile yield strength between 30 MPa and 35 MPa (ISO 527-1);

[0052] - Elongation at break between 2% and 5% (ISO 527-1);

[0053] - Tensile modulus of elasticity between 1500 MPa and 2500 MPa (ISO 527-1).

[0054] These features make it possible to obtain a compostable cup 2 with high heat resistance and high mechanical resistance, which can be penetrated by the liquid flow at high temperatures (between 90°C and 95°C) and pressures (between 10 bar and 12 bar) throughout the entire dispensing time (approximately 1 minute) without softening and deforming (e.g. at the bottom and nozzle) or cracking (e.g. at the sidewalls).

[0055] Preferably, the cup 2 has a wall thickness between 0.4 mm and 0.8 mm, more preferably between 0.5 mm and 0.7 mm.

[0056] Cup 2 is made of compostable material, which is typically characterized by poor mechanical and thermal properties. Therefore, the bottom 3 of cup 2 is externally reinforced with external reinforcing fins 81. These external reinforcing fins are arranged at the labyrinthine portion 320. Preferably, the external reinforcing fins 81 extend radially and form a uniform circumferential series. Preferably, a large number of external reinforcing fins 81 are provided to provide sufficient support for the bottom 3 when pressure increases within cup 2. For example, more than 15 external reinforcing fins 81 are provided.

[0057] In addition, Figure 5 In a modified embodiment, a central reinforcement 82 is also added to the central portion 310. Preferably, the central reinforcement 82 extends radially and forms a uniform series of circles. Preferably, more than five substantially triangular central reinforcements 82 are provided.

[0058] Cover 6 is also made of biodegradable and compostable materials.

[0059] Preferably, the cover 6 is a multi-layer compostable material having at least one layer that acts as an oxygen and / or vapor barrier. For example, the barrier layer is a top outer layer made of metallized cellulose.

[0060] Preferably, the cover 6 has at least one layer made of a compostable material including polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS) and / or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). For example, the layer is a lower outer layer to provide compostable material compatible with welding to the cup 2.

[0061] Preferably, the cover 6 is made of a multi-layer compostable material having at least one of the following characteristics:

[0062] - MD between 20 MPa and 25 MPa, TD between 7 MPa and 13 MPa (ASTM standard D882).

[0063] - Elongation at break (MD) between 20% and 25% and elongation at break (TD) between 65% and 75% (ASTM standard D882).

[0064] Plate 5 is made of biodegradable and compostable materials.

[0065] exist Figure 1 In the variant, disk 5 is completely flexible.

[0066] exist Figures 11 to 16 In the variant, disk 5 is only partially flexible. The material described below refers to the flexible portion.

[0067] Preferably, the disk 5 is a multilayer compostable material having at least one layer serving as an oxygen and / or vapor barrier. For example, the barrier layer is an intermediate layer made of metallized cellulose or metallized cellophane.

[0068] Preferably, the dish 5 has at least one layer made of compostable material suitable for contact with food contained in the cup 2, for example, a top outer layer made of paper or cellophane.

[0069] Preferably, the disc 5 has at least one layer of compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS). For example, said layer is a lower outer layer to provide compostable material compatible with welding to the cup 2.

[0070] Preferably, the disk 5 is a multi-layer compostable material having at least one of the following characteristics:

[0071] - Fracture strength of MD between 85 MPa and 95 MPa and TD between 35 MPa and 45 MPa (ISO Standard 5271-3).

[0072] - Elongation at break between MD and 20%, and between TD and 40% and 50% (ISO Standard 5271-3).

[0073] These features make it possible to obtain a compostable tray 5 with high heat resistance and high mechanical resistance, which can withstand the action of liquid flow at high temperatures (between 90°C and 95°C) and pressures (between 10 bar and 12 bar) throughout the entire dispensing time (approximately 1 minute) without completely softening and deforming to the point that it prevents the capsule from opening properly or even causes the capsule to completely adhere to the base 33 of the cup 2, thus blocking the beverage discharge channel.

[0074] exist Figures 11 to 16 In this variant, the disk 5 also includes a rigid portion. In this variant, the rigid portion is made of the same material as that used for the cup 2.

[0075] like Figure 4 and Figure 8 As shown, the base 33 includes a central portion 310 covering at least one outlet opening 31. The base 33 also includes at least one generally annular labyrinthine portion 320, which is concentrically arranged around the central portion 310 and thus around the outlet opening 31. The base 33 also includes a peripheral edge 360 ​​to which the sealing disc 5 is attached by gluing or welding.

[0076] The base 33 has a collection recess 330 between its peripheral edge 360 ​​and the labyrinthine portion 320, which is adapted to collect brewed beverages and allow them to flow into the labyrinthine portion 320. The collection recess 330 defines a space that is adapted to accommodate deformation of the sealing disc 5 or at least a portion thereof without obstructing the sealing disc when the pressure exerted by the fluid inside the capsule 1 reaches a certain opening threshold level.

[0077] The base 33 also has a conveying recess 340 between the labyrinthine portion 320 and the central portion 310, which is adapted to collect the brewed beverage and allow the beverage to flow to the outside of the capsule 1 through at least one outlet opening 31.

[0078] The labyrinthine section 320 has multiple capillary channels 421 that allow the beverage to flow to the outlet opening 31 and then out of the capsule 1. Conversely, when the pressure inside the capsule 1 drops below a threshold, the capillary channels 421 prevent the beverage from passing through to prevent it from dripping at the end of dispensing.

[0079] Each capillary channel 421 connects the collection recess 330 to the delivery recess 340.

[0080] The capillary channel 421 is closed at the top by a disc 5 made of compostable material, which typically has poor mechanical and thermal properties. When the disc 5 is a flexible membrane made of compostable material, it tends to soften and adhere to the contours of the base 33 as the pressure and temperature in the capsule 1 increase.

[0081] Therefore, the capillary channel 421 has been made with a smaller cross-section to avoid blockage that may be caused by the sealing disc, and with an increased length to ensure an effective anti-drip effect.

[0082] Preferably, the capillary channel 421 has a Z-shaped or "square wave" pattern.

[0083] Preferably, the labyrinthine portion 320 includes a plurality of capillary channels 421, numbering between 10 and 40, preferably between 20 and 30.

[0084] The labyrinthine section 320 includes capillary channels 421 separated by separators 322 to which the sealing disc 5 is permanently attached. Preferably, the surface occupied by the separators 322 is larger than the surface occupied by the capillary channels 421 to adequately support the sealing disc 5 made of compostable material.

[0085] As described above, when the disc 5 is a flexible membrane of compostable material, it tends to soften and adhere to the contour of the base 33 as the pressure and temperature in the capsule 1 increase.

[0086] Therefore, the capsule 1 is provided with a support 90 at the base 33, which is adapted to keep the sealing disc 5 raised during the automatic opening phase so that it does not completely adhere to the bottom of the collection recess 330, thereby preventing beverage leakage. Preferably, the support 90 is a radial protrusion arranged at the bottom of the collection recess 330.

[0087] Preferably, the capsule 1 is provided with a support 350 at the base 33, on which the sealing disc 5 is secured or at least supported during the pre-opening phase. Preferably, the support 90 is an arcuate projection protruding from the bottom of the collecting recess 330. When provided, the support 350 defines a plurality of recesses 351 or compartments therebetween. In particular, the recesses 351 are defined between a pair of adjacent supports 350. The recesses 351 define a space that, when the pressure exerted by the fluid within the capsule 1 reaches a certain opening threshold level, is adapted to accommodate deformation of at least a portion of the sealing disc 5 without obstructing the sealing disc. The recesses 351 define a preferred space for deformation of the disc 5.

[0088] Preferably, when the substance S is ground coffee, the capsule 1 includes a filter 7 secured below the substance 11 and directly above the disc 5.

[0089] Filter 7 is made of biodegradable and compostable materials.

[0090] Preferably, the filter 7 is made of paper fiber or cellulose and includes polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS) on at least the underside to provide compostable material compatible with the welded cup 2.

[0091] Preferably, when the substance S is ground coffee, the capsule 1 includes a permeable or microperforated membrane 8, which is secured above the substance S and a certain distance below the cap 6. The membrane 8 is equipped with pores to allow the injected fluid to pass uniformly from the machine toward the food powder.

[0092] Membrane 8 is made of biodegradable and compostable materials.

[0093] Preferably, the membrane 8 is made of polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS) at least on the underside to provide compostable material compatible with welding to the cup 2.

[0094] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, the capsule 1 for preparing effervescent or soluble beverages includes a sealing disc 5 adapted to seal the cup 2 on its bottom.

[0095] The tray 5 is secured to the base 33 in a manner that is at least partially releasable, such that the tray is at least partially disengaged from the base by an increase in pressure within the volume V containing the food S.

[0096] Disc 5 is permanently or releasably secured to the surrounding edge 360.

[0097] Disc 5 is permanently secured to the labyrinth section 320 and the central section 310.

[0098] In use, capsule 1 is inserted into a slot in an extractor that pierces cap 6 and introduces pressurized fluid (primarily hot water) into the internal volume V containing the substance S. The presence of a sealing disc 5 at the bottom 3 of capsule 1 allows the pressurized fluid to remain in contact with the substance 11 to be brewed or dissolved for a certain time interval, thus ensuring optimal beverage quality. The pressure exerted by the fluid within capsule 1 increases until it reaches a certain threshold level or opening pressure (e.g., between 4 and 8 bar), which pushes disc 5 until it causes an automatic opening that allows the beverage to flow out.

[0099] In particular, such as Figures 9 to 16 As shown, the opening of capsule 1 is caused by at least partial deformation of the sealing disc 5.

[0100] exist Figure 9 and Figure 10 In the illustrated variant, capsule 1 opens according to a first automatic opening mode. In this variant, the sealing disc 5 is flexible, integrally formed without weak points or cuts, and attached to the peripheral edge 360 ​​in a at least partially releasable manner. Due to the increased pressure within capsule 1, the outer edge of disc 5 deforms and at least partially separates from the peripheral edge 360, thereby causing the previously provided sealing effect to fail, and the channel P opens to allow the beverage to flow out.

[0101] exist Figures 11 to 16 In the illustrated embodiment, capsule 1 opens according to a second automatic opening mode. In the modified embodiment, sealing disc 5 is a composite disc, i.e., comprising a central portion 51 and an outer annular portion 52 that are at least partially releasable and fastened together.

[0102] The disc 5 is permanently secured to the base 33, that is, at least to the peripheral edge 360 ​​and to the labyrinthine portion 320. (As in...) Figure 11 and Figure 14 As shown, the outer edge 522 of the annular portion 52 is fastened to the peripheral edge 360 ​​of the base 33, and the center of the central portion 51 is fastened to the labyrinthine portion 320. The inner edge 521 of the annular portion 52 is fastened to the peripheral edge 511 of the central portion 51 in a manner that is at least partially releasable.

[0103] As described above, when the disc 5 is a flexible membrane made of compostable material, it tends to soften and adhere to the contours of the base 33 as the pressure and temperature inside the capsule 1 increase. Therefore, in the capsule 1, the disc 5 comprises both a rigid portion and a flexible portion joined together. This reduces the risk of the disc 5 softening and completely adhering to the base.

[0104] Preferably, the edge of the flexible portion is fastened below the edge of the rigid portion. Due to the increased pressure inside the capsule 1, the flexible portion of the disc 5 deforms and at least partially separates from the rigid portion, thereby causing the previously provided sealing effect to fail and opening at least one channel P to allow the beverage to flow out.

[0105] exist Figures 11 to 13 In this example, in capsule 1, the central portion 51 of disc 5, designed to cover at least the labyrinthine portion 320, is a rigid disc. This reduces the risk of disc 5 softening and clogging the capillary channels 421. On the other hand, the annular portion 52 is a flexible membrane so that it can deform at least partially and allow capsule 1 to open.

[0106] exist Figures 14 to 16 In the example, in capsule 1, the annular portion 52 of disc 5, designed to be fastened to the peripheral edge 360, is rigid. This makes it easier to weld to the peripheral edge 360.

[0107] exist Figure 12 and Figure 15 In a modified embodiment, the central portion 51 and the annular portion 52 are fastened to each other by a releasable annular weld. Therefore, due to the increased pressure within the capsule 1, the flexible portion of the disc 5 deforms and completely separates from the rigid portion, thereby forming a wide channel P for beverage outflow.

[0108] exist Figure 13 and Figure 16 In a modified embodiment, the central portion 51 and the annular portion 52 are fastened to each other by a partially releasable annular weld. Therefore, due to the increased pressure within the capsule 1, the flexible portion of the disc 5 deforms and separates only partially from the rigid portion, thereby forming multiple small channels P for beverage outflow.

[0109] The capsules according to the invention can be used to package concentrated products (in the form of powder, granules or leaves) in a predetermined single-use dose for the impromptu preparation of beverages, such as leaf tea or soluble tea, ground coffee or instant coffee, herbal tea, milk, chocolate or other dehydrated and soluble products.

[0110] Innovatively, the capsules for preparing effervescent or soluble beverages according to the invention are fully biodegradable and compostable, and are provided with their own internal opening device, which is activated only after the injection of pressurized fluid.

[0111] Advantageously, the biodegradable and compostable capsules according to the invention open automatically by increasing internal pressure and are able to withstand the mechanical and thermal stresses they experience during use.

[0112] Advantageously, the biodegradable and compostable capsules of the present invention are provided with a reinforcement at the bottom to resist mechanical and thermal stresses experienced during use.

[0113] Advantageously, the biodegradable and compostable capsule according to the invention opens automatically by at least partial deformation of a partially rigid sealing disc to resist mechanical and thermal stresses experienced during use.

[0114] It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the capsules described above for preparing effervescent or soluble beverages, and all such modifications are included within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A compostable capsule (1) for making effervescent or soluble beverages, comprising: - A cup (2), defining an internal volume (V) therein, containing at least one substance (S) to be brewed or dissolved; the cup (2): -- On one side, a bottom (3) is provided, the bottom having an outlet opening (31) for the beverage. -- On the opposite side, a fluid inlet opening (21) is provided. -- An internal base (33) is provided inside, the internal base comprising: --- The central portion (310) covers the outlet opening (31). --- A maze-like section (320) is arranged around the central section (310). --- Peripheral edges (360) are arranged around the central portion (310); --- A beverage collection recess (330) is arranged between the peripheral edge (360) and the labyrinthine portion (320). --- A beverage delivery recess (340) is arranged between the labyrinthine portion (320) and the central portion (310); - The lid (6) is securely fastened to the cup (2) to close the inlet opening (21); - At least partially flexible sealing disc (5), securely fastened to the inner base (33) of the cup (2) to ensure the sealing of the inner volume (V) together with the lid (6); The opening for the beverage to flow out is defined by at least a partial deformation of the sealing disc (5), which prevents the volume (V) from being sealed. The cup (2), the lid (6) and the sealing plate (5) are characterized in that the cup (2), the lid (6) and the sealing plate (5) are made of compostable material, and the cup (2), the sealing plate (5) and the lid comprise polylactic acid (PLA) and / or polybutylene succinate (PBS) and / or polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA).

2. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cup (2) is made of compostable material having at least one of the following characteristics: - Tensile yield strength between 30 MPa and 50 MPa (ASTM standard D638) or between 35 MPa and 50 MPa (ISO 527-1); - Elongation at break greater than or equal to 10% (ASTM standard D638) or from 10% to 35% (ISO 527-1); - Flexural modulus between 2000 MPa and 2500 MPa (ASTM D790) or tensile modulus between 2000 MPa and 4500 MPa (ISO 527-1).

3. The capsule (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cup (2) is made of a compostable material comprising polylactic acid (PLA) and having at least two of the following characteristics: - Tensile yield strength between 30 MPa and 40 MPa (ASTM standard D638); - Elongation at break greater than or equal to 10% (ASTM standard D638); - Flexural modulus between 2000 MPa and 2500 MPa (ASTM D790).

4. The capsule (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The cup (2) is made of a compostable material comprising polybutylene succinate (PBS) and having at least one of the following characteristics: - Elongation at break between 30% and 40% (ISO 527-1); - Tensile modulus of elasticity between 4000 MPa and 4500 MPa (ISO 527-1).

5. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The cup (2) is made of a compostable material comprising polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and having at least two of the following characteristics: - Tensile yield strength between 30 MPa and 35 MPa (ISO 527-1); - Elongation at break between 2% and 5% (ISO 527-1); - Tensile modulus of elasticity between 1500 MPa and 2500 MPa (ISO 527-1).

6. The capsule (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The compostable material of the sealing disc (5) has: - Fracture strength of MD between 85 MPa and 95 MPa and TD between 35 MPa and 45 MPa (ISO Standard 5271-3); and / or - Elongation at break between MD and 20%, and between TD and 40% and 50% (ISO Standard 5271-3).

7. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing disc (5) is at least partially multilayered, the multilayers having an intermediate barrier layer of metallized cellulose or metallized cellophane and / or an upper outer layer made of paper or cellophane.

8. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing disc (5) is at least partially rigid and made of the same material as the cup (2).

9. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom (3) of the cup (2) is externally reinforced by external reinforcing fins (81) arranged radially and located at the labyrinthine portion (320), the external reinforcing fins (81) being present in a number greater than 15.

10. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The bottom (3) of the cup (2) is externally reinforced by a central reinforcement (82) arranged radially and located at the central portion (310).

11. The capsule (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The sealing disc (5) consists of a central portion (51) permanently fastened to the labyrinthine portion (320) and an outer annular portion (52) permanently fastened to the peripheral edge (360), wherein the central portion (51) and the outer annular portion (52) of the sealing disc (5) are fastened to each other in a manner that is at least partially releasable, and between the central portion (51) and the outer annular portion (52) of the sealing disc (5) is a flexible membrane, wherein, due to an increase in pressure, the flexible portion of the sealing disc (5) separates at least partially from the rigid portion of the sealing disc (5), thereby opening at least one channel (P) for the outflow of the beverage.

12. The capsule (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The edge of the flexible portion is fastened below the edge of the rigid portion.

13. The capsule (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, The central portion (51) of the sealing disc (5) for covering the labyrinthine portion (320) is a rigid disc, and the outer annular portion (52) is a flexible membrane.

14. The capsule (1) according to claim 11, wherein, The central portion (51) of the sealing disc (5) for covering the labyrinthine portion (320) is a flexible membrane, and the outer annular portion (52) is rigid.

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