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Red Hong Yi Creates Kaleidoscope from 24,000 Used Nespresso Capsules

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Contemporary Malaysian artist expresses that 'Doing Is Everything' when it comes to sustainability and giving used items a second life

Kuala Lumpur, 8 April 2021 Nespresso together with renowned Malaysian contemporary artist Red Hong Yi unveiled an art installation at the Nespresso Boutique in The Gardens Mall. Themed ‘Doing is Everything’, the collaboration aims to highlight the importance of recycling and that every individual plays an essential role in creating a positive impact to the world. 

Titled ‘Kaleidoscope’, the installation is made up of seven mirrored panels that reflect the ‘Doing is Everything’ phrase, which was created from 24,000 pieces of used Nespresso capsules. Red lent her superb craftmanship and precision to angle each capsule in certain positions to mirror the kaleidoscope effect, with the aim of communicating that reused and recycled items can also have a second life at portraying such beauty. Kaleidoscope sits at a height of 1.46m and weighs 70kg, and embodies the continuous act of recycling while bringing to life the rich colours of Nespresso aluminium capsules.

24,000 pieces of used Nespresso capsules
Using 24,000 pieces of used Nespresso capsules, Red masterfully position each capsule to mirror the Kaleidoscope effect and bringing to life the rich colours of Nespresso capsules.

“I am honoured by the opportunity to work with Nespresso, a brand that continuously encourages consumers to recycle, giving items a second life. I would say this experience is a unique one, as I breathe new meaning into ‘second life’ by recycling used Nespresso aluminium capsules into a work of art. I believe that we each play a role in making a difference for our planet, and through small improvements in our everyday actions we are certainly one step closer towards sustainability,” said Red Hong Yi.

“Sustainability is rooted in the heart of everything we do at Nespresso. We have built the company, our products and our practices on one simple foundation: that every cup of Nespresso should have a positive impact and that every small continuous act contributes toward a larger goal, hence ‘Doing is Everything’. We are happy to work with Red on this collaboration to share the message towards sustainability and recycling. It is absolutely admirable that she brought to life this message through her artwork. Through this collaboration, we hope for everyone to join us in the journey to reduce, reuse and recycle while enjoying our finest coffees,” said Floriane Novello, Business Executive Officer of Nespresso Malaysia.

Floraine Novello and Red Hong Yi
(From left) Floraine Novello and Red Hong Yi with the artwork ‘Kaleidoscope’, encouraging Malaysians to reduce, reuse and recycle with every cup of coffee.

The ‘Kaleidoscope’ art installation is on display at the Nespresso Boutique in The Gardens Mall from 8 April 2021. An art exhibition will be held at South Palm, The Gardens from 9 to 18 April 2021 showcasing Red Hong Yi’s inspiration and her work behind the scenes of ‘Doing is Everything’.

Nespresso aluminium coffee capsules can be recycled infinitely to give it a second life and reduce waste.

A worldwide effort to increase recycling rates

To date, Nespresso has reached a global recycling rate of 30% and is en route to increasing this number. Since 2014, the company has invested over CHF 185 million in its recycling programmes globally, with over 100,000 collection points in 53 countries.

In 2020, Nespresso introduced the first coffee capsules on the market made using 80% recycled aluminium, as part of the company’s continued journey towards circularity, going further to minimise waste and maximise the reuse of product materials. The move closely follows the introduction of new machine boxes in fully recyclable packaging made of 95% recycled material. By the end of 2021, Nespresso aims to have the full Original Line of coffee capsules made using recycled aluminium, and have all machines sold in the packaging made with 95% recycled material.

Recycling in Malaysia: A collective effort by everyone

Closer to home, Nespresso encourages customers to come aboard its recycling initiative. Consumers can drop off their used Nespresso coffee capsules at the Boutiques in The Gardens Mall or One Utama Shopping Centre or through the Recycling@Home option available in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Penang and Negeri Sembilan, where they pass the recycling bag to the courier, upon the delivery of their next order. The used capsules will then be sent to a local recycling centre to be recycled infinitely. Coffee grounds in the used capsules are sent to local organic farms to be turned into compost. Through these efforts, each and every Nespresso coffee capsule dropped off by consumers are fully utilised, maximising the positive contribution to the local communities while minimising waste.

To discover more about Nespresso Malaysia and its sustainability and recycling initiatives, visit the Nespresso official site (www.nespresso.com), our official Instagram page (@nespresso.my), Facebook page (Nespresso.MY) and through our Customer Careline at 1800 80 7001 (24/7 toll-free) for updates on the latest news and offerings.


About Nestlé Nespresso SA

Nestlé Nespresso SA is the pioneer and reference for highest-quality portioned coffee. The company works with more than 110,000 farmers in 14 countries through its AAA Sustainable Quality™ Program to embed sustainability practices on farms and the surrounding landscapes. Launched in 2003 in collaboration with The Rainforest Alliance, the program helps to improve the yield and quality of harvests, ensuring a sustainable supply of high-quality coffee and improving livelihoods of farmers and their communities.

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Nespresso operates in 84 countries and has 14,250 employees. In 2019, it operated a global retail network of 810 boutiques. For more information, visit the Nespresso corporate website: www.nestle-nespresso.com.


For more information, please contact:

Thai Jia Vay
Brand Communications Specialist
Nespresso Malaysia
Address: 22-1, 22nd Floor, Menara Surian, No 1, Jln PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara 47810, Selangor Malaysia
Tel: + 6017 200 3386
Email: [email protected]

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Burson Cohn & Wolfe
Mobile: +6011-1122 6856 / +6016-375 3703 / +6018-777 5676 / +6012-639 1779 / +6016-453 8183
Email: [email protected]

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