Keurig Receives Approval to Expand Sustainable Brewing Innovation in Burlington

Keurig-Dr Pepper has received approval to allow light manufacturing operations at its corporate headquarters located at 53–63 South Avenue in Burlington. The permit enables Keurig to further its commitment to next-generation brewing technology, high-quality materials, and long-term sustainability. 

The company will utilize approximately 2,500 square feet within its Burlington headquarters to support beta testing and small-scale, light manufacturing of its newest innovation: K-Rounds, a fully compostable, aluminum-free and plastic-free coffee pod system unveiled early last year. K-Rounds are designed to be brewed using new “brew-through” technology and can be placed directly into home compost or garden soil after use.

Kristine Hung, Partner at Riemer and Braunstein and attorney for Keurig-Dr. Pepper said of the expansion and new concept, “[Keurig-Dr. Pepper] are continually looking to innovate their technology as well as their commitment to quality materials and sustainability”.

This planned expansion is expected to add one to two new employees in Burlington. Keurig emphasized that this facility will serve as a contingency and support site to ensure scalable production, complementing its primary South Carolina manufacturing facility, which is already outfitted with roasting equipment and the capability to press coffee into the new puck format. The system uses food-grade coatings and delivers a fully compostable solution that also enables an expanded range of espresso-based beverages.

This comes off the heels of Keurig-Dr. Pepper’s recent acquisition of Peet’s Coffee as part of the company’s ongoing evolution following its planned JDE acquisition and corporate split between hot and cold beverage operations. Burlington will remain the global headquarters for Keurig’s global coffee business, while the refreshment beverage side plans are still TBD. This is part of their plan to plant “a larger stake in the ground here in Burlington, Massachusetts, which we’re very excited about”, according to Keurig spokesperson Marc Angotti. It was recently announced that the HQ building was sold to a new realty company for $84.5 million.