Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA was recognized with a 2017 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award during an April 4 ceremony at the 28^th Environment Virginia Symposium at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington.

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality announced that MZB received a Silver Award for the company’s significant achievements in sustainable manufacturing practices and leadership within the consumer packaged goods sector.

Other winners represent businesses and industrial facilities, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies from throughout the Commonwealth.

MZB was specifically recognized for the launch of its single-serve coffee pod. The PURPOD100 is certified as 100 percent compostable by the Biodegradable Products Institute. It will break down in commercial composting facilities in less than 100 days.

The pod is made from more than 90 percent renewable resources, and the ring of the pod is made from coffee chaff. Every single part of the PURPOD100 is designed to be digestible by, and accessible for, bacteria.

For every 100,000 compostable coffee pods that are sent to composting after they have been used, two tons of wet coffee grounds are diverted from landfills.

“Our company prides itself on the many examples of our commitment to sustainable manufacturing and the responsible stewardship of our raw material — coffee — from seed to cup,” said Sarah Cunningham, Senior Brand Manager at Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA.

“This award recognizes the hard work and creativity of our employees and the support of our vendors and retailers. It will serve to encourage us to do more in the years to come.”

Gold, silver, bronze and honorable mention award winning programs were chosen based on criteria including environmental benefit, stakeholder involvement, public outreach, transferability and innovation.

The awards were sponsored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.