Regarding the environmental concerns, our used Nespresso pods are collected with the other household metal containers and recycled each week. I've been to the recycle centres nearby and they are in fact separated and compacted for combustion-melting and reuse. Aluminum like plastic, paper, and asphalt is safely refired, melted and reused.

The aftermarket refill capsules is another story. Admittedly I haven't used them, but those neighbors who have purchased said capsules in Switzerland report some problems. Capsules stick in the machine, paper inserts (?), refills do not fully allow the heated water to flow through the capsules, etc. Not sure how or where they are made and if these are the German capsules you refer to. This is all that I have heard.

Nestle and Nespresso on the otherhand has a history of proven, excellent quality control standards, including capsule manufacture and coffee quality control. This can be verified for 20+ years, enjoyed with consistency, and fine with me.

I only wish they had a unit for my car: A single shot is a nice option in the Alps in the Winter.