Description: Class action lawsuit alleging that defendant misrepresented the recyclability of single-use "coffee pods," which the complaint alleged have numerous negative effects, including contributing to methane emissions.
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Smith v. Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
Case Documents:
Filing Date Type File Action Taken Summary 07/13/2022 Complaint Download Second amended class action complaint filed. 07/08/2022 Memorandum and Order Download Plaintiffs' motion for preliminary approval of class action settlement granted and plaintiffs' request to file an amended complaint granted. Federal Court Approved Class Action Settlement in Case Alleging Misrepresentations of Coffee Pods’ Recyclability. The federal district court for the Northern District of California granted preliminary approval of a class action settlement in a lawsuit alleging that a company that sells single-use coffee pods misrepresented the recyclability of the product. The lawsuit asserted claims under California’s Unfair Competition Law and Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law, as well as breach of express warranties, misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment. Factual allegations included that plastic waste is thought to be “a significant potential, cause of global climate change” because it releases methane as it degrades. The settlement requires the defendant to make a $10 million payment for payments to class members, settlement administration expenses, incentive awards, and attorneys’ fees and costs. The defendant will also qualify claims of recyclability with the disclaimer “Check Locally – Not Recycled in Many Communities” wherever it represents that pods are recyclable, including on boxes and in advertising. Unclaimed settlement proceeds are to be paid to Ocean Conservancy and Consumer Reports, Inc. 09/21/2020 Order Download Motion for class certification granted. -
Smith v. Keurig Green Mountain, Inc.
Case Documents:
Filing Date Type File Action Taken Summary 09/28/2018 Complaint Download Complaint filed. Class Action Filed in California Court Alleging Misrepresentation of Recyclability of Single-Serve Coffee Pods. A California resident filed a class action complaint in California Superior Court against a company that makes single-serve “coffee pods.” The complaint alleges that the company misrepresents the recyclability of their product. The alleged negative effects of plastic waste include one climate-related allegation: “The staggering amount of plastic waste accumulating in the environment is accompanied by an array of negative side effects. … More recently, scientists have discovered that, as it degrades, plastic waste releases large amounts of methane, a powerful greenhouse gas. Thus, plastic waste is also thought to be a significant potential cause of global climate change.” The complaint asserts a breach of an express warranty, violations of the California Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and violations of California’s unfair competition law.