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Where innovation meets the mountain: Nespresso × Faction in Verbier

MCI Switzerland delivered the launch of Nespresso × Faction, a collaboration between two Swiss B Corp brands linked by innovation, precision and sustainability. In Verbier, an Alpine village in the famous 4 Vallées ski area, guests were introduced to limited-edition skis, poles and recovery shoes made partly from recycled aluminium and coffee grounds from used coffee capsules.

The challenge

Celebrating circularity at altitude
 

Nespresso × Faction brings together two Swiss B Corp brands, linked by shared values around innovation, precision and sustainability. With Nespresso’s Second Life Initiative as its foundation, the launch would unveil a limited-edition range of skis, poles and recovery shoes, partly made from recycled aluminium and coffee grounds from used coffee capsules. The brief called for a tailor-made concept that felt authentic to both brands’ DNAs while balancing Nespresso’s premium image with Faction’s adventurous spirit. The story needed to land across an audience of Gen Z, press, influencers, VIPs, B2B clients and customers, with a shareable narrative delivered from creative concept and content through to production and amplification. Delivery had to translate circularity and technical sustainability into clear, engaging messages. Once we’d developed our creative strategy, this meant working at 2,200 metres in a high-mountain setting with single cable-car access, strict safety requirements, wind exposure and snow conditions. With multiple stakeholders, tight timelines and a smaller brand not used to large-scale events, MCI Switzerland also needed to provide steady governance and advisory support to keep decisions clear and delivery on track.

Brand Nestlé Nespresso S.A & The Faction Collective

Industry Luxury, Sports

Service Experiences & Events

Contact < Back to All Work

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The solution

A morning-rave format at 2,200 metres

We started by analysing what would make this collaboration feel authentic to both brands, and what would turn the recycling and circulatory story into something guests could genuinely experience and share. That thinking led us to a concept that linked coffee and skiing through the same promise of energy, focus, adrenaline and that first-run feeling. Inspired by the “morning raves” trend, we designed an early-morning, high-altitude experience rooted in Swiss territory and culture in Verbier, at the heart of alpine and freeride culture. Guests were welcomed with coffee, music and mountain air, including a surprise DJ set and espresso cocktail rituals, followed by the reveal, exhibition and activities. Throughout the activation, circularity was emphasised and expressed through the materials, products and real use cases, showing sustainability as a practical commitment.

The results

Authentic sustainability messaging with high visibility and tangible impact

The launch attracted Swiss press, influencers, athletes and key stakeholders. It achieved impressive visibility, delivering high engagement and strong social media content. The 80 guests found the collaboration to be rooted in shared values. Sustainability and circularity came through as authentic, credible and concrete actions, and had a strong emotional impact.  For the brands, the activation strengthened Nespresso’s position in circular innovation beyond the coffee category, gave clear visibility to the Second Life Initiative through an unexpected product category and reinforced Faction’s commitment to sustainability while keeping performance central.

FAQs

Do you have any queries? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions. 

Q2. How do you design a launch that fits two very different brand worlds? 
A. Start with a shared insight and build an experience that holds both brand DNAs, so the tone feels authentic to each partner. 

Q3. How do you deliver a premium brand event in a high-mountain setting? 
A. Plan around access, safety requirements and weather exposure, then adapt structures and materials so the creative vision holds onsite. 

Q4. How do you create a launch built for sharing across channels? 
A. Design the format as a full experience, from concept and content through to production and amplification. Make sure you include moments that translate well for social media. 

Q1. How do you make a circularity story tangible for media and influencers? 
A. Ground it in real products and clear use cases, then build the reveal around what the recycled materials become and how they perform. 

 

If you want to turn a sustainability commitment into a lived brand moment, talk to MCI

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