Coffee Byproducts Could Help Transform The Global Supply Chain Into A Circular Economy – CoffeeTalk

In the realm of coffee production, countries from the Global South, including Brazil, Colombia, Vietnam, and Kenya, play a pivotal role, contributing significantly to the over 3 billion cups of coffee consumed worldwide each day. The coffee industry is characterized by a global production exceeding 10 million tonnes annually, primarily managed by small local growers operating on over 12 million farms spanning 10.6 million hectares. However, challenges such as lower yields, soil acidification, and rising costs threaten the viability of small growers, particularly in regions like Kenya.

A recent report by the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) highlights that by rethinking the coffee supply chain through circular economy principles, the sector can not only address its environmental impact but also diversify revenue streams. Currently, only 1-5% of the coffee cherry is utilized, while 95-99%, composed of byproducts like pulp and spent grounds, presents untapped potential in sectors such as cosmetics, food production, and renewable energy. This is particularly pertinent for Africa, which generates 72% of coffee waste.

The report, “Beyond Coffee: Towards a Circular Coffee Economy,” co-authored by the International Coffee Organisation (ICO) and various academic and trade partners, explores innovative strategies for waste transformation into profitable products. Through initiatives aimed at supporting the coffee community—spanning from producers to research institutions—the C4CEC seeks to foster an accessible global knowledge network focused on sustainable practices.

Research initiatives in Kenya’s Dedan Kimathi University of Technology target the enhancement of coffee byproducts into food items, biofuels, and sustainable materials. Noteworthy examples include the Egyptian startup Cupmena, utilizing coffee grounds for fungi growth, and Colombia’s Selvitas, championing sustainable agricultural practices. Furthermore, about 70% of Kenya’s coffee skins are already repurposed into briquettes, showcasing the viability of coffee waste applications.

To cultivate a resilient coffee industry, holistic strategies rooted in agroecology and regenerative agriculture are essential. Collaboration with startups and incentives for farmers to reuse byproducts are crucial for creating a market, thereby connecting agricultural outputs with sectors like cosmetics. Success in these strategies is contingent on forming partnerships across various institutional levels, which not only addresses climate change but also closes the economic loop within the coffee sector, generating new revenue for local communities.

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