Center for Circular Economy in Coffee

The global coffee industry, with its nearly 40 million tons of biowaste produced annually, faces a significant challenge that requires immediate collective action. However, there are reasons to be optimistic.  Circular economy approaches can open new income and job opportunities, especially in coffee-producing countries, while addressing critical environmental concerns globally. It is clear that to implement circular economy on a large scale, we must overcome challenges such as the lack of concrete knowledge, weaknesses in regulatory frameworks, and low levels of investment and public-private collaboration. This is where the Center for #CircularEconomy in Coffee comes in, promoted by a wide network of global partners, including #LavazzaFoundation, Politecnico di Torino, University of Gastronomic Sciences - Pollenzo, International Coffee Organization (ICO), International Trade Centre (ITC), and UNIDO. Join the center to access a global network of knowledge, implement circular solutions, and contribute to #research and #innovation. Let's make a difference together, working towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and profitable coffee sector. https://lnkd.in/dZHnBcqJ

Every 100 kg of coffee cherries generate 22 kg of mucilage —a sticky, viscous layer rich in pectic substances, proteins, and sugars. Yet, this by-product often goes unnoticed, despite its potential in #food, #agriculture, and #biotech applications. 🔬 Unlike coffee pulp, #mucilage contains no tannins or #caffeine, making it a promising ingredient for: ✅ Natural Gelling Agents – #Sustainable alternatives in the food industry 🍲 ✅ Fermentation Substrates – Supporting probiotic production 🦠 ✅ #Biodegradable Films – Innovating eco-friendly packaging solutions ♻️ ✅ Soil Amendments – Enhancing #soil microbiome and water retention 🌾 💡 Have you seen innovative uses of coffee mucilage? Let us know in the comments below! 👇 #CircularEconomy #CoffeeInnovation #ZeroWaste #Coffee

📣 Announcing a new opportunity for agribusiness entrepreneurs in Africa, Carribean, and the Pacific! We are partnering with International Trade Centre's Alliances for Action to offer our members the opportunity to join the A4A Investment Promotion program. Those selected will join a cohort of agribusinesses with tailored programming to strengthen your business, prepare your business for investment, and connect you with potential investors. Learn more and check your eligibility with the links below! Have questions about the program or C4CEC membership? Contact us with a DM! ITC Agribusiness

☕🌍 Last week at African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) and the 6th Inter-African Coffee Organization’s African Coffee Research Network Conference, we had the opportunity to engage with passionate coffee professionals, researchers, and innovators, all committed to making the sector more sustainable. The discussions around #CircularEconomy were a powerful reminder that rethinking how we use resources isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity. From unlocking value in #coffee waste to strengthening resilience in supply chains, we explored tangible ways to close the loop and create lasting impact. 🚀 A major milestone: The Inter-African Coffee Organization (IACO) is joining the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee! This marks an important step in expanding collaboration and accelerating circular practices across Africa’s coffee sector. More than anything, this week highlighted the power of working together. #Sustainability isn’t achieved in silos—it’s built through trust, shared knowledge, and collective action! 🙏🏼 A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed, exchanged ideas, and inspired new ways of thinking. Vanusia Nogueira Dario Toso Katherine Oglietti Hannelore Beerlandt International Coffee Organization ITC Agribusiness

☕🌿 We’re headed to Dar es Salaam! Join us at the 6th Inter-African Coffee Organization’s African Coffee Research Network Conference, where Dario Toso, Coordinator and Head of our Scientific Board, will deliver a keynote on “Generating Value from Coffee Waste: Circular Economy Innovation.” We’re also taking part in the African Fine Coffees Association (AFCA) Conference, driving the conversation on circular economy and building partnerships for a more sustainable coffee industry. 📍 Let’s connect in Dar es Salaam! Send us a DM or email us at info@circulareconomyincoffee.org #C4CEC #CircularEconomy #SustainableCoffee #ClimateAction #Coffee #Innovation #Circularity #CoffeeInnovation #Sustainability #AFCA2025

Circular Economy in Action 🌍 What do The Coffee Cherry Co. BeGOAT Clean Energy Drinks, alldae superfruit soda, UP TO GOOD Energy, LACASCARA, DIANAE, and ofi all have in common? ♻️ They are transforming coffee husk into antioxidant-rich products—turning what was once waste into value. This not only creates new income opportunities for coffee farmers but also reduces GHG emissions and landfill waste, driving a more sustainable coffee industry. 🔗 Want to learn more about circular innovations in coffee? Explore these initiatives and access practical guides on the C4CEC website: https://lnkd.in/dVCjaJ6Z #C4CEC #CircularEconomy #SustainableCoffee #ClimateAction #Coffee #Innovation #Circularity #CoffeePulp #Upcycling #Cascara #ZeroWaste #RegenerativeBusiness #WasteToValue #GreenBusiness #CoffeeByproducts

Every coffee harvest produces millions of tonnes of organic material—most of it wasted. But what if we saw coffee pulp as a valuable resource instead? Rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, coffee pulp is fueling innovation across industries: ✅ Cascara Beverages – Teas, syrups, and infusions🍹 ✅ Gluten-Free Flour– A sustainable and nutritious alternative🌾 ✅ Organic Fertilizer & Compost – Enhancing soil health and reducing reliance on chemical inputs 🌿 ✅ Animal Feed – A cost-effective, nutrient-rich supplement for livestock 🐄 ✅ Mushroom Cultivation – Perfect organic substrate for growing fungi 🍄 🔗 Learn how you can repurpose coffee pulp by accessing our guides and DIY videos here: https://lnkd.in/d4gpD2P8 #C4CEC #CircularEconomy #SustainableCoffee #ClimateAction #Coffee #Innovation #Circularity #CoffeePulp #Upcycling

The #coffee sector faces critical challenges, from climate change to waste management, but solutions are within reach! As Gunter Pauli, author of The Blue Economy, emphasizes in this video, circularity and collaboration are key to tackling these issues. By joining the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee you’ll be part of a global movement focused on innovation, sustainability, and circular solutions. As a member, you’ll gain access to: 🔍 Cutting-edge research from leading universities and partners. 🤝 Connect with a growing network of SMEs, NGOs, and global organizations. 🌱 Co-create solutions to challenges like emission reduction and resource efficiency. Apply to join us via https://lnkd.in/eUPgeycV 📅 Applications close March 15th! Katherine Oglietti Dario Toso Alessandro Campanella Fabiana Rovera Silvia Barbero Maira Campanella Franco Fassio Mariamawit Solomon Kassa #CircularEconomy #SustainableCoffee #GuntherPauli #TheBlueEconomy #CoffeeIndustry #C4CEC #Innovation #ClimateChange #CircularSolutions #Waste #GHG

🚨 Join the Movement – Membership Applications Now Open! 🚨 Did you know the #Coffee industry generates over 40 million tonnes of waste every year—equivalent to the weight of 365,000 blue whales? 🐋 It’s time to rethink, redesign, and repurpose! At the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee, we’re driving change through #innovation, collaboration, and #circular solutions. Whether you're a producer, SME, researcher, or sustainability advocate, your voice and expertise can make a difference. 📢 Be part of the future of coffee. Connect, innovate, and lead the way toward a #CircularEconomy. 📅 Apply via: https://lnkd.in/eUPgeycV Katherine Oglietti Dario Toso Mariamawit Solomon Kassa Chiara Scaraggi Giulia Macola Gerardo PATACCONI Politecnico di Torino UNIDO ITC Agribusiness International Coffee Organization Fondazione Lavazza University of Gastronomic Sciences - Pollenzo

As we wrap up an incredible year, we’re excited to share "The Sustainable Future of Coffee: A Year with C4CEC." This 2024 Summary Booklet captures the progress, partnerships, and milestones that have propelled us toward a more circular #coffee industry.   👉 Dive into the highlights and download your copy here: https://lnkd.in/dQ3K3seN   Happy holidays to all our partners, members, and supporters. Thank you for making this year a success—we can’t wait to continue this journey with you in 2025! 🌱 #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #C4CEC ITC Agribusiness International Coffee Organization Dario Toso Fabiana Rovera Alessandro Campanella Katherine Oglietti Chiara Scaraggi Gerardo PATACCONI Hernan Manson Mario Cerutti Mariamawit Solomon Kassa Giulia Macola