The Scale of Coffee Waste
The global coffee industry produces over 6 million tonnes of spent coffee grounds (SCG) each year. Most of this organic waste ends up in landfills, where it decomposes anaerobically and releases methane — a greenhouse gas 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period.
Yet spent coffee grounds are far from worthless. SCG retains oils, fibres, and organic compounds that give it remarkable properties: natural water resistance, antimicrobial characteristics, and structural strength when blended with the right bioplastic matrix.
From Waste to Product: The REKAFFEE Process
Coffee Consumption
Cafés, restaurants, and factories generate spent coffee grounds daily
Collection & Drying
SCG is collected, dried, and processed to remove moisture
Bioplastic Blending
10% SCG blended with 90% PBAT/PLA/PHA plant-based bioplastic
Compost & Return
Products compost under industrial conditions, returning nutrients to soil
Why 10% SCG Is the Sweet Spot
REKAFFEE products use a 10% SCG to 90% bioplastic ratio. This is not arbitrary — peer-reviewed research informs this formulation:
- Below 10%, the upcycling impact is negligible and the natural properties of coffee are underutilised
- At 10%, the blend achieves optimal tensile strength while maintaining compostability
- Above 15%, mechanical properties degrade and production consistency drops
- The 10% ratio has been validated through ISO 527-3 mechanical testing
The Environmental Case
Methane Reduction
Diverting SCG from landfill prevents anaerobic decomposition and the methane it produces.
Plastic Replacement
Each compostable straw displaces one petroleum-based plastic straw that would persist in the environment for 200+ years.
Nutrient Return
After composting, the organic matter returns to soil as humus, completing the cycle.
What This Means for Buyers
For importers and distributors, SCG-based packaging offers a differentiated product with a compelling sustainability story. Unlike generic bioplastic straws, the coffee origin provides a tangible, visible narrative that resonates with end consumers and aligns with ESG reporting requirements.
The circular economy is not just an environmental concept — it is becoming a procurement requirement. Companies across the F&B supply chain are being asked to demonstrate closed-loop sourcing. SCG-based packaging delivers on that requirement with independently verified credentials.
Explore our circular economy products
See how SCG becomes compostable straws and food film.
View Products