The bioeconomy is a hot topic these days, right up at the top of policy agendas. It involves using renewable natural resources as a raw material. The circular bioeconomy introduces circularity into this concept: using what would otherwise be thrown away, using spent biological resources to regenerate ecosystems and minimising waste.

The ECESP website has a good selection of circular bioeconomy-themed content. This series will shine a spotlight on it.

Circular bioeconomy concept: processing coffee grounds into a durable and resistant alternative to single-use plastic

Coffeefrom has built a supply chain based on the recovery and processing of industrial coffee grounds. They are blended with biopolymers to create a bio-based thermoplastic material produced entirely in Italy: Coffeefrom. It is a durable and resistant alternative to single-use plastic.

The project has three main categories of granules which can be used in injection moulding:

• Coffeefrom® Bio: 100% biodegradable, made of coffee grounds and polylactic acid, a biopolymer. It is also suitable for 3D printing and has applications in the packaging, automotive and tablewear industries.
• Coffeefrom® Eco: 100% recycled, made of recycled low-density polyethylene and coffee grounds. It is light and flexible.
• Coffeefrom® Strong: made of high-density polyethylene and coffee grounds. It is rigid and suitable for applications requiring significant mechanical properties.

They also produce cups, pens and holders from these materials.

Coffeefrom has a positive social impact by integrating fragile and disadvantaged people, as well as working closely with other social enterprises.

Results

• The project processes up to 200 tons of coffee grounds a year, reducing the substantial management and environmental costs associated with the food industry.
• Skills promotion: the businesses and individuals involved acquire new skills by integrating an organic waste into production processes
• Social impact: disadvantaged individuals are involved in project-related activities and other local social enterprises are brought into supply processes
• Coffeefrom is innovative in terms of both its process and business model: it provides a response to four of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals: sustainable consumption and production; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; and partnerships for the goals.