Does a zero-waste cafe exist?
With more and more consumers interested in sustainability in the coffee industry, zero-waste cafes have become a trend over the past few years. But does such a cafe really exist? Let’s find out with XLIII Coffee!
Feasibility of a zero-waste cafe
In theory, for a coffee shop to use a "zero-waste" label means it won't create any waste. In practice, however, this can range from difficult to impossible. Because coffee shops often generate a significant amount of waste including cups, straws, plastic lids, plastic bags for customers to take away or leftover milk and used coffee grounds.
According to Marion Vignot - General Manager of the Australian non-profit organization Responsible Cafés, it is not possible to have a coffee shop that is completely waste-free. Instead, cafes can focus on ensuring that as little waste as possible goes to landfill. Additionally, Lenka Kriz is a co-owner of Cat & Cow Coffee in New South Wales, Australia – a zero-waste cafe she co-founded with her husband in 2019: for a cafe, zero waste means minimizing waste wherever possible. It's about trying to avoid creating unnecessary waste. So, to become a zero-waste cafe, business owners can focus on using reusable instead of disposable products and materials and create a community of like-minded people.
How to become a zero-waste cafe?
While running a completely zero-waste cafe is an impossible task, business owners interested in sustainability can do many things to avoid creating unnecessary waste. These activities can vary widely from cafe to cafe depending on a number of factors such as location, menu items, supplier partners and number of employees. For example, the zero-waste cafe Cat & Cow Coffee will range from rejecting any flyers or samples to avoiding waste or using recyclable and compostable items.
But it's important for business owners to identify and evaluate what items are recyclable and how to dispose of them. To do this, it is first necessary to conduct thorough and accurate research and information synthesis. The General Manager of Responsible Cafés advises that business owners can contact their nearest waste disposal agency to better understand what materials and items they collect, or connect with experts to find out. After identifying the types of waste, the cafe needs to conduct proper treatment to ensure the least amount of waste released into the environment. Some coffee shop owners use compostable cups, but they don't know that they need to be sent to a composting plant. If not handled properly, even these biodegradable and compostable materials can last intact for hundreds of years and release harmful gases. In addition, coffee shop owners need to build their own culture and transmit them to their employees and customers to ensure the most effective.
XLIII Coffee - Efforts on the world of zero-waste coffee
As a growing business, XLIII Coffee understands that sustainability is a definite path to a strong industry. We acknowledge that “sustainable” is a keyword that is being overused because of its significance and great impact on the ecosystem. The commitment to sustainable operation on all platforms is a long journey that requires a lot of efforts and the consensus of many parties. We are still in the process of transitioning towards sustainability, making maximum efforts to minimize the impact on the environment and community. We strive to transform and scale by investing in people and building exemplary attitudes.
For us, sustainability is real and applies to every aspect. Our relationships, sourcing, products, packaging,... are carefully selected in line with the sustainable progress we aim to achieve. XLIII Coffee's raw material partners are selected according to extremely strict sustainability standards, including but not limited to: cultivation areas with a high density of shade trees, models of semi-forest farming or intercropping with forests, minimizing the impact on the ecosystem at the place of cultivation,... Of which, the average wet processing requires about 14 liters of water. However, in an effort to minimize water resources, our partners have now reduced water usage to about 3-4 liters. Wastewater after preliminary processing is thoroughly treated before being returned to the environment.
In addition, during operation, XLIII Coffee minimizes waste and energy consumption:
- We choose the Extremely Light roasting method, besides accurately describing the coffee flavor, also minimizing CO2 emissions into the environment;
- We use biodegradable paper packaging, carbon neutral coffee bags with a minimum reuse of 4 times/bag;
- Filter coffee extraction process, we do not coat the paper to limit water consumption;
- The coffee machine is always set to eco mode, making a single dose to save electricity and water for the extraction process, limiting the waste of coffee grounds into the environment;
- We continuously plant many trees in two facilities to create a fresh space and minimize the impact of the greenhouse effect, living friendly with nature.
A small action can lead to big impacts on the entire community. So let's join hands with XLIII Coffee to support sustainable coffee for a world without waste!
Articles you may be interested in
- The first IWCA conference held in Africa marked a 20-year development journey
- Finca Rosenheim – The original single-origin coffee farm in Peru
Bài viết mới
- Protect the Origin
Transparent Specialty Coffee: Conveying Truth and Value
Perhaps the most magical aspect of enjoying a cup of specialty coffee lies not only in its refined flavors but also in the story behind each bean. What truly sets specialty coffee apart is transparency—a commitment to bringing the raw truth from its origin. Transparent specialty coffee reflects every process and value, creating a sustainable connection between farmers, producers, and consumers. This brings a deep and authentic spiritual value to each cup, a mirror of sincerity and dedication.
- Describe the Origin
Coffee roasting companies – New standards and processes
Coffee roasting companies are not simply places where coffee beans are processed; it plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and value of the product. Defined by their ability to select premium raw materials and precisely control the roasting process, these companies help unlock the unique flavor potential of each coffee type. As a key link in the coffee supply chain, roasting companies connect farmers with consumers, ensuring product quality and building consumer trust by meeting the growing demand for rich and distinctive coffee flavors.
- Describe the Origin
Whole bean coffee prices – A picture of various influences
The market for whole bean coffee is constantly changing, influenced by factors such as species, harvest seasons, growing regions, and trade trends. These fluctuations affect not only farmers but also consumer decisions. What are the key factors driving coffee prices, and how can consumers find a coffee that balances quality and price? This article will analyze the factors that impact whole bean coffee prices and provide useful insights to help consumers make informed decisions.
- Taste the Origin
Specialty Coffee in Vietnam – A turning point or a distant dream?
Vietnam is globally recognized for its coffee production, ranking second in the world for Robusta exports, just behind Brazil. However, sheer volume is not enough to meet the demands of the increasingly sophisticated global coffee market. Recognizing this, Vietnam has begun focusing on specialty coffee, making efforts to cultivate Arabica beans and enhance processing techniques. Despite some initial achievements, reaching the strict international standards of specialty coffee remains a significant challenge. The question is: Can Specialty Coffee in Vietnam make its mark on the global stage?
- Find the Origin
Whole bean coffee: Discovering the perfect experiences
You may have heard the term “whole bean coffee” when exploring the world of coffee. But do you really understand what this type of coffee is and why it’s the preferred choice for true coffee lovers? For those who want to savor the pure, original flavor of every coffee bean, whole bean coffee is the key to unlocking a fascinating journey of taste. Let’s dive deeper into what makes whole bean coffee so special and find the perfect choice for you!
- Taste the Origin
The Specialty Coffee experience awakens all senses
Have you ever taken a moment to savor every aspect of a cup of coffee? Each sip offers more than just the vibrant acidity reminiscent of various plants and fruits; it’s an invitation to challenge your senses. With every cup, we seem to refine our palate, patience, and imagination to keep up with the complex flavors dancing on our tongues. The Specialty Coffee experience offers a gateway to exploring the rich coffee culture from different parts of the world. Could these special beans provide a fresh perspective on a daily beverage we’ve grown so accustomed to?
- Taste the Origin
The flavors of Specialty Coffee: A World of complexity
Have you ever wondered about the hidden flavors in a cup of coffee? The rich layers of aromas that surprise your senses as soon as the coffee touches your nose, stimulating your taste buds and evoking emotions? Specialty coffee is a journey of exploration just like that. With its diversity and complexity, the flavors of specialty coffee carry the essence of where it originates—from the coffee variety to the soil, from processing methods to roasting techniques. But how can we truly recognize and fully appreciate these flavors? Join XLIII Coffee as we dive deeper into the art of specialty coffee!
- Describe the Origin
Is it necessary to find an authentic specialty coffee brand?
Unlike regular coffee, specialty coffee is rigorously evaluated for quality, flavor, and production methods. Every bean carries a unique story, from the farm where it was grown to the hands of the farmer. But with the surge of specialty coffee brands today, do we need to differentiate between brands to truly reach the essence of quality, or is a good cup of coffee enough to start the day?
- Taste the Origin
Descriptive Assessment in Coffee: The flavor understanding
In the specialty coffee industry, understanding the sensory attributes of products is crucial for meeting market demands and enhancing coffee value. One of the most powerful tools to achieve this is the Descriptive Assessment in coffee. Let’s explore this method in detail, including its implementation process and its importance in the coffee industry.
- Describe the Origin
Resting Coffee: What is ideal time from roasting to resting?
Resting coffee (the coffee resting period) is a crucial step in enhancing and reaching the peak flavor of these small but powerful beans. This relatively short period plays a decisive role in creating a rich and balanced cup of coffee. This raises the question: why is coffee resting necessary, and what happens during this time? Let’s explore the chemical changes inside the coffee beans to find the answers with XLIII Coffee.
- Taste the Origin
What is coffee crust? Why is it important in cupping?
When participating in coffee cupping, you’ll encounter an essential term: coffee crust. This is not just the layer that forms on the surface after pouring hot water over ground coffee, but it also plays a crucial role in evaluating the flavor and quality of the coffee. To gain a deeper understanding of coffee crust and its significance, let’s dive into the details of this process.
- Taste the Origin
Revealing the attributes of Specialty Coffee
A cup of Specialty Coffee is not just an ordinary beverage; it’s a journey through layers of flavors and refined sensations. Attributes of specialty coffee are like fresh stroke of color, creating a perfect picture—from the enticing aroma to the lasting aftertaste. Have you ever wondered what sets apart a regular coffee from a high-quality Specialty Coffee? Or why these attributes are so crucial in the coffee world? Let’s dive into each aspect with XLIII Coffee to better understand the art and science behind every sip of specialty coffee.