It is a truth universally acknowledged that a good morning starts with a cup of coffee! Dive deeper into the numbers, and you’ll even find a thriving coffee culture. As of 2024, Australia boasts a staggering 13,761 coffee shop establishments—a 5.7% increase from the previous year. This surge speaks volumes about the growing demand and unwavering passion for that perfect brew, but amidst this coffee-fueled demand lies a crucial shift in consumer behaviour looking for ways to support eco-friendly habits and experiences.
So, how can cafes navigate this new landscape while staying true to their coffee-loving roots? Here are five ways to embrace sustainability without compromising on flavour or experience.
Going Local for a Greener Grind
To start with, you can support local farmers by sourcing coffee beans, ingredients, and other supplies such as dairy products, fruits, and pastries, from nearby farms and producers. This not only strengthens the local economy but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports small-scale farming practices compared to if they’re coming from overseas. In addition, you may also choose a packaging manufacturer with knowledge in building your pouches and cups from sustainable raw materials within your community.
Embracing Eco-Chic with Compostable and Recyclable Packaging
PLA-Lined Cups
It’s never too late to start making environmentally-sound choices! You can embrace a greener approach by opting for industrial compostable cups made from plants and lined with PLA, steering clear of the unnecessary single-use plastic or unrecyclable materials. PLA is a plant-based bioplastic, which is certified as commercial/industrial compostable, making it a great choice for equipping your cafe with eco-friendly alternatives.
Aqueous Coating Bio Cups
Or, level up your sustainability game with aqueous coating cups which are considered the next generation cups! These are both certified home compostable and recyclable with a water-based dispersion technique to seamlessly integrate a waterproof coating into the paper fibres– which means that aqueous cups do not require an additional coating on top, resulting in a more streamlined and eco-friendly packaging solution. Additionally, compared to PLA-lined alternatives, aqueous cups use less than one-third of the waterproof material, further emphasising their sustainability and reduced environmental impact.
Home Compostable & Kerbside Recyclable Pouch
Lastly, your coffee bean bags can benefit from a home compostable pouch and kerbside recyclable pouch – labelled with proper disposal instructions. Myerton Packaging pouches feature the innovative Roll ‘n’ Recycle® Mark, a game-changer in the world of recycling which indicates that these pouches, made from over 95% Polyethylene (PE) or Polypropylene (PP), can be rolled into a 3D cylinder shape and placed directly in your customer’s household recycling bin. This streamlines the recycling process, fostering a partnership between your company and customers to effortlessly contribute to a more sustainable future– all while enjoying a sip of coffee!
Art of Coffee Ground Recycling
Did you know that your daily coffee ritual can contribute to nurturing vibrant gardens and sustainable agriculture? Coffee grounds, often seen as mere waste, hold the potential to be turned into nutrient-rich soil through composting. This eco-friendly practice not only reduces landfill waste but also creates valuable compost that enriches the earth and supports plant growth. Learn how to manage other waste materials like cardboard, paper, and plastic by implementing proper sorting and recycling processes! By doing so, these materials can be diverted from landfills, further minimising environmental impact and promoting a circular economy.
Smart Energy Consumption: Brewed with Efficiency
It’s all about efficiency and proper machine investment to save energy in the long run! Energy efficiency involves harnessing the power of sustainable practices to reduce energy consumption and promote eco-conscious operations. This includes utilising energy-efficient equipment by investing in modern espresso machines, installing renewable energy sources like solar panels to operate the shop and regular maintenance and checks to ensure proper upkeep. When done in a systematic habit, these steps can improve your shop equipment’s efficiency and longevity, reducing the frequent need for energy-intensive repairs or replacements.
Transform Baristas Into ‘Sustainability Champions’
Stay ahead of the curve – learn how to impart knowledge to your staff and customers through comprehensive training programs! This way, you can transform baristas into sustainability champions, equipped with the know-how to implement eco-friendly methods and waste reduction practices seamlessly into daily routines.
In addition, you can build a sustainability program that allows your customers to take part by bringing in their own cups for a discount and understating the impact of single-use packaging into the environment by promoting your business ethos around the shop. It’s not just about serving a great cup of coffee; it’s about brewing a brighter, greener future together– and that can start with you!
Wrapping it Up
In a society where coffee is one of the most central and well consumed beverages around the world, it’s no surprise that the demand for an eco-conscious business practice is in demand. Cafes are not just serving coffee—they’re brewing a brighter, greener future. It’s more than a cup; it’s a commitment to environmental stewardship, one sip at a time!
