Coffee has become an integral part of the morning routine around the world. It may come as a surprise, however, that Europe dominates the other continents in terms of coffee consumption. The global coffee market is valued at a staggering 86 billion euros. According to data from the International Coffee Organization [1], between June 2020 and June 2021 Europeans collectively consumed as much as 242 million kilograms of coffee. If the contribution of the United Kingdom (21.8 million kilos) and Switzerland (9.3 million kilos) was included, the total coffee consumption would reach a staggering 273 million kilos. Such high coffee consumption brings with it the production of a large amount of waste. Is it possible to use coffee grounds in an eco-friendly way?
Polish startup
EcoBean specializes in transforming coffee waste into valuable raw materials and products. At the core of EcoBean’s innovation is a breakthrough technology that transforms coffee waste into a range of sustainable materials, including coffee oil, antioxidants, lactic acid, protein additives and coffee lignin. These products provide a direct alternative to conventional materials used in a variety of industries, including food, cosmetics, processing and pharmaceuticals. [2]
Tomasz Golinski, managing partner of CofounderZone, emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between sustainable technologies and carbon dioxide reduction. He stresses that these two goals blend perfectly, creating value not only for customers and partners, but also for investors. In addition, he predicts that EcoBean, originating from the university community, will inspire more scientists to work closely with financial investors, thus supporting the commercial potential of technologies originating from Polish universities. [3]
Green investments
EcoBean is forging strong partnerships with industry leaders. One such notable partnership is with AmRest, a company that not only oversees well-known brands such as Starbucks in Central Europe, but is also a major player in operating multi-brand restaurants across Europe. [3] Robert Lugowski, founder and managing partner at COBIN Angels, illuminates the growing trend of impact investing among business angels. In addition to the allure of high returns, this form of investment allows for significant support of startups that positively impact society and the environment. [4]
Coffee and future
A state-of-the-art laboratory in Nadarzyn opened in September, marking a milestone in the startup’s journey. ”The acquisition of this spacious facility is of great importance to us, especially as our unique R&D team continues to grow. Additionally, it has given us access to state-of-the-art equipment for our exclusive use. This greatly enhances our ability to conduct more complex research with greater precision, thanks to more advanced analytical methods. Moreover, it provides us with an ideal environment to improve our processes and protocols as we make progress toward additional certifications.” – the company wrote on its profile on the Facebook platform. [5]
Along with the opening of the new lab, the startup has also acquired a range of new equipment, including a gas chromatograph (GC), which increases control over the quality of the resulting oil by precisely measuring the content of hexane and other organic solvents. All the changes represent a significant step toward preparing sustainable chemicals for the market. This lays the groundwork for the launch of the EcoBean Technology Center in 2025.
Bibliography:
[1] International Coffee Organization, research, http://www.ico.org/research.asp (acc: 18.10.2023)
[2] Damian Słomski, Polish company wants to give second life to coffee. Goal to build a grounds refinery, 28.11.2021
https://www.money.pl/gospodarka/polska-firma-chce-dac-drugie-zycie-kawie-celem-budowa-rafinerii-fusow-6709627851270784a.html (acc: 18.10.2023)
[3] Coffee waste transformed into sustainable chemicals,
https://www.innoenergy.com/discover-innovative-solutions/online-marketplace-for-energy-innovations/ecobean/ (acc: 18.10.2023)
[4] Ecobean closes funding round. Will turn coffee grounds into industrial materials, 30.11.2022
https://mamstartup.pl/ecobean-zamyka-runde-finansowania-przetworzy-fusy-z-kawy-w-materialy-przemyslowe/ (acc: 18.10.2023)[5] EcoBean, https://www.facebook.com/ecobeanPL/posts/802685608320643 (acc: 18.10.2023)
Zuzanna Czernicka
