Feb 28

One approach that companies are exploring to reduce their environmental impact is using ground coffee to create products. The process involves collecting used coffee grounds from coffee shops or cafés, drying them out, and mixing them with a binding material. Companies have used this innovative practice to make unique products such as tumblers and t-shirts. These products reduce the waste that the coffee industry produces by taking a by-product and reusing it.

Tumblers are made by combining the dried coffee grinds with a binder, such as biodegradable resin or cornstarch, and molding the mixture into the shape of a tumbler that is left to dry and harden. The biggest benefit of these tumblers is that they are biodegradable and compostable, so they won’t add to any landfills or ocean trash. In addition to their environmental benefits, tumblers made from coffee grinds are just as durable as plastic or metal tumblers, being able to keep beverages hot or cold for several hours. 

T-shirts are made by combining the dried coffee grinds and a fabric like material to create yarn, which can be woven into garments. Creating garments in a sustainable way reduced the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Additionally, these garments have natural odor-absorbing properties, which allows them to be washed less frequently, reducing the amount of water usage. The coffee grind material is moisture wicking and breathable and prevents the growth of bacteria, making these shirts perfect for working out or being on the go. 

In both cases, using recycled coffee grounds to create unique products offers a way to reduce waste and the environmental impact of multiple industries.