Sustainability in the Coffee Industry.

Limiting climate change, farming sustainably and protecting the world’s most valuable ecosystems are all critical issues affecting the coffee industry. Agriculture is responsible for more than 90% of tropical deforestation, with coffee plantations playing a role in the destruction of forest habitats in tropical countries.

Coffee farming can also be extremely thirsty business, with the Water Footprint Network estimating that it takes approximately 140 litres of water to produce a single 125ml cup of coffee.

It’s estimated that 2 billion cups of coffee are consumed globally every single day, and at the rate of 140 litres per cup, this means an extraordinary 280 billion litres of water is needed to cater for the needs of a single day of consumption. Reducing this amount and doing more with waste water products is critical to reducing the impact of coffee on our natural world.

Water is a precious resource, and the coffee industry is taking steps to reduce water usage and protect water sources:

• Efficient irrigation systems to minimise water waste.
• Water recycling in processing plants.
• Adoption of wet mill technologies to reduce pollution and water usage.

Many coffee producers are implementing sustainable farming practices that prioritise environmental conservation, including agroforestry, where coffee plants are grown under a canopy of trees, reducing soil erosion and promoting biodiversity.

• Benefits include:
  • Reduced soil erosion and improved biodiversity.
  • Reintroduction of forestry in deforested areas.
  • Support for high-quality, high-yield coffee plants during harvest.

Agroforestry has been shown in some cases to be more biologically productive, more profitable and more sustainable than monocultures, benefitting both farmers and the natural world.

This approach is a great way to reintroduce forestry in areas that have been deforested to make space for coffee plantations, whilst at the same time helping farmers continue to generate high quality, high yield coffee plants at harvest. It’s even been rumoured to taste better than conventionally produced coffee!

Though reducing water and encouraging greater biodiversity in ecosystems is extremely important for the coffee industry, the most immediate threat to normal existence for humans and fauna around the world is climate change. Reducing the carbon footprint of the coffee supply chain is a challenge for today that affects everyone’s tomorrow.

• Transitioning to renewable energy sources in processing facilities.
• Optimising transportation and logistics to cut emissions.
• Promoting eco-friendly packaging materials, such as biodegradable or compostable options.

Some coffee companies are even implementing carbon offset programs to counterbalance their greenhouse gas emissions. Working to introduce shade-grown coffee and agroforestry techniques to existing plantations will also help regenerate forests that naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the environment, furthering this effort.

It’s not just about making positive agricultural changes, with smaller consumer behaviours playing a big role in the overall sustainability of coffee. These include:

• Switching to sustainable coffee pods at home, by opting for brands that use biodegradable materials or operate recycling schemes.
• The ultimate sustainable coffee cup is one that you can reuse time and time again. Instead of single use cups, opt into using a reusable coffee mug to reduce unnecessary waste.

Fairtrade certification plays a significant role in safeguarding the environment. Fairtrade standards require coffee producers to adhere to strict environmental criteria, including banning harmful chemicals and promoting practices that will help sustain coffee farming for the future.

Certification also includes the payment of an environmental premium. This additional sum of money goes directly to farmers and their communities, enabling them to invest in environmental conservation projects. It supports initiatives such as reforestation, watershed protection, and wildlife habitat restoration, fostering coffee sustainability and fairer trading for all.

By promoting sustainable agriculture, Fairtrade ensures that coffee production is carried out in harmony with nature, protecting ecosystems, and preserving biodiversity. Fairtrade certification holds great weight with businesses and consumers, and is a great way for those buyers not directly involved in the coffee manufacturing process to support the move towards more sustainable farming.

At Connect Vending, we work with the best sustainable coffee suppliers, such as illycafe, helping to do our part by supporting farmers to grow more responsibly.