Sustainability
Coffee is under serious threat, with more than 60% of species of the bean threatened with extinction.
Deforestation, climate change, and pests that thrive in a warming world are driving the crisis.
If global warming continues at its current rate, each cup of coffee will become far more expensive.
Crucially, the livelihoods of over 100 million people who work with coffee are also at risk.
As a coffee roaster, it’s our responsibility to cut emissions and support a more sustainable coffee industry. Here’s how we’re acting on that.
Sustainability
Coffee is under serious threat, with more than 60% of species of the bean threatened with extinction.
Deforestation, climate change, and pests that thrive in a warming world are driving the crisis.
If global warming continues at its current rate, each cup of coffee will become far more expensive.
Crucially, the livelihoods of over 100 million people who work with coffee are also at risk.
As a coffee roaster, it’s our responsibility to cut emissions and support a more sustainable coffee industry. Here’s how we’re acting on that.
Sustainability
Coffee is under serious threat, with more than 60% of species of the bean threatened with extinction.
Deforestation, climate change, and pests that thrive in a warming world are driving the crisis.
If global warming continues at its current rate, each cup of coffee will become far more expensive.
Crucially, the livelihoods of over 100 million people who work with coffee are also at risk.
As a coffee roaster, it’s our responsibility to cut emissions and support a more sustainable coffee industry. Here’s how we’re acting on that.
Coffee bags
Every bag that leaves our roastery is 100% recyclable. We use low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a soft plastic made from at least 70% recycled material.
You can recycle our packaging along with carrier bags at most larger supermarkets (often referred to as ‘Scheme 4’ recycling). You can also recycle them at home in a growing number of areas of the country.
By using a high proportion of already-recycled content, we’re able to keep our reliance on ‘virgin’ (new) plastics to an absolute minimum.
We’re often asked about compostable packaging – we’re regularly researching new materials, and we believe that LDPE is currently the most responsible choice for fresh coffee.
It provides the airtight seal needed to protect the coffee’s freshness in the post, and unlike many compostable options, it can be easily processed by existing recycling systems across the UK.
Right now, we believe this is the best solution to ensure our packaging doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Coffee bags
Every bag that leaves our roastery is 100% recyclable. We use low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a soft plastic made from at least 70% recycled material.
You can recycle our packaging along with carrier bags at most larger supermarkets (often referred to as ‘Scheme 4’ recycling). You can also recycle them at home in a growing number of areas of the country.
By using a high proportion of already-recycled content, we’re able to keep our reliance on ‘virgin’ (new) plastics to an absolute minimum.
We’re often asked about compostable packaging – we’re regularly researching new materials, and we believe that LDPE is currently the most responsible choice for fresh coffee.
It provides the airtight seal needed to protect the coffee’s freshness in the post, and unlike many compostable options, it can be easily processed by existing recycling systems across the UK.
Right now, we believe this is the best solution to ensure our packaging doesn’t end up in a landfill.
Grocery bags
Our coffee in grocery stores is packaged a bit differently. To protect its delicate aromas and flavours on the shelves, we use a process called nitrogen flushing.
Nitrogen is a naturally occurring gas that displaces the oxygen in the bag. It doesn’t affect the coffee chemically, but pauses the clock on the ageing process.
This ensures that even when coffee isn’t coming directly from our roastery, you still get a cup that brings you the grower’s work at its best.
Because nitrogen flushing requires a specific seal, these bags are made from polypropylene (PP #5), the same material used for margarine tubs and yoghurt pots.
This is widely accepted in most household recycling bins and at major supermarkets, making it easy to dispose of responsibly once the coffee is finished.
Grocery bags
Our coffee in grocery stores is packaged a bit differently. To protect its delicate aromas and flavours on the shelves, we use a process called nitrogen flushing.
Nitrogen is a naturally occurring gas that displaces the oxygen in the bag. It doesn’t affect the coffee chemically, but pauses the clock on the ageing process.
This ensures that even when coffee isn’t coming directly from our roastery, you still get a cup that brings you the grower’s work at its best.
Because nitrogen flushing requires a specific seal, these bags are made from polypropylene (PP #5), the same material used for margarine tubs and yoghurt pots.
This is widely accepted in most household recycling bins and at major supermarkets, making it easy to dispose of responsibly once the coffee is finished.
Our carbon footprint
Since 2022, we have been carbon-neutral across our UK operations (often called Scope 1 and 2).
Essentially, this means the carbon we put into the atmosphere, from the gas in our roastery to the electricity in our office, is no greater than the amount we remove.
We use Loring Smart Roasters, which are among the most efficient in the world, reducing our roasting emissions by 80%. We also use 100% clean electricity and smart, low-energy lighting to keep our footprint as small as possible.
We offset the impact of the gas that powers our roasters through a conservation project in Colombia.
This project reforests land to mitigate greenhouse gases while developing and funding local communities.
Our carbon footprint
Since 2022, we have been carbon-neutral across our UK operations (often called Scope 1 and 2).
Essentially, this means the carbon we put into the atmosphere, from the gas in our roastery to the electricity in our office, is no greater than the amount we remove.
We use Loring Smart Roasters, which are among the most efficient in the world, reducing our roasting emissions by 80%. We also use 100% clean electricity and smart, low-energy lighting to keep our footprint as small as possible.
We offset the impact of the gas that powers our roasters through a conservation project in Colombia.
This project reforests land to mitigate greenhouse gases while developing and funding local communities.
Sustainable varieties
Crop-destroying bugs and diseases thrive on a warmer planet.
For many, the only solution has been to move further up the mountains in search of cooler air – an expensive, years-long process that often leads to deforestation.
We believe there’s a better way. By investing in resilient new varieties, we can help growers protect their land and their livelihoods on their existing farming space.
In 2020, we launched a world exclusive: Cenicafé 1, in partnership with the Colombian Coffee Federation and truly pioneering growers.
This variety is naturally resistant to leaf rust but, crucially, doesn’t compromise on quality. It was a proud moment for the team when it won Gold at the Sustainable Food Awards, proving that sustainability can taste world-class.
Throughout the year, you’ll find Cenicafé 1 alongside other resilient varieties, like Parainema, on our menu.
By choosing these coffees, you’re helping us prove that there’s a significant appetite for sustainable varieties, giving growers the confidence to plant them and protect the future of their farms.
Sustainable varieties
Crop-destroying bugs and diseases thrive on a warmer planet.
For many, the only solution has been to move further up the mountains in search of cooler air – an expensive, years-long process that often leads to deforestation.
We believe there’s a better way. By investing in resilient new varieties, we can help growers protect their land and their livelihoods on their existing farming space.
In 2020, we launched a world exclusive: Cenicafé 1, in partnership with the Colombian Coffee Federation and truly pioneering growers.
This variety is naturally resistant to leaf rust but, crucially, doesn’t compromise on quality. It was a proud moment for the team when it won Gold at the Sustainable Food Awards, proving that sustainability can taste world-class.
Throughout the year, you’ll find Cenicafé 1 alongside other resilient varieties, like Parainema, on our menu.
By choosing these coffees, you’re helping us prove that there’s a significant appetite for sustainable varieties, giving growers the confidence to plant them and protect the future of their farms.
Our environmental impact
Our responsibility doesn’t end at the roastery doors. As we import coffee from ten countries of origin, we have a duty to reduce our carbon footprint in each of these, too.
Every grower we work with follows a clear set of social and environmental standards designed to protect their community and their land.
These aren’t just boxes to tick – they’re the foundation of how we do business.
To ensure these standards are being met, we visit our partner farms at least once every two years.
Our environmental impact
Our responsibility doesn’t end at the roastery doors. As we import coffee from ten countries of origin, we have a duty to reduce our carbon footprint in each of these, too.
Every grower we work with follows a clear set of social and environmental standards designed to protect their community and their land.
These aren’t just boxes to tick – they’re the foundation of how we do business.
To ensure these standards are being met, we visit our partner farms at least once every two years.
