Circular Economy in Coffee to Lead Key Discussions at World of Coffee Geneva 2025

The International Trade Centre (ITC), in collaboration with the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), is set to spotlight circular economy innovations at World of Coffee Geneva 2025, held from June 26 to 28 at Palexpo. The program will feature a series of curated sessions, expert panels, and networking opportunities focused on transforming coffee waste into value and promoting regenerative practices across the coffee value chain.

Driving the Circular Conversation

The agenda begins with an informal Circular Economy Meetup on Thursday, June 26, from 12:00 to 13:00, at ITC Stand #1359. The meetup offers an open space for professionals, innovators, and curious newcomers to connect and share ideas for a more circular coffee sector.

Immediately following, an Innovation Exhibition focused on Spent Coffee Grounds (SCGs) will take place from 13:30 to 14:45, near booth 1600. Co-organized by ITC, C4CEC, and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), this session highlights practical applications for coffee waste, from cosmetics to compostable materials.

Later in the day, a high-level panel titled “Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture: Toward Living and Prosperous Incomes” will run from 15:15 to 16:15 in Room W, Hall 3. Co-hosted by ITC, C4CEC, and the International Coffee Organization (ICO), the discussion will explore how regenerative practices and circular systems can drive equity and sustainability in coffee-producing regions.

More to Discover at Geneva

Several additional sessions will further expand on circular economy themes:

• June 27: A panel on durable carbon removal credits through engineered biochar, hosted by Terraton.ai (13:30–15:00, near booth 1600),

• June 28: A presentation on Cascara innovation, with researchers from ZHAW (11:30–12:15, near booth 1600),

• June 28: ITC will lead a session titled “Toward Equitable Compliance and Risk Management”, focusing on human rights and environmental due diligence (14:00–15:00, Room W, Hall 3).

Attendees can also enjoy cupping sessions organized through ITC’s MarkUp programme, with coffees from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Burundi.

Research, Surveys, and the Road Ahead

C4CEC is actively compiling a white paper on SCG valorization, collecting insight via two open surveys:

• One targeting circular economy practitioners already reusing SCGs,

• Another engaging coffee industry actors to understand current waste practices and identify gaps in SCG reuse.

These contributions aim to inform industry recommendations and support wider adoption of circular models. Case studies, such as Rfine Biomass Solutions, were recently shared during the May 2025 Circular Economy Working Group meeting, offering practical models for SCG reuse at scale.

Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming Webinar

The conversation continues beyond Geneva with the webinar:
“Circular Economy in Africa: Innovations Creating New Value from Coffee Waste”
🗓 Wednesday, July 2, 2025
🕒 3:00–4:30 PM EAT / 8:00–9:30 AM EST
Part of the AFCA Sustainability Series, the session will highlight African-led innovations and is organized by AFCA, ITC, and C4CEC under the ENABEL-funded initiative “Unlocking the Potential of African Coffee.”

📍 All circular economy sessions will take place at Palexpo, with key events hosted at ITC Stand #1359.
🔗 To learn more or join the ongoing initiatives, visit: www.circulareconomyincoffee.org