The Coffee Industry’s Sustainability Revolution: Center for Circular Economy in Coffee Hosts First Annual Meeting

The Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) held its first annual meeting yesterday evening, gathering members and a diverse group of stakeholders committed to transforming the global coffee industry through circular practices. The meeting, held virtually, showcased the center’s pioneering efforts and the shared ambition of its members. It marked a significant milestone for the coffee sector, featuring in-depth discussions, innovative ideas, and actionable strategies to advance circular economy principles across the coffee value chain.

As a proud new member, QahwaWorld participated in this landmark meeting, joining a prestigious network of global organizations. This membership is both an honor and a responsibility, aligning with our mission to support sustainable practices and empower coffee producers worldwide. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the center for accepting us as part of this important initiative.

Highlighting the First Year’s Achievements

The C4CEC Annual General Assembly showcased the center’s accomplishments over its first year, including welcoming more than 50 members and launching the Coffee Development Report. Key highlights included a successful pilot project in Kenya in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Italian Corporation, as well as promising opportunities for expanded research and project development in circular economy practices.

Gerardo Patacconi emphasized the role of the International Coffee Organization (ICO) in championing circular economy principles since 2022, which paved the way for the G7 initiative. Meanwhile, Gunther Pauli highlighted the untapped potential of coffee by-products to enhance sustainable practices. The meeting also introduced 11 new members from diverse sectors, underscoring the center’s global reach and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Building a Foundation for Collaboration

The meeting began with welcoming remarks by Katherine Oglietti, who expressed gratitude to the six founding members: the Lavazza Foundation, Polytechnic University of Turin, University of Gastronomic Sciences, the International Coffee Organization, International Trade Centre, and UNIDO. She credited their vision and resources for turning the center into a reality.

In her speech, Catherine stressed the importance of the center as a global platform for pre-competitive collaboration, stating:

“This is not just a technical initiative; it’s a movement to reshape the coffee value chain and create a future rooted in sustainability and equity.”

Notable Achievements

• Coffee Development Report 2023: A comprehensive publication providing unprecedented data on coffee biomass and strategic recommendations to support circular economy practices.
• Kenya Pilot Project: Focused on implementing circular practices in the coffee sector.
• Webinar Series: Over 600 participants attended sessions on regenerative solutions.
• Global Events: Participation in eight international events to raise awareness about circular practices.

Mario Cerruti, Chairman of the Board, encouraged members to play an active role in expanding the center’s reach, stating:

“Each of us should commit to bringing at least two new members. Together, we can amplify our impact and build a truly global movement.”

Inspiring Visions for Circular Economy

The meeting featured two inspiring keynote speeches. Gunther Pauli, author of The Blue Economy, highlighted the overlooked opportunities in coffee waste, proposing innovative ideas such as using coffee residues for mushroom cultivation and sustainable textile production.

“Coffee is one of the most wasteful commodities, but within this waste lies the opportunity to create value for farmers and communities. Circular economy is not just about reducing waste but generating new economic and social benefits,” said Pauli.

Additionally, Sheila Ampumuza, Managing Director of Sawa World, shared a poignant story about waste management challenges in Kampala, Uganda. She emphasized the urgent need for circular practices to prevent such tragedies and create sustainable livelihoods.

Expanding the Member Network

One of the key highlights of the meeting was the introduction of 11 new members, including QahwaWorld. The new members represented a mix of academic institutions, NGOs, and private companies, each bringing unique expertise and initiatives. For instance, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (Kenya) and EcoBean (Poland) shared their experiences in leveraging coffee waste to develop sustainable solutions.

Speaking on behalf of QahwaWorld, we expressed our gratitude to the center, stating:

“As a platform founded in Yemen, we are committed to supporting global initiatives that empower coffee farmers and promote sustainability. This membership is an opportunity to enhance our efforts and contribute to the global circular economy movement.”

Best Practices and Research

The meeting highlighted achievements in Kenya’s pilot project, which aims to implement circular practices across the coffee value chain. Key project components included:

• Assessing the current state of Kenya’s coffee sector.
• Developing strategies to enhance productivity and local consumption.
• Proposing solutions for using coffee waste, such as cascara, to increase income and preserve biodiversity.

The center also announced the launch of a dedicated member portal on its website, providing access to resources such as best practices, research data, and policy recommendations.

Plans for 2025

The meeting concluded with an overview of the center’s ambitious goals for the coming year, including:

• Publishing three annual reviews of best practices.
• Expanding pilot projects to Asia and Central America.
• Strengthening collaboration among members through webinars, workshops, and events.
• Establishing a global fund to support investments in circular practices.

The center’s strategic plan reflects its commitment to expanding its impact and addressing challenges identified by its members, such as funding, policy alignment, and knowledge sharing.