Global Webinar Series

Circular Economy in Coffee > Global Webinar Series

(RE)GENERATING VALUE THROUGH CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN COFFEE


May – November, 2024
Presented by: International Trade Centre, International Coffee Organization, and the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC)


Experts and practitioners from private and public sectors, academia, and international organizations throughout the “coffee value circle” will highlight practical examples of circular economy processes. Discussions will underscore how a circular economy model can drive innovation, improve business practices, and create opportunities for value addition and new jobs through utilizing agricultural byproducts, with a strong focus on economic opportunities for small and medium enterprises in coffee producing countries. Panelists will discuss challenges, gaps, and opportunities in implementing circular practices at a local level and at scale.


Webinar 1: Making a Case for Circular Economy in Coffee

Presenting the Circular Economy report findings “Making a Case for Circular Economy in Coffee” and the forthcoming joint ICO Coffee Development Report, which will be launched this September 2024 at the 6th Coffee CEO and Global Leaders Forum and the ICO 138th International Coffee Council.


May 22, 2024, 4-5 pm CEST

Panelists:

Katherine Oglietti, Coffee Guide Network Coordinator, International Trade Centre (ITC) and Co-Coordinator Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) – moderator
Dario Toso, Sustainability and Circular Economy Manager, Lavazza Group and Co-Coordinator C4CEC
Gerardo Patacconi, Head of Operations, International Coffee Organization (ICO)


Webinar 2: Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture in Producing Countries Co-hosted by Fairtrade

This panel discussion showcases some best practices in circular economy and regenerative agriculture in producing countries. What is the link between regenerative agriculture and circular economy? What are income generation opportunities for coffee producers and other small and medium enterprises in coffee producing countries? This discussion showcases research and practices utilizing biochar, regenerative agriculture for increases in soil health and productivity, coffee mucilage concentrate for health and fertilizer products, and cultivation of the vetiver grass for the treatment of honey water.

June 13, 2024, 4:00-5:00 pm CEST

Panelists:
Monika Firl, Senior Advisor, Coffee Program, Fairtrade International (moderator)
Kathleen Draper, Ithaka Institute for Carbon Intelligence
Mariano Ponce, Manager, Agrisanam and producer of NAOX
James Astuhuaman, Strategic Sustainability Consultant
Rodolfo Peñalba, General Manager, COMSA

Translation in English and Spanish


Webinar 3: Innovations in Coffee and Consumer-Facing Products with Circular Solutions
Co-hosted by Specialty Coffee Association

this panel discussion will showcase the experience of innovative consumer brands with products that utilize coffee byproducts as a primary ingredient. This diverse panel of entrepreneurs demonstrate a wide range of value addition potential from coffee ‘waste.’Learn:

What are technical solutions for upcycling coffee byproducts? What the market perception for circular products made from coffee?
How can coffee industry players connect with entrepreneurs upcycling coffee byproducts?

September 18, 2024, 4:00-5:00 pm CEST

Panelists:


Noomi Mikkelsen, Marketing and Branding Coordinator, Kaffe Bueno
Mark Byrne, Co-Founder, Good Liquorworks
Arka Irfani, Founder and CEO, Bell Living Lab
Andres Montenegro, Director of Sustainability, Specialty Coffee Association (moderator)
Katherine Oglietti, Coffee Guide Network Coordinator, ITC and C4CEC (opening remarks)


Webinar 4: Sector Recommendations for Circular Economy in Coffee: Insights from the Coffee Development Report
Co-hosted by International Coffee Organization

In this panel discussion, leading voices in circular economy and the coffee sector respond to the question of the roles of different coffee sector actors in transforming toward a coffee circular economy. Panelists showcase key coffee sector and policy recommendations from the Coffee Development Report on circular economy, highlighting the main data points and findings from the paper. What are the main challenges for implementing circular economy at scale? What is the role of different public and private sector actors in addressing those challenges and gaps?

Details and registration coming soon!

October


Webinar 5: Circular Innovations: Reducing Waste from Packaging and Logistics

This panel discussion will explore alternative processes and materials in order to reduce the waste generated through packaging, shipping, and logistics of coffee. It explores the concept of designing for circularity and to reduce waste, considering the use of a material after it is consumed. How does consumer demand and quality drive the choice and use of packaging? What are ways that materials can be reduced, recycled, or composted? What are new materials being used, either integrating coffee byproducts into the design or using biodegradable or recyclable materials? What regulatory frameworks, policies, and consumer demands are shaping the future of packaging?

Details and registration coming soon!

November


“The global coffee industry generates nearly 40 million tons of by-products from processing each year. Coffee by-products have unique bioactive compounds with potential in multiple sectors, from health and wellness, to regenerative agriculture, to packaging. This presents an enormous opportunity for opening new markets, regenerating soil health, and creating value addition at origin through sustainable innovations, using coffee by-products that otherwise go to waste.”