NEW PRODUCT / SOLUTION
Biodegradable geotextiles
APPLICATION SECTOR
Textiles
VALORIZED OUTPUT
Jute bags
TRL
Deploy
CONTEXT
Global
SDG
VALUE CHAIN AREA
Businesses worldwide are increasingly recognizing the benefits of repurposing jute bags traditionally used in coffee transportation. These durable, biodegradable bags can be transformed into geotextiles, which are highly effective for agricultural applications and garden landscaping. Offering performance similar to conventional plastic fibers, jute-based geotextiles present an eco-friendly alternative with comparable functionality.
Beyond environmental benefits, repurposing jute bags supports economic growth by creating new opportunities for employment and business development. This dual impact underscores their role as a catalyst for sustainable development and socio-economic advancement.
As concerns grow over the sustainability and circularity of packaging materials for storing raw coffee parchment and green beans, efforts to reintroduce jute bags for shipping green coffee beans have gained momentum.
Source:
- ICO 2024, Beyond Coffee: Towards a Circular Coffee Economy coffee-development-report-2022-23.pdf
DESCRIPTION
IMPACTS
Turning these bags into biodegradable geotextiles for agricultural and garden use presents significant logistical challenges, requiring specialized equipment and expertise. Overcoming these technical hurdles is crucial to ensure the geotextiles' quality and durability match those made from traditional plastic fibers.
CHALLENGES AND LIMITS
EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION
Caffè Borbone collaborates with I Camminatori di Exodus Social Cooperative to give a second life to jute coffee bags and hermetic storage bags. Through this initiative, used bags are repurposed into sustainable products and materials for local communities, reducing waste while supporting social employment programs.