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Leaders at WCC 2023 emphasise shift from linear to circular economy as way forward for global coffee industry
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Thursday, 28 September, 2023, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Nandita Vijay, Bengaluru
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Experts are increasingly emphasising that shift from linear to circular economy is the only way forward for global coffee industry. The livelihood of farmers and ethics should be at the core of the global coffee business model. The success of the future of the coffee industry is based on the partnerships we forge with the farming community.
At the ongoing 5th World Coffee Conference (WCC) 2023 organised by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) with the Coffee Board of India; Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of Karnataka, and the coffee industry from September 25 to 28, 2023, focus was on sustainability as one of the critical concerns in the global coffee industry and adopting a circular economy would help place the livelihood of the farmer at the core of the business model.
Leaders from the global coffee industry deliberated the future of the coffee sector and deep dived into the theme of the global conference ‘Sustainability through Circular Economy and Regenerative Agriculture’.
Prof. Gunter Pauli, economist, entrepreneur and author of the book ‘The Blue Economy’ said the immediate need was to put livelihood of the coffee farmers at the core of the business model. “The industry focusses too much on core business and core competence. The livelihood of farmers and ethics should be at the core of the business model. One needs to view the ecosystem as a whole and look at coffee through a different lens – not only as a drink but as a bean with a lot more potential.”
“The coffee husk can be used to farm mushrooms. It is successfully being done in some countries and aids in growing nutritious foods while also creating livelihood for farmers. Coffee waste can also be used to create functional products like textiles which absorb odour due to the presence of coffee”, explained Pauli tugging onto his jacket which was made with a fabric of 7% coffee waste.
Harald Friedl, CEO, Green Leadership, encouraged the industry to go beyond looking at coffee only as a drink and explore the use of coffee in alternate products. "The shift from linear to circular economy is the only way forward. Recycling allows to repair, return and reuse."
Michelle Burns, executive vice president, Global Coffee, Social Impact & Sustainability, Starbucks, emphasised on how the voice of the farmer is central to the promise of a sustainable future. “The success of the future of the coffee industry is based on the partnerships forged with the farming community. A holistic approach is key to reducing environmental footprint. The world is going through a climate crisis. As an industry we need to look at the ecosystem as a whole and find solutions which are truly sustainable”.
The session on ‘Financing Mechanisms and Opportunities for the Coffee Sector’ threw light on the creation of a coffee fund, co-investment opportunities and the need for investment capital for producers whose needs differ from county to country.
Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO, of US based Speciality Coffee Association (SCA) said that “Specialty coffee loved by coffee enthusiasts around the world stands out as a true artisanal experience. It's not just a beverage; it's a journey, a culture, and a commitment to excellence. The climate, altitude, quality of soil, pollinators, all aid in creating distinct flavour profiles. This results in a rich tapestry of flavours that can range from fruity and floral to nutty and chocolatey, catering to different cultures.”
DM Purnesh, president, Specialty Coffee Association of India, noted that specialty coffee fosters a sense of community. "We are trying to build a market in India for speciality coffees and have made good headway. The future of India as a coffee leader looks very promising.”
Various challenges impact sustainability in the coffee sector such as climate change, increasing cost of production, and volatile prices. The goal of WCC 2023 is to address these challenges and exchange ideas regarding the circular economy and regenerative agricultural practices.
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