Most manufacturing processes are, traditionally, linear - they basically involve processing raw materials, putting them into single use packaging, which then gets thrown away by the end consumer. We recognise that we, and the wider coffee sector, have also operated along these lines. Over the years, we have tried to make changes to this way of working, switching our bags ones made from recyclable material, and only selling compostable take-out cups and lids. But we realise that we have a lot more to do.
With this in mind, we have embarked on an ambitious journey to examine every aspect our our supply-chain, the ways in which we produce our products and the materials we use to package them. We are learning about Circular Economy principles and how we can embed them in to our production processes. We are fortunate to have been granted support, via the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, from Resource Futures, who are specialists in sustainability and materials. Together, we are looking at a range of ideas, including:
- switching to home-compostable materials for our coffee packs
- making use of returnable, solid containers for local wholesale customers, replacing single-use packs
- ensuring that all parts of our packaging are low-impact, re-usable, compostable or recyclable
- supporting cafes and coffee shops to be able to offer recycling and composting opportunities to consumers
During the first part of 2022, we will be actively working on all of these ideas to see which are viable and which may need to be wait for materials or consumers to be ready. Our goal, over the next three years, is to ensure that is little as possible of what we make, ends up being thrown away by consumers.
