Biomass pellets: The business idea that involves coffee grounds
Over the last few years, the word 'exploitation' has become a favorite of many. Mainly, in the coffee industry, which has discovered the potential of coffee grounds ground. Well, instead of going from coffee makers to the trash, they are now collected by large companies for the manufacture of biomass or pellets. A chemical-free and 100% eco-sustainable product.
The surprising thing about the matter is that from about 100 tons of ground coffee, 80 tons of pellets can be extracted, ideal for heating our homes during the winter season.
Faced with this incredible use of coffee grounds. Francesc Font, one of the founders of Incapto Coffee, has decided to put on the table a project with an ecological focus, related to pellets or biomass. With the aim of continuing to offer quality products, chemical-free and natural. It should be noted that, as stated, our main purpose is not only to put an end to capsules. We also want to continue promoting maximum sustainability in coffee consumption, through the products Incapto.
If you are curious to know more about the new destination of coffee waste, you came to the right place, since in this article we will reveal interesting details from its collection to its industrialization.
What are coffee pellets?
We are used to coffee going from the field to the cup. And later, we dispose of your waste. But now the latter have taken center stage after being transformed into pellets, a successful idea, since they are the best fuel for stoves and boilers. In addition, they are compatible with those equipment that only accept pellets, as well as being able to take care of our pockets, since they are very economical.
coffee pellets, They provide 20% more heating power, unlike wood. It even produces 1% less ash. In relation to its carbon dioxide (CO2) balance it is neutral, after coming from a natural product. To explain it better, the CO2 it expels during its contact with fire is the same as the coffee plant obtained during its growth.
As you will see, it is a sustainable and renewable proposal, which would avoid using fossil fuels, which are harmful to the environment. The use of coffee grounds has motivated universities such as those of Jaen (Spain) and Bath (United Kingdom) investigate the production of bioethanol and biodiesel.
Circular coffee economy: What is it about?
For those who don't know, the circular economy It is inspired by living beings and the environment. That is to say, it seeks to ensure that both the products, their components and materials, retain their value. Simply put, it makes its life cycle longer. And it is where the words appear: repair, reuse, re-manufacturing. All of this involves consumer empowerment and at the same time promotes responsible consumption.
As you will see, the concept of circular economy fits perfectly with the use of coffee grounds. What we thought was something of no use, now contains interesting characteristics, adapting perfectly to the consumption of biomass and the long list of benefits that this brings, after being used as a renewable fuel, with that eco-sustainable approach that many companies have advocated.
That is why, Incapto Coffee, in addition to dedicating itself to offering delicious and natural coffees, has also decided to join in the use of waste from its star product, with the aim of continuing to carry the message to its entire community regarding environmental care.
How is it manufactured?
One of the main questions is: where do you get so many coffee grounds? The collection methodology is developed 'Door to door'. It consists of visiting places such as bars and cafes, where the waste of coffee residues is incalculable, and in the best results you can obtain between 60% and 80% waste. A sustainable practice, without generating extra expenses. The latter in case you are a small company and want to invest in pellets.
Giving this waste a new use makes people aware of this issue. Well, the collection, transformation and inclusion create a vital circle, which when set in motion, generates collective energy.
It should be noted that the manufacture of the pellets, in addition to containing only recycled natural coffee, does not contain a binder and most are made with waste that would have ended up in landfills.
Manufacturing companies
The British Arthur Kay, during his time as an architecture student, discovered that he could give a new life to coffee grounds. It all started while designing a coffee shop. When evaluating the premises, he noticed the enormous amount of coffee waste that was produced daily. As a result of this, his idea arose of how to transform it into biofuel.
He knew that, to develop his project, he had to have a good amount of money. So he got financing of 13.3 million dollars. With this he was able to start his business. coffee waste logs, called bio-grain.
Kay, who currently has 30 employees, has explained on several occasions that his products do not have the characteristic smell of coffee. It states that these logs work as a substitute for charcoal and even burn longer and generate more temperature than the wood itself and this is a saving for everyone.
Another company that has not hesitated to join the coffee pellets is the Spanish company Sosenser, which has been offering this product to its clientele for some time, at reasonable prices. This is more economical than fuel such as diesel which tends to be harmful to the environment and our health. To order your pellets, you just have to visit their website, fill in your information and that's it!
Nor could we ignore Up! Energy. The company carried out a pilot test to manufacture biofuels from coffee waste, this being its first initiative in the city of Barcelona, Spain, with the aim of transforming waste into energy, specifically biomass pellets.
This project has had the help of the Factor Escucha Association, together with the CooperatiuTEB Group, the Eicascanti Association, the Polytechnic University of Barcelona and the companies Areas, Coffee products and ISS Facility Services. With the purpose of stimulating the circular economy, as well as job placement for vulnerable groups.
Source
Recycling: this is how coffee is transformed into pellets for boilers
