ECOFFEE Circular value chain for the valorisation of spent coffee grounds as an ingredient for animal feed and biocide production

Challenge

Large volumes of spent coffee grounds from HORECA and vending channels are discarded every day, despite containing nutrients and bioactive compounds that can be recovered and used in new industrial applications.

Solution

ECOFFEE creates a circular value chain for spent coffee grounds, combining reverse logistics, bio-waste processing, product development and digital traceability. The project collects coffee residues, characterises and processes them, and explores two main valorisation routes: ingredients for animal feed and biocidal or phytosanitary products. Digital tools support traceability across the value chain and help assess the environmental benefits of the model through lifecycle analysis.

Impact

ECOFFEE aims to divert coffee residues from disposal and transform them into higher-value products with commercial potential. The project estimates that some resulting products could be up to 15% cheaper than conventional alternatives, while licensing and replication offer potential routes for scale-up, subject to regulatory validation. By connecting waste collection, processing and new product development, ECOFFEE demonstrates how an everyday urban bio-waste stream can become a valuable resource within the circular bioeconomy.