Oct 13, 2025
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7 min
The global love affair with coffee is undeniable, and Australians share an even more pronounced love for coffee. Australians drink about 6 billion cups of coffee each year. And every day, millions indulge in a cup (or three) of their favourite brew. But while we are enjoying the caffeine kick, the coffee industry is continuing to generate a significant amount of waste, from used coffee cups to spent coffee grounds and husks.
Fortunately, innovative solutions are emerging to upcycle the waste, turning it into valuable and viable products, helping reduce the environmental impact of coffee production and consumption.
The Problem: Coffee Waste in Australia
Australia is globally known for its strong coffee culture. With this love for coffee comes a hefty environmental cost. Each year, an astounding number of estimated 75,000 tonnes of coffee grounds are discarded in Australia alone. In addition, a significant amount of disposed single-use cups contribute to landfill waste, with most single-use cups being non-recyclable due to plastic lining.
The Environmental Impact of Australian Coffee Waste
Australia’s coffee consumption is creating a significant environmental pressure, from plastic cup waste to carbon emissions linked to importing specialty coffee beans from different regions around the world.
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Single-use coffee cups | 10% | 90% |
Coffee Plastic bottles | 36% | 64% |
Coffee Tetra packs | 30% | 70% |
Coffee Aluminium can | 100% | None |
Single-use coffee cups:
90% end up in landfill due to their plastic lining, which complicates recycling processes.
Coffee plastic bottles:
Only 36% of PET plastic bottles are recycled in Australia, with the remainder going into landfill waste.
Coffee Tetra Paks:
Due to limited infrastructure only 30% are recycled leaving the majority in landfills.
Coffee aluminium cans:
Aluminium cans are fully recyclable when properly disposed of. A recent government report indicates over 52% reduction in container related waste, and over 300,000 tonnes of materials recycled through the container deposit schemes in Australia.
Why Does Upcycling Matter for the Australian Coffee Industry?
Waste upcycling refers to the process of innovatively transforming by-products, waste materials, or unwanted goods into new products of higher value. Unlike recycling, which often requires breaking down materials, upcycling creatively repurposes waste, giving it a second life.
In the coffee world, upcycling can take many forms:
Australia’s Homegrown Coffee Movement
The shift toward sustainability isn’t just a trend by few, it’s a collective movement powered by local innovators. Across Australia, so many homegrown businesses are tackling coffee waste head-on, using creativity to drive real change.
Local Startups Leading the Charge
Australia is making waves through homegrown initiatives that are reimagining the life cycle of coffee. From our beloved local independent roasters and cafés using homegrown, Australian coffee beans to local businesses developing biodegradable coffee cups, the commitment to sustainability is gaining so much momentum.
Inspiring Examples:
A growing number of Australian companies are collecting used coffee waste from cafés and transforming it into new, eco-friendly products:
Frank Body– Coffee Grounds into Skincare
Natural beauty brands turning coffee grounds into exfoliating scrubsHuskee– Coffee Husks into Reusable Cups
Sustainable packaging companies incorporating coffee husks into product designsRMIT University– Coffee Grounds into Concrete
Builders experimenting with coffee-based materials for insulation or bricks
These initiatives not only redirect waste from landfills but also highlight the potential of coffee beyond the cup. By supporting these local businesses, consumers can help fuel a market that values innovation, environmental responsibility, and Australian ingenuity.
Conclusion: The Future of Coffee is Sustainability
With a growing network of homegrown coffee innovators, eco-conscious consumers, and dedicated cafés, Australia is well on its way to becoming a global leader in sustainable coffee practices. So the next time you enjoy a cup of Australian coffee, consider the journey it’s taken—and the impact you can make by choosing a more sustainable path.
Simple Actions for a Big Impact
• Choose cafés that participate in upcycling programs or offer compostable cups, or simply bring your own cup
• Support brands that use repurposed coffee waste in their products
• Support local Australian grown coffee products that have shorter supply chain vs imported premium products
By becoming more conscious of our own coffee consumption, we can all contribute to a more sustainable Australia.
