The majority of the carbon footprint (nearly 70%) of coffee comes from the growing of coffee beans in the countries of origin. Therefore, agricultural transformation is the key to achieving a sustainable coffee value chain. We are committed to encourage more sustainable cultivation methods and support the livelihood of coffee farmers in the coffee origins to reduce climate impacts.
In June 2022 we launched coffee climate projects in the coffee origin countries to encourage the implementation of climate-smart farming practices to meet our science-based target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our value chain by 50% by 2030. Coffee is one of our biggest product categories and accounts for more than 40% of Paulig's total value chain climate impacts.
Our aim is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in our value chain by 50% by 2030.
Our aim is to have impactful climate projects in Brazil, Colombia, and Nicaragua in adopting more sustainable farming practices. The aim is to reduce the climate impact of these coffee farms by up to 30% and provide consumers more sustainable coffee choices in the future.
Our aim is that our climate projects support farmers in Brazil, Colombia, and Nicaragua in adopting more sustainable farming practices.
The projects are tailored in co-operation with our partners and the farming community to suit the local needs of the area in question. Our new projects will improve profitable coffee cultivation and the livelihood of the coffee farmers. Our aim is to scale the best practices throughout our origins in the coming years.
Watch the video to learn more of the coffee climate projects.
Focus areas of the coffee climate projects
The coffee climate projects focus on nutrient management and optimization, the deployment of regenerative agricultural practices such as the use of cover crops, wastewater treatment, and biochar practices. Learn more about two of the methods below.
Cover crops
Cover crops can be found growing besides coffee trees, and are often for example corn or bean plants. They…
- help rainwater penetrate compacted soil
- protect the soil, increase its fertility and hence reduce fertilizer use
- The cover crops’ yield also adds value to the farm.
Shade trees
Shade trees are trees planted in the middle of coffee plantations, for example banana trees. They..
- protect the farm and soil from extreme weather conditions
- help retaining nutrients and water in the soil, which improves the soil and hence reduces fertilizer demand
- sequester carbon and improve biodiversity
We can’t change the world alone
We are working with our strategic partners in the coffee origins for the bright future of coffee. Our focus countries focus countries for our climate projects are Brazil, Colombia, and Nicaragua. Our aim is to run following projects:
- Regenerative agriculture pilot projects in Nicaragua
- Cover crops project and Agronomy Toolbox and nutriment management projects in Brazil
- Nutriment management, organic fertilizers and testing bio chars in Colombia.
Other actions reducing climate impact of coffee
In addition to the climate projects in the coffee origin countries we work to reduce the climate impact in other parts of the value chain and in our own operations. Our two coffee roasteries in Finland have achieved the CarbonNeutral® building certification. Our aim is to also reduce logistics-related emissions by 25% by 2025, including coffee transport and distribution. Furthermore, in spring 2022 we announced a MEUR 25 investment in our Vuosaari roastery to enable recyclable coffee packaging and improve efficiency.