Starting today, the new straws will be introduced in Tims stores across Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. With this rollout, Tims China aims to encourage consumers to make small, everyday choices that collectively support a more sustainable future.

Turning emissions into materials: CCU Technology in action

Over recent months, Tims China has collaborated with Tencent’s CarbonXmade program and Suzhou Kunshen Biodegradable New Material Co., Ltd. to develop the straw.

The straw is produced using Carbon Capture Utilization (CCU) technology, which captures industrial CO₂ emissions and converts them into PPC polyols. After chemical modification, these are processed into PPC-TPU, a CO₂-based biodegradable material. The material is then pelletized and formed—through heating, precision extrusion, and cooling—into straws that meet uniform product standards, including Chinese regulatory requirements.

Importantly, the straws have the same tactile feel as traditional PLA straws and are biodegradable. Certification by global testing provider Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) shows that every 100 straws contain 3.185 grams of captured and stored CO₂—turning what was once a climate burden into material with an improved life-cycle performance.

A low-carbon fashion showcase

The launch event took the form of a “low-carbon fashion show,” featuring designs created by students and faculty from the Sichuan Fine Arts Institute using the novel straws.

The pieces incorporated coffee-inspired brown tones and took cues from flowing dance costumes, using bold fan-shaped structures and abstract geometric elements to express movement. Matching accessories—such as crowns, brooches, chokers, and handbags—also used the straw as a central design feature, demonstrating sustainability through creativity.

Unusually, the models were not dressed by professionals but by team members directly involved in the straw’s development, including engineers from the production line and Tims store workers. Their participation added originality and made them effective ambassadors for the product.

Ongoing commitment to sustainability

Tims China continues to proactively pursue its sustainability goals. Following the launch of its “Bring Your Own Cup — Save RMB 8” initiative, the introduction of the carbon-captured straw marks another step forward toward a more sustainable future.

The company has also opened a “Green Innovation Lab Store” in Shenzhen, centered around the concept of coffee-ground recycling. The store uses composite boards made from coffee grounds and straw fibers throughout its seating, wall décor, condiment stations, and booth areas—making circular design a visible part of the retail experience.

Globally, Tim Hortons promotes responsible sourcing through its “Coffee for Communities” program, which provides training and support to coffee farmers to improve livelihoods, enhance sustainability, and elevate coffee quality. By 2023, the program had provided direct support to more than 18,000 farmers (https://www.rbi.com/sustainability/planet/responsible-sourcing/coffee/).

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The project, which will run until 2030, builds on and expands a pilot programme launched by Save the Children in 2017 with the support of Ferrero, which will continue to co-finance the initiative as part of a public-private partnership approach.

The project will benefit from funding provided by the Italian Cooperation, following the outcome of a competitive selection procedure managed by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Following the selection process, the project was officially presented in Abidjan during the May 2025 mission of the Italian cooperation system in West Africa, led by Stefano Gatti, Director General for Development Cooperation.

Thanks to the newly awarded funding from AICS¹ and the renewed support of Ferrero, the programme will benefit from total funding of nearly 20 million euros².

The programme aims to strengthen child protection and the respect of children’s rights in cocoa-producing communities. It will implement a series of actions to reduce risks and address the root causes of child labour, which are closely linked to socio-economic vulnerability.

The initiative adopts a holistic approach, engaging governments and institutions, civil society, and private stakeholders. By fostering resilient and economically sustainable communities, the project creates the necessary conditions to protect children by ensuring access to education and basic healthcare, improving birth registration systems, securing livelihoods and nutrition, empowering communities and women-led enterprises, and tackling child labour.

The true innovation of this initiative lies in its integrated, systemic approach—both on the ground, by connecting communities, families, suppliers, and local governments, and at the level of economic sustainability through the mobilization of institutional and private funding to enable long-term structural change. Working within the cocoa supply chain alongside corporate partners and local suppliers—who are directly involved from the early design phase—generates a powerful cross-pollination of expertise between the public and private sectors. This amplifies impact far beyond the initial investment, gradually transforming best practices into public policy.

Furthermore, child protection measures are embedded within supply chain operations, ensuring that interventions reach the most vulnerable children, promote long-term sustainability, and can be replicated at scale. The initiative also relies on performance indicators and evaluation systems to ensure tangible and lasting outcomes.

“We have always believed in the importance of collaboration among public institutions—both national and international—civil society, and the private sector, recognizing the unique value each stakeholder brings,” said Daniela Fatarella, CEO of Save the Children Italy. “True change is not the result of isolated actions, but of transformative, long-term alliances. This is why we view this partnership as a true investment—one that focuses on long-term, cross-cutting actions involving multiple actors to deliver sustainable results. This project proves that sustainable socio-economic development in a country like Côte d’Ivoire is indeed possible—through the supply chain expertise of a company like Ferrero, the strategic vision and funding capacity of the Italian Cooperation, and the on-the-ground experience of Save the Children. Together, these partners can achieve an outcome greater than the sum of its parts, becoming real drivers of change.”

“At Ferrero, respecting and promoting human rights is fundamental. These core principles are embedded in our sourcing practices, supporting the individuals and communities within our supply chain,” said Isabel Hochgesand, Global Chief Procurement Officer at Ferrero. “This new phase of collaboration with Save the Children and the Italian Cooperation marks a significant step towards a more sustainable cocoa ecosystem. By working together across the entire cocoa value chain, we aim to build a transparent, inclusive, and lasting supply chain—capable of generating meaningful impact for both communities and our business.”

Read more about the partnership here.

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Throughout the fall, Nespresso encouraged California coffee drinkers to become active participants in the city’s environmental recovery by recycling their used capsules of coffee at all 13 Nespresso retail boutiques across the state, including the nine in the southern California area. Compost including Nespresso coffee grounds will contribute to the restoration of soil damaged by the fires and support City Plants’ mission to bring more trees to the area.

City Plants LA manages public-private partnerships that create a greener, more equitable, and climate-resilient city by planting trees. Through the Grounds to Grow project, City Plants will redistribute 100,000 pounds of compost-rich soil to residents living in wildfire-impacted communities.

The compost can be used to remediate contaminated soil ahead of replanting or to save existing trees that survived the fire. It will also be used to grow new trees that will be planted as rebuilding efforts continue. City Plants expects to distribute more than 8,500 trees to residents in Los Angeles and additional trees to residents impacted outside of the city.

This initiative is part of Nespresso’s commitment to make recycling simple and accessible for consumers nationwide. The company works with its longtime commercial recycling and composting partner, AgChoice, to process coffee grounds collected from Nespresso boutiques or through their mail-back program. Beyond the grounds being used to create compost to restore soil health, the aluminum from capsules is separated for reuse, creating new products like pens, bicycles, and cars.

“Compost isn’t just soil—it’s a foundation for growth,” said Carlos Campero, City Plants Executive Director. “This partnership came at the apt time as our team had been assessing soil health, considering how to best revitalize burn areas in Eaton Canyon and Palisades communities, and provide compost to till into existing tree wells as we water. This milestone of 100,000 pounds of recycled coffee ground compost is a testament to what our greater California community can achieve when we come together with shared purpose.”

“Grounds to Grow LA illustrates the power of collaboration between our employees, customers, and partners to address urgent environmental challenges,” said Amy Uong, Senior Recycling Manager at Nespresso USA. “Thank you to all the Nespresso coffee drinkers who contributed to this initiative and continue to recycle their capsules every day. We’re proud to play a small role in supporting the Los Angeles community and hope to continue to grow our recycling participation in the state moving forward.”

LA residents interested in picking up compost to help improve their soil can find adoptions events listed on the City Plants LA website or by contacting the organization at https://www.cityplants.org/.

Consumers can continue to participate in Nespresso’s recycling initiatives by returning used capsules to their local boutiques or exploring the mail-back program.

For more information about Nespresso’s recycling program and the Grounds to Grow LA project, visit https://www.nespresso.com/us/en/recycling.

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This follows their decision at the last plenary to fast-track a new proposal from the Commission.

One year postponement for all companies

According to Parliament’s position, companies will have an additional year to comply with new EU rules to prevent deforestation.

Large operators and traders will now have to respect the obligations of this regulation as of 30 December 2026, and micro- and small enterprises from 30 June 2027.

This additional time is intended to guarantee a smooth transition and to allow the implementation of measures to strengthen the IT system that operators, traders and their representatives use to make electronic due diligence statements.

Simplification of due diligence requirements

MEPs find that the onus on submitting a due diligence statement should fall on the businesses who first introduce the relevant product onto the EU market, and not the operators and traders that subsequently commercialise it.

The changes by MEPs will also reduce the obligations for micro and small primary operators which would now only have to submit a one-off simplified declaration.

Parliament requested a simplification review by 30 April 2026 to assess the law’s impact and administrative burden.

Next steps

The text was adopted by 402 votes to 250 and with 8 abstentions.

Parliament is now ready to start negotiations with member states on the final shape of the law, which has to be endorsed by both Parliament and the Council and published in the EU Official Journal before the end of 2025, for the one-year delay to enter into force.

Background

The regulation being simplified was adopted by Parliament on 19 April 2023. It seeks to fight climate change and biodiversity loss by preventing deforestation linked to EU consumption of cocoa, coffee, palm-oil, soya, wood, rubber, charcoal, printed paper, and cattle products.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that 420 million hectares of forest – an area larger than the EU – were lost to deforestation between 1990 and 2020. EU consumption is responsible for around 10% of global deforestation. Palm oil and soya account for more than two thirds of this.

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After a successful debut in the United States in April 2025, Expocacer has now inaugurated the Brazilian module of the platform, setting the stage for expansion into the UK, Europe, and more than 30 other countries.

“Coffee Chain was born with the purpose of bringing the field closer to the market, offering new business opportunities and greater recognition for producers,” said Sandra Moraes, Expocacer’s Specialty Coffee Manager.

“The relevance and high competitiveness of the U.S. market encouraged us to further evolve the development of the Coffee Chain platform, allowing us to adapt to the specific demands of this market and enhance our logistical processes as a form of personalized service.

The platform has shown consistent growth in its user base and sales volume, consolidating itself as a relevant solution for clients. This milestone marked the beginning of Coffee Chain’s expansion into key global markets and reinforced Expocacer’s commitment to connecting producers directly with international buyers”. The executive adds: “Together with our Essências (Essences) program, we reinforce our commitment to sustainable development and the excellence of Cerrado Mineiro coffee”.

Through Coffee Chain, buyers gain access to detailed information on each coffee lot, including producer profiles, sensory notes, and complete traceability data, while producers gain visibility and direct access to international buyers.

The system’s blockchain foundation guarantees authenticity and secure transactions, reducing bureaucracy and building trust across the supply chain.

The platform’s first major event, the Coffee Chain Auction, will take place on December 10–11, featuring specialty lots from Expocacer’s Essências (Essences) program. The auction aims to connect roasters and importers worldwide with some of Brazil’s most exceptional coffees. Interested buyers and roasters from around the world are invited to participate Registration is open to all companies and individuals in the coffee sector.

Technology Partner: AIDDA

The Coffee Chain platform was created in partnership with AIDDA, a company specializing in blockchain and AI-based solutions for global trade.“AIDDA and Expocacer share the same vision: to simplify and democratize access to international markets through technology,” said Lívia Brunetto, AIDDA’s Head of Strategy and Innovation.

“By integrating traceability, documentation, and commercialization in a single digital environment, Coffee Chain connects producers and buyers around the world, unlocking smarter business opportunities with the potential to move over BRL 1 billion in coffee trade.”

This initiative reflects both organizations shared commitment to innovation, decentralization, and transparency in agribusiness.

Strengthening Expocacer’s Global Presence

Despite climate challenges affecting production across Brazil, Expocacer’s producers continue to stand out for their innovation and quality. “Our purpose is to generate value for our members, giving visibility to their work so they can continue positively impacting the coffee industry,” added Moraes.

With more than 40 export destinations and a growing presence in Europe and North America, Expocacer is reinforcing its global leadership in sustainable and regenerative coffee production.

About Expocacer

Founded in 1993, Expocacer – Cooperativa dos Cafeicultores do Cerrado represents over 680 coffee-producing families in the Cerrado Mineiro region, one of Brazil’s most recognized coffee origins. The cooperative exports to more than 40 countries and supports its members through sustainability programs, traceability systems, and its exclusive ECO-Score certification.
Website: www.expocacer.com.br
Instagram: @expocacer
Coffee Chain: https://coffeechain.com.br/

About AIDDA Group

Founded in 2021, AIDDA Group leverages cutting-edge technologies including blockchain, artificial intelligence, smart data, and White-Label Web3 platforms, to unlock business potential and drive digital transformation. With fully scalable and customizable solutions tailored to each client’s identity, the company delivers innovation, security, and sustainable growth. Its mission is clear: to empower businesses with technology that evolves at their own pace. https://www.aidda.io/

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“With this second Sustainability Report, extended for the first time to include all our international offices, we want to share an integrated vision of our global commitment. We are aware of our responsibility toward the planet and its people, and we will continue to promote a business approach that combines quality, well-being, and sustainability. Our ambition is to encourage a more conscious lifestyle, offering moments of conviviality that respect the environment and enhance human relationships,” comments Andrea Pozzolini, CEO, Rhea.

Highlights:

• 65 years of history
• 11 international branches
• More than 90 countries served worldwide
• 401 employees globally
• 99% of hires on permanent contract
• 100% energy from renewable sources in Italy and Austria
• -18 tons of materials used
• 57 actions planned for sustainability
• 8 areas of R&D
• Part of the United Nations Global Compact

A growing commitment: the adoption of the ESRS and the updated Sustainability Plan

 In 2024, Rhea began the transition from the GRI standards to the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), aligning itself with the new European reporting directives (CSRD).

The 2024 Report, therefore, represents a first step toward increasingly comprehensive, transparent, and consistent disclosure aligned with the Group’s ESG priorities.

At the same time, the company updated its 2024–2026 Strategic Sustainability Plan, which now includes 57 initiatives across seven main areas: culture and strategy, governance, environmental impacts, products and services, value chain, people, and communities.

Actions completed during the year include joining the United Nations Global Compact, calculating the product Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and establishing the ESG Committee to oversee sustainability governance in an organised manner.

rhea ESG: fostering sustainability

In 2024, the company launched the “rhea ESG” initiative, designed to encourage and support responsible behaviours to make the vending sector more sustainable by offering participants a contribution to finance sustainability policies.

The machine models used to promote the initiative generate significantly lower CO₂ emissions compared to their non-ESG equivalents, demonstrating the effectiveness of the design choices aimed at reducing environmental impact: the patented Varitherm induction heating system, the modular structure, and the use of recycled and recyclable materials.

Each rhea ESG machine is equipped with a QR code that allows customers and consumers to access dedicated content on the product’s sustainability, raising awareness throughout the entire value chain. “With this initiative, we aim to activate a virtuous circle among suppliers, customers, and consumers,” explains Pozzolini, “to transform vending into a shared lab for sustainable innovation.”

People first

In 2024, Rhea reaffirmed the central role of people as a driver of sustainable growth.

99% of employment contracts are permanent, and the company expanded its training programmes, offering pathways dedicated to developing both hard and soft skills. To support onboarding and sharing company values, a “buddy” system was also introduced for mentoring new hires and strengthening the sense of belonging and collaboration within the organisation. Particular attention is given to gender equality, as evidenced by the UNI/PdR 125:2022 certification, which was achieved and maintained. Women hold 33% of Board of Directors positions, representing an overall gender pay gap of 8.3%, an improvement over the 9.0% recorded in 2023. This result, which stands out positively compared to national averages (over 20%) and the broader European context (13%), demonstrates the company’s concrete commitment to promoting equity and constantly monitoring any gender-related differences.

Governance and transparency

In 2024, Rhea strengthened its sustainability governance system by establishing an ESG Committee, coordinated by Stefano Macchi, Chief Sustainability Officer. Its task is to monitor the implementation of the plan and ensure alignment between strategy, objectives, and results.

The Group has a Code of Ethics and a whistleblowing system that allows employees and collaborators to report any irregular behaviour confidentially and safely. These tools represent a fundamental safeguard of corporate conduct, helping mitigate reputational and legal risks.

“The 2024 Sustainability Report is tangible confirmation of our determination to anticipate regulatory developments and consolidate a corporate culture based on ethics, transparency, and sustainable innovation,” adds Stefano Macchi. “Being a community that promotes people’s well-being is our shared goal. Through our work, our products, and our choices, we want to contribute to spreading a more sustainable lifestyle.”

Social responsibility

Rhea has always considered its social obligations in the territories where it operates to be central. The belief that no solid and lasting growth can exist without the well-being of local communities has guided the company in developing concrete initiatives aligned with its values and capable of generating a positive impact.

Over the years, Rhea has built a synergistic relationship with the local social fabric, supporting organisations that promote inclusion, culture, sports, solidarity, and care. This commitment is now undergoing a process of strategic evolution, aimed at bringing all initiatives together under a single set of values and identity, with the goal of structuring a coherent and recognisable strategy for giving back to the community, both locally and internationally.

A commitment to the future

With the 2024 Sustainability Report, Rhea strengthens and expands its commitment to increasingly responsible and innovative growth. This is an ongoing journey, guided by the belief that sustainability and people’s well-being are the foundations of a shared and lasting future.

The 2024 Sustainability Report is available on Rhea’s website here.

About Rhea

Rhea, founded by Aldo Doglioni Majer in 1960, is one of the largest producers of automatic machines for coffee breaks in the world. For over sixty years, Rhea has stood out for its wide international reach, high-level design, state-of-the-art technology, and ‘Made in Italy’ excellence. With headquarters and manufacturing based in the province of Varese and foreign branches in 10 countries, Rhea is proud of having spread coffee break culture to over 100 countries around the world.

From a global player in vending to a pioneer in the introduction of vending to the new retail, hospitality and out-of-home sectors, Rhea confirms its mission to interpret and often anticipate a constantly evolving market.

Rhea’s new proposals revolutionize the very concept of hospitality, both in business and domestic contexts, with a value proposition that improves the coffee break moment.

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The three schemes – CROP by COFCO, VSS Midori Protocol by MITSUI, and Responsibillyty by illycaffé – are now recognized by GCP as equivalent to the Coffee SR Code, 2^nd party assurance.

“The recognition of these schemes reflects the momentum we see amongst our members to align around a jointly developed concept of coffee sustainability. Through the GCP Equivalence Mechanism process, each of these companies has taken a thorough and thoughtful approach to demonstrating how their sustainability schemes align with the foundational principles and practices of sustainable coffee production and continuous improvement towards better outcomes for farmers, workers, and landscapes,” said Annette Pensel, GCP Executive Director

The schemes join 29 others after having completed the rigorous process, in which schemes are assessed on meeting at least the levels of the economic, social, and environmental principles of the Coffee SR Code, as well as important operational criteria laid out in the Equivalence Mechanism 2.0 such as governance, standard-setting, assurance, data management, and claims integrity.

This brings the total number of GCP-recognized sustainability schemes – either 3rd party or 2nd party assurance systems – to 32 .

“We welcome the commitment of these GCP Members to strengthening the consistency and transparency of sustainability efforts across the sector,” added Pensel. “Their participation contributes to a clearer, more comparable landscape for coffee sustainability.”

Sector alignment for coffee sustainability

“Achieving recognition reflects a rigorous and comprehensive process that demands a deep understanding of the Coffee SR Code and operational criteria, and a genuine commitment to strengthen existing practices” said Gabriel Chavez, GCP Manager Sustainable Sourcing.

“Equivalence not only confirms alignment with the baseline but also demonstrates readiness to continuously improve and drive sustainability across the coffee sector.”

Once again, GCP partnered with the International Trade Centre, creator of the Standards Map, to independently conduct the Equivalence Mechanism assessment, ensuring impartial and comprehensive evaluations.

The newly recognized schemes are eligible for participation in the Sustainable Coffee Purchases 2026 Report, to be published in 2027. Through GCP’s transparency initiative, the annual Collective Reporting, roasters and retailers report their sustainable coffee volumes using common metrics that that strengthen comparability, transparency, and accountability. The latest results will be presented in the upcoming Sustainable Coffee Purchases 2024 Report, expected later this year.

Together, the Coffee SR Code, Equivalence Mechanism, and Collective Reporting form a suite of assets developed by GCP to promote a globally aligned, credible and practical approach to foundational coffee sustainability that promotes inclusion and continuous improvement, while supporting members to advance their own sustainability goals.

“Every new recognition adds to a more reliable and aligned sustainability landscape. It’s encouraging to see companies invest in this process and in the robustness of their systems,” said Chavez.

“As GCP reviews and strengthens the Coffee SR Code and the Equivalence Mechanism in 2026, we invite GCP Members to actively contribute and encourage all actors to stay engaged in this collective effort. Given the changing landscape within coffee and beyond, this review is a key opportunity to shape an even stronger and more coherent global reference for sustainable coffee.”

This announcement marks the close of the current recognition cycle under the Equivalence Mechanism 2.0, as GCP and its members look ahead to the next chapter of aligning for collective action through the upcoming review of the Coffee Sustainability Reference Code and the Equivalence Mechanism, ensuring these tools continue to serve a dynamic and forward-looking sector.

List of sustainability schemes recognized by GCP as Coffee SR Code equivalent at the time of publication

3rd party assurance system:

• 4C
• Fairtrade International, Small Producer Organization and Coffee Standard
• Fair Trade USA’s Agriculture Production Standard
• Rainforest Alliance Sustainable Agriculture Standard

  2nd party assurance system:

• Agri Evolve’s ACE
• Comexim’s Green Trace
• Coocacer’s Café Sustentável
• Cooxupé’s Gerações
• COFCO’s CROP
• ECOM’s SMS Verified
• Enveritas’ Enveritas Green
• Expocacer’s ECO
• Exportadora de Café Guaxupé’s Guaxupé Planet
• HACOFCO’s CONNECT
• illycaffé’s Responsibillyty
• Louis Dreyfus Company’s Responsible Sourcing Program Advanced
• Minasul’s LEGACY Protocol
• MITSUI’s VSS Midori Protocol
• Montesanto Tavares Group’s GMT Green
• Nespresso AAA Sustainable Quality Program
• Neumann Kaffee Gruppe’s NKG BLOOM, and NKG Verified
• ofi’s AtSourceV, and AtSource+
• Perhusa’s ARTS
• Racafé’s CRECER
• 3E by RGC Coffee
• Touton’s PACT
• Volcafe’s Volcafe Verified, and Volcafe Excellence
• Westrock Coffee Company’s RAÍZ Sustainability

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At the Rimini Expo Centre ENEA experts also exhibited research activities focused on producing biopackaging, biofertilizers and food supplements from brewing industry waste and by products, as well as tailored technology-transfer initiatives for companies.

The CRM HUB stems from a PNRR project (Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan) aimed at developing innovative and eco-sustainable technological solutions up to pilot scale. The goal is to increase the recovery of critical raw materials contained in WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), batteries and complex end-of-life products, thereby reducing emissions and waste.

The infrastructure includes six laboratories located in three ENEA Research Centers and will provide services to companies and the wider industrial system, enhancing local value chains: ceramics and automotive sectors for Faenza Research Center (Ravenna); aerospace, marine and renewable energy sectors for Brindisi Research Center, and WEEE recycling and additive manufacturing Casaccia Research Center (Rome).

“The CRM HUB will serve as a research and development space for advanced recycling and ecodesign technologies supporting the sustainable recovery of critical raw materials, as well as for training and professional upskilling” explains Claudia Brunori, Director of the ENEA Department for Sustainability.

“The CRM HUB,” she continues, “will operate as an open infrastructure for companies, universities and research bodies, contributing to the green transition, the growth of qualified employment based on competitive technologies aligned with the circular economy, and to the security and sustainability of strategic resource supply, as outlined in the CRM Act.”

The new hub will also rely on existing facilities at the Casaccia Research Center, including ROMEO (for WEEE such as phones and computers), PROTEO (for end-of-life photovoltaic panels), and a new battery recycling hall currently under construction within the IPCEI European Battery Innovation – EuBatIn project.

“At Ecomondo, we also previewed the OVER portal – Virtual Workshop for Ecodesign and Recycling, currently under development,” adds Brunori. “The web platform is designed to promote the sharing of best technologies in ecodesign and secondary raw material recovery from end-of-life products, as well as advanced industrial practices and business opportunities in recycling and sustainable design.”

Visitors were able to experience a virtual reality simulation in which they could explore the various material components of a photovoltaic module in an immersive way. In addition to the CRM HUB and the OVER portal, ENEA’s booth highlighted research on the recovery and valorization of bioresources, such as brewing by-products. ENEA has developed a process to obtain biomaterials rich in proteins, fibers and vitamins from spent yeast, which can be used to produce sustainable packaging, biofertilizers and food supplements. To further reduce soil and water consumption in agriculture and lower carbon footprint, ENEA also presented edible mushroom cultivation on alternative substrates such as bran, coffee grounds and hazelnut shells.

At the ENEA stand representatives of industrial districts and trade associations from the national fashion system were interviewed to assess companies’ awareness of ecodesign issues and jointly develop targeted support strategies. The initiative is part of an ongoing survey under the MIMIT-ENEA institutional agreement for actions implementing the European Ecodesign Regulation.

Visitors also met ENEA’s Technology Transfer Service experts, available for discussions on research-industry collaborations, knowledge exchange and co-design of innovative solutions. This service acted as a one-stop desk offering personalized support and information on technologies, research infrastructures and partnership opportunities to promote sustainable innovation and growth within Italy’s production system.

“ENEA’s participation in an international event such as Ecomondo strengthens our role as a national reference point in research and the development of solutions for product and process innovation, as well as in the valorization of results contributing to Italy’s growth and competitiveness,” states Giorgio Graditi, ENEA Director General. “ENEA,” he adds, “is deeply committed to developing technologies and methodologies for the efficient use of energy and non-energy resources, which are crucial to addressing global challenges. Moreover, thanks to our multidisciplinary expertise and advanced infrastructures, we provide concrete support to both industry and institutions in their ecological transition”.

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Developed through collaboration between academia, industry, and NGOs, the tool enables users to quantify greenhouse gas emissions, water use, biodiversity, and other key sustainability metrics, providing actionable insights to drive climate-smart farming and regenerative agriculture.

This milestone for the Cool Farm Platform was achieved through the partnership of the Cool Farm Alliance, Cranfield University, and in-kind contributions from LIPTON Teas and Infusions in the form of critical datasets and agronomic expertise, all supported by a committed consortium of leading tea sector organisations who co-funded the project. The consortium includes Ahmad Tea, Bettys and Taylors of Harrogate Limited, Camellia Plc, Finlays, George Williamson & Co. Ltd., LIPTON Teas and Infusions, Mother Parker’s Tea & Coffee, Rainforest Alliance, Reginald Ames, Solidaridad Eastern and Central Africa, Suntory, Tata Consumer Products GB Limited, Tea and Herbal Solutions Ltd., and Twinings, led by the Tea and Herbal Association of Canada and the United Kingdom Tea & Infusions Association. Working together, the Consortium contributed vital expertise and on-the-ground insights to ensure the typology is both scientifically robust and practical for tea producers worldwide.

The tea typology marks the first time tea-specific agronomic data has been fully integrated into the widely used Cool Farm Platform, enabling producers and supply chain actors to more precisely assess greenhouse gas emissions from tea cultivation.

This directly addresses the growing need for credible, crop-specific tools to support carbon reporting, regenerative agriculture, and broader environmental targets. The success of this initiative reflects the Cool Farm Alliance’s guidance, scientific leadership, and technical expertise, paired with the tea industry’s deep knowledge of production systems.

“This typology represents a significant milestone for our industry,” said Shabnam Weber, President, Tea and Herbal Association of Canada. “We now have a tool tailored to the realities of tea production that supports accurate carbon calculation, transparency, and progress toward sustainability commitments. Working with the Cool Farm Alliance has been essential in making this possible,” added Sharon Hall, Chief Executive United Kingdom Tea & Infusions Association.

The development process – from concept to implementation – was shaped by meaningful industry engagement to ensure the model’s robustness across diverse geographies and farming systems. The result is a tool that is both scientifically credible and grounded in the lived experience of tea producers.

Work is already underway within the consortium to harmonise data collection and develop a unified training approach, with further enhancements to be announced in due course.

With the tea typology now live in the Cool Farm Platform, tea stakeholders can begin using it to:

• Accurately measure emissions from tea farming systems
• Model the impact of agricultural practices and land use
• Track progress toward net-zero targets and other climate commitments
• Report consistently within sustainability frameworks
• Reliably compare the impact of best agricultural practise on emissions reduction between different farms and locations

This launch marks a major step forward in the tea sector’s journey toward transparent, data-driven environmental performance.

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Purpose and background of the development

After the seeds—used as raw material for coffee beans—are extracted, large quantities of coffee cherry pulp and peel are generated at production sites around the world, much of which is discarded. These parts contain high levels of compounds such as caffeine and polyphenols, raising concerns about their impact on ecosystems and environmental burdens such as water and soil pollution. While some regions have begun initiatives such as composting or using the dried skins as food ingredients*2, many regions continue to dispose them due to technical, economic, and regulatory challenges.

In addition, global issues persist regarding the unstable income of coffee farms, stemming from factors such as fluctuating coffee prices and low productivity due to underdeveloped agricultural infrastructure. In Colombia in particular, an environmental tax is imposed on the disposal of coffee cherries, increasing the economic burden on farms.

Against this backdrop, the Kirin Beverage Technology Research Center (now the Beverage Future Research Center) has been studying the effective use of coffee cherries since 2018.

Development details and achievements

By applying Kirin’s proprietary wine aroma enhancement technology originally developed for wine, a new ingredient was created by fermenting juice extracted and concentrated from coffee cherries using lactic acid bacteria and yeast. This fermented material was found to enhance various sensory qualities—such as warmth, fermentation character, alcoholic impression, fruity notes, and richness—across a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

Adoption for “Kirin Tokusei” brand

Based on preference survey results*3 using RTD*4 products, improvements in overall preference—such as ‘satisfaction’ and “premium quality”—were confirmed, suggesting potential to enhance drinking satisfaction. Consequently, we began adopting this ingredient for the RTD “Kirin Tokusei” brand. It is used in “Kirin Tokusei Melon Soda Sour (Limited Time Offer)” released in May 2025 and “Kirin Tokusei Mikan Cider Sour (Limited Time Offer)*5” scheduled for release on Tuesday, November 25.

Implications from a preference survey using non-alcoholic beverages*6

A survey using non-alcoholic beverages containing this ingredient confirmed “enhanced mouthfeel” and “improved flavor,” suggesting the potential to increase drinking satisfaction for non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages.

Future Developments

By utilizing coffee cherries—currently discarded—as a valuable ingredient and expanding their use, we aim to contribute to the sustainability of coffee farms through improved income, as well as to reduce environmental impact by cutting waste.

Given that this material’s characteristics—such as “enhanced mouthfeel” and “improved flavor”—have been shown to increase drinking satisfaction in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages, we will explore its adoption in non-alcoholic and low-alcohol products as an effective approach to solving alcohol-related social issues.

About Kirin Holdings

Kirin Holdings Company, Limited is an international company that operates in the Food & Beverages domain (Food & Beverages businesses), Pharmaceuticals domain (Pharmaceuticals businesses), and Health Science domain (Health Science business), both in Japan and across the globe.

1 Coffee cherries are the red fruits of the coffee plant, and their seeds are used as the raw material for coffee.
2 Examples include “Cascara” tea made from dried coffee cherry skins.
3 Company survey conducted in June 2024 among men and women aged 35-59 (n=90)
4 Abbreviation for Ready to Drink. Alcoholic beverages that can be drunk immediately after opening.
5 New release from “Kirin Tokusei”—which delivers “premium flavor crafted with care”—“Kirin Tokusei Mikan Cider Sour (Limited Time)”! (Only Japanese)
6 Survey conducted in May 2023 among men and women aged 30-59 who desire authentic taste in non-alcoholic beverages (n=51)

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