Innovation in Coffee: Turning Waste Into Sustainable Products

Australians consume about 175,000 tonnes of coffee every year, generating around 75,000 tonnes of coffee waste. While we’re not the highest per capita coffee drinkers (the Scandinavian nations take that crown), Australians certainly hold our own. 

From Bean to Cup – and Beyond 

Coffee production is more complex than most people realise. The process includes harvesting ripe cherries, removing the husk or chaff through wet processing or drying, then roasting, grinding, and finally brewing the beans. Each stage creates by-products, many of which are treated as waste. 

While some consumers recycle or compost used coffee grounds—or even upcycle them in the garden to deter pests like snails—very few know what happens to the coffee chaff. Coffee chaff can be a valuable mulch or compost material, but commercial-scale processing makes it harder to access, and much of it unfortunately ends up in landfill. 

Coffee Waste in Landfill 

On its own, coffee chaff in landfill isn’t a big environmental issue. The problem is that most of it is disposed of in plastic bags, which prevents natural decomposition and adds to Australia’s growing plastic waste challenge. This is where recycling and eco-friendly innovation make all the difference. 

Huskee: Recycled Coffee Husk Products 

Enter Huskee, an Australian company leading the way in the circular economy. Their mission is to turn what was once discarded coffee husk into recycled products that are practical, durable, and beautifully designed. 

We first spotted the Huskee Cup in a small café in Marrickville, Sydney. Lightweight, tactile, and resilient, it immediately stood out. Flipping it over, we discovered it was made from recycled coffee husks—a brilliant example of how sustainable design can transform waste into something new. 

Since then, Huskee has expanded their range of recycled plastic products and coffee husk drinkware, proving that eco-friendly innovation doesn’t just reduce waste, it also creates stylish everyday items. By supporting brands like Huskee, consumers can be part of the circular economy, helping to reduce landfill, cut down on plastic recycling challenges, and promote a sustainable future. 

Explore Recycled Coffee Innovations 

At our store, we’re proud to stock Huskee’s full range of cups and drinkware made from recycled and upcycled materials. They’re not just functional—they’re a statement about choosing sustainability and supporting the shift towards an eco-friendly, circular economy. 

Come and see them in store today.