KOVE Handbags: Elevating Coffee Grounds to Fashion
Have you ever thought about the journey of your coffee beyond the cup and the bean? On average, Australian cafes use a staggering 32 kg of coffee beans in a week, producing 60 kg of spent coffee grounds a week—nearly 3,000 tonnes of coffee grounds produced annually, and over 90% of that ending up in landfill.
When coffee grounds are sent to landfill they have the undeniable potential to produce vast amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming. Whilst many coffee brands promote the sustainable production of their beans, little attention is paid to the environmental impact of organic waste at the end of the coffee chain in Australia.
What if we found innovative ways to repurpose coffee grounds instead of sending them to landfills? Rethinking coffee waste in this way could significantly impact climate change.
Bell Living Lab, a biomaterial company based in Indonesia, has created a leather alternative made from coffee waste, called M-Tex material. From being a winner of a university research project in 2018, the company now partners with research institutions, farmers, and brands to continually improve their materials. Bell Living Lab uses discarded coffee skins (the outer layer of the coffee cherry) to create the innovative biomaterials.
These materials can be used in fashion, packaging, and other industries, all while contributing to a circular economy. By turning organic waste into eco-friendly products, Bell Living Lab is helping reduce the environmental footprint of coffee production while generating new income streams for smallholder farmers in Indonesia.
When recognising the innovative products created by Bell Living Lab, you can’t help but look to the Kove Nero tote bag, thoughtfully designed, merging sustainability and everyday style. Crafted from eco-conscious M-Tex and durable canvas, it offers a casual yet chic option for daily use. Perfect for those looking to incorporate more sustainable choices into their wardrobe, the Kove tote stands out for its simple elegance and commitment to using innovative materials that minimize environmental impact.
Their products, which are not only sustainably produced and manufactured but also biodegradable, are transforming waste into timeless value.
Undoubtedly, there's more to this story. Bell Living Lab is committed to transparency and sustainability, and they’ve taken a major step by producing a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions report which is readily available on their website, please see here https://bellsociety.id/pages/ghg-emissions-report. This allows them to track and reduce their own carbon footprint, ensuring that their production process aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
Through their innovative use of coffee waste, Bell Living is creating new opportunities for decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), driving industry innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), and promoting responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). By turning organic coffee waste into biodegradable biomaterials, they’re actively reducing their carbon footprint, contributing to climate action (SDG 13). Beyond that, their commitment to preserving biodiversity aligns with SDG 15, as their sustainable practices help reduce the environmental degradation often caused by waste disposal.
The company’s mission is not just about making sustainable products; it’s about driving real change in the way businesses interact with the environment. By helping coffee producers reduce waste and creating biodegradable materials, Bell Living Lab is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable innovation.
Bell Living Lab is an inspiring company that goes beyond research and development; it is committed to educating and engaging the wider community about sustainability and eco-friendly living. By promoting a holistic approach to environmental responsibility, Bell Living Lab aims to inspire positive change and make a meaningful impact on the planet. Beginning with their leather alternative made from coffee waste, they are focused on developing a broader range of sustainable biomaterials in the near future.
Next time you enjoy your coffee, think about how waste can be transformed into beautiful bags. And imagine the difference it makes for both the planet and local communities. Imagine if the bags you choose could help support a circular economy!
For more information please visit @bell_livinglab and www.bellsociety.id