Insights from Circular Economy Actors: Valorizing Spent Coffee Grounds

Insights from Circular Economy Actors: Valorizing Spent Coffee Grounds
Thank you for taking the time to complete this short survey!

As someone already engaged in giving a second life to spent coffee grounds (SCGs), your experience is incredibly valuable. This survey is designed to better understand how SCGs—are currently being valorized, what challenges still presist, and what kinds of support, resources, or partnerships could support & accelerate your work.

This survey focuses exclusively on SCGs and takes around 5–7 minutes to complete. All responses will remain confidential and will contribute to a forthcoming white paper being developed by the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee.

Thank you for helping us shape a more sustainable future for the coffee sector!
Are you a service provider or a business offering a solution for spent coffee grounds (SCGs) valorization?*

YesNo
In which country is your organization based?*
How large is your business/operation? *
Who are your clients?*

Coffee industry businesses (Cafes, retail outlets and roasters)Consumer product manufacturer (chemicals, cosmetics, food, textile, companies using SCGs as inputs for final consumers)Agriculture and input industries (Biofuel, bioplastics, compost)Other B2B clients (Hotels, wellness centers or events)Individual consumers (direct consumer sales for personal use)Institutional clients (public sector, or academia)
On average, how much spent coffee grounds do you valorize daily?*

Less than 10 kg10-50 kg50-100 kgMore than 100 kg
What are you transforming the spent coffee grounds into? *
How do you treat it? What is the final product or material you produce?
Do you provide add-on services, such as logistics or drying/stabilization technologies, to support your valorization efforts?*

Yes, we doNo, we use our client's existing infrastructureOther
Do you use storytelling or other creative strategies to communicate the benefits of spent coffee grounds valorization to consumers?*

YesNo
If you answered yes to the previous question, could you share one or more examples?
Are there any words or phrases you intentionally avoid when communicating about your product?*

YesNo
If you answered yes to the previous question, could you share one or more examples?
How do you educate or raise awareness about the uses of spent coffee grounds among your potential customers or the broader public?*
From your experience, which types of consumers or businesses show the most interest in SCG-based products?*

Eco-conscious consumersBusinesses with a sustainability focusConsumers/ businesses looking for new & innovative productsOther
Are there economic benefits for the reuse aspect of spent coffee grounds?*

YesNoOther
If you answered yes to the previous question, could you share one or more examples?
What do your clients value the most?*

PriceQuality productsSustainably produced productsCo2 emission reductionsOther
What is the main competitive advantage of SCG-based products?
How do SCG-derived materials compete with other sustainable alternative products (e.g., bamboo, hemp, etc.)? *
What is the most important factor influencing the price of SCG-derived products?*

Raw material costs (SCGs)Processing costsTransport and logistics costsMarket demandCertification/compliance costsOther
How do you ensure the quality and safety of SCG-derived products for end-users?*

Third party testingThird party certificationsCompliance with industry standardsInternal quality controlNo formal measures in placeOther
Are you aware that intellectual property (IP) rights (e.g., trademarks, patents, trade secrets) can be used as financial instruments or strategic assets in circular economy business models?*

YesNoI've heard about it, but don't fully understand it
Have you taken any steps to protect your innovations or products through intellectual property (IP) rights (e.g., patents or trademarks)?*

Yes - we have registered IPYes - we are in the process of applying for an IPNo - but we are considering itNo - we don't
Do you view intellectual property (IP) as a potential financial instrument to support your circular economy business?*

Yes - we actively use IP this wayYes - but we haven't used it this wayNo - we don't see it as relevant to our businessI'm not sure/I need more information
If yes, how are you leveraging your intellectual property (IP) rights (e.g., for partnerships, licensing, fundraising, branding)? Please share any insights or experiences.
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