Giving Coffee Grounds a Second Life
At the 2025 Glasgow Coffee Festival, we’re making sure that every cup of coffee counts—even after it’s been brewed. This year, all used coffee grounds from the festival will be collected and repurposed, proving that circular economy approaches are possible.
Why Repurpose Coffee Grounds?
Closing the Loop: A Circular Economy Approach
We’re committed to reducing waste and embracing the principles of a circular economy. Working with Change Waste Recycling, we ensure that nothing ends up in landfill and that we collect valuable data on our carbon footprint. This helps us continuously improve our sustainability efforts.
Understanding the Impact
As a coffee festival, used coffee grounds are one of our biggest waste streams. On average, brewing a single 250ml cup uses about 14g of coffee. It might not sound like much—but multiply that by over 2,000 attendees across the weekend, and it adds up fast.
When disposed of in landfill, used grounds decompose and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. But coffee grounds still have untapped potential—they’re rich in organic matter and can be used for composting, energy recovery, and even the creation of innovative materials.
We’re proud to repurpose our coffee waste in a way that contributes to real environmental solutions and showcases the creative potential of sustainable thinking.
A Collaboration for a Greener Future
But what happens to those collected coffee grounds after the festival? That’s where Revive Eco steps in.
Founded right here in Scotland, Revive Eco is a pioneering company transforming used coffee grounds into high-value, sustainable alternatives to conventional materials. Their work turns what many see as waste into a powerful resource—contributing to a greener future.
The Science of Sustainability
Revive Eco uses innovative extraction technology to recover natural oils from used coffee grounds. These oils can be used in a wide range of industries—and Revive Eco are focused on the skincare and food & drink sectors—offering an eco-friendly alternative to virgin ingredients such as palm oil and other environmentally damaging resources.
By repurposing the coffee grounds (ca. 90L produced over the weekend) generated at the festival, Revive Eco not only prevents waste from entering landfill but sees the creation of sustainable skincare products. It's a perfect example of how science and sustainability can go hand in hand.
A Local Solution with Global Impact
By the collaboration of local businesses, like the Glasgow Coffee Festival and Revive Eco, we are are proving that a circular economy isn’t just a dream—it’s already happening.
Revive Eco’s vision aligns perfectly with GCF’s goals: reducing emissions, promoting responsible consumption, and giving every cup of coffee an afterlife.
So as you sip your flat white or espresso this weekend, know that the story doesn’t end when the cup is empty. Watch this for an update on the product - GCF x Revive Eco collaboration.
