How Recycled Coffee Grounds are Powering Our Sustainable NESCAFÉ Self-Serve Units
We’ve created a new material from used coffee grounds and waste plastic, which is being used to make our NESCAFÉ® furniture units. All panels in our new units are now made using bespoke materials which combine 70% plastic waste from our Tutbury factory and 30% used Nestlé coffee grounds.
Our Evolving Approach to Environmental Impact
This innovation supports our packaging and waste reduction commitments and significantly reduces emissions.
Initially we moved to a UK-sourced unit board material called “Regency Plastic Board” which was made from 90% recycled materials, including coffee grounds.
Quantis for Regency conducted a 2018 Life Cycle Assessment which showed that in comparison to the previous Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC) and MDF panels, these new panels generated 70% less carbon emissions, if used five times.
However, we wanted to challenge ourselves further and had a vision for a closed loop solution that would use our own surplus materials to make the panels.
The new design can be refurbished and reused up to five times, reinforcing a closed-loop approach. To date approximately 200 units of both the 90% and fully recycled panels have been implemented.
A True Closed-Loop Recycling System
Furthermore, this initiative demonstrates a closed-loop recycling approach. The NESCAFÉ self-serve units are not just made from recycled materials; they are designed for longevity and multiple uses. The new design allows for refurbishment and reuse up to five times, actively contributing to a circular economy furniture model where resources are kept in use for as long as possible, minimising waste and the need for new virgin materials. This system significantly reduces the volume of waste sent to landfill by diverting our own surplus materials back into our production cycle.
Supply Chain Streamlining for Enhanced Performance
The shift to the Nestlé Recycled Plastic Coffee Board has delivered considerable operational efficiencies, significantly streamlining our supply chain for business coffee solutions. By localising production and utilising our own waste streams, we've eliminated five separate distribution stages, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery. This strategic move has cut lead times from up to 12 weeks down to 10 days, ensuring faster deployment of our self-serve coffee machine units. Even smaller design elements reflect this commitment: condiment holders, previously made from virgin plastic, are now crafted using recycled coffee grounds, showcasing a holistic approach to sustainable design and resource efficiency across all components of our NESCAFÉ machine units.
Setting a Benchmark for Foodservice Sustainability
The NESCAFÉ self-serve unit project has garnered industry recognition for its impact and scalability. We were awarded the 2025 Footprint Award in the Waste Innovation category and the Best Closed Loop Project Award at the 2024 waste2zero Awards. These accolades highlight the project's leadership and approach to drive more sustainable practices within foodservice. This project is already sparking considerable interest across other Nestlé markets globally, with plans to replicate this successful model, underscoring our broader corporate social responsibility ambitions.
"I feel we should all be doing what we can to support the environment and sustainability. Despite it not being my role or responsibility, I wanted to see if I could introduce a better solution to house our coffee machines. It’s been fantastic seeing this closed loop solution come to life, where we can now transform our own waste into purpose-built furniture. It’s a very proud moment for our team, business and wider community."
Stuart Fleming
Trade Asset Manager UK & Ireland, Nestlé Professional
"What I love about this initiative is that the idea came from someone in the business who doesn’t work on sustainability at all. It demonstrates how anyone can drive sustainability action and support our customers on their sustainability journey.”
Julia Jones
Head of Corporate Communications and Sustainability, Nestlé Professional
