Coffee houses furnished with tables and lamps made of coffee waste are receiving positive reactions from consumers. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Nov.25 (Korea Bizwire) – Coffee houses furnished with tables and lamps made of coffee waste are receiving positive reactions from consumers.
Starbucks Korea opened a store in the Gwanghwamun area that is furnished with furniture made out of used coffee grounds on November 8. The company announced on November 24 that will increase the number of stores featuring furniture made out of recycled coffee.
When compressed with adhesive substances, coffee waste, the used coffee grounds, can be transformed into various pieces of furniture and interior decorations.
The coffee tables at the Gwanghwamun store are made of compressed coffee waste put together with sliced veneer, which adds a luxurious look.
The grains of the coffee waste could be seen on the menu board. The natural oils of the coffee add a slight glow.
Fourteen grams of coffee waste are generated when one tall sized Americano is made.
Starbucks reported that it recycled at least 2,000 tons of coffee waste this year by donating used grounds to farmers as compost, and making them into furniture.
This way, 67,500 plastic waste bags (20ℓ) were saved. Also, carbon emissions were reduced as the coffee wasted had no need to be transported or buried.
Currently, Starbucks is offering small packets of coffee waste to consumers so that they can use them as deodorizing and dehumidifying agents.
Starbucks plans to recycle 100 percent of its coffee waste by 2018.
By Francine Jung (Francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
