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This is what we do with coffee grounds

JDE Professional maximizes the use of residual streams from coffee production.At the Douwe Egberts factory in Joure, coffee grounds have been used as fuel since 1967.Through collaborations with DCW and Fungi Factory, the grounds are given a second life as raw materials for oyster mushrooms, strawberry plants, soap, briquettes, and even shoe soles.This way, we save CO₂, reduce waste, and work together to build a circular, sustainable coffee industry.

Coffee flower
the use of coffee grounds in icons

Coffee grounds as energy source

Our factory in Joure has been using coffee grounds from the brewing process as fuel for a steam boiler since 1967. Thanks to a unique drying and combustion system, we generate energy from our own waste product. This saves over 3.27 million m³ of natural gas annually, reduces CO₂ emissions by 70%, and equals the energy consumption of 2,000 households.

Tips for the office

Want to get started with coffee grounds yourself?Collect them in a container and use them for the mentioned applications.If you don’t have a green thumb, you can also donate them to local initiatives that use coffee grounds for things like making notebooks or growing mushrooms.

Man and woman at coffee machine

Smart ways to reuse coffee grounds

Give coffee grounds a second life by using them in smart and sustainable ways, from garden to kitchen to personal care.

1. Plant Nutrition and Pest Control

Coffee grounds are rich in potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen, making them ideal as a natural fertilizer for plants that prefer acidic soil, such as hydrangeas, azaleas, and rhododendrons. In addition, they help deter unwanted insects such as aphids, ants, and slugs. A useful tip is to mix dried coffee grounds with grass clippings or leaves to reduce acidity for other plants.

2. Odour Neutralisation

Place a bowl of coffee grounds in the refrigerator to absorb unpleasant odours. It also works on your hands to remove strong smells such as garlic. Rub a small amount of coffee grounds between your hands and rinse off.

3. Restoring Wooden Furniture

Small scratches in wooden furniture can be easily concealed by mixing coffee grounds with water and vinegar. Apply the mixture to the damaged areas and let it soak in for an hour until the colour matches the wood.

4. Beauty Treatment

Coffee grounds can be used as a body scrub or as an ingredient for an eye mask to help reduce puffiness. Mix them with olive oil to create a paste for natural skincare.

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