Energetic Use of Residues from Coffee Production in Central and South America

04.07.11 - On the 21st of June 2011 Ernst Basler + Partner and Swisscontact organized a conference about the energetic use of residues from the coffee production in Central- and South-America.

In the producing countries, the processing of coffee leads to different biogenic residues (pulp, husk and wastewater). Although these residues have a great potential for various uses, they are actually only partially treated. This is linked to greenhouse gas emissions, pollution of nearby waters, soils as well as odours. In recent years, different experiences of sustainable reuse/recycling solutions could be gained in the producing countries and in Switzerland.

During the conference of the 21st of June 2011, existing experiences and solutions of energetic use of coffee residues have been evaluated and discussed.

Experts from Central and South America have presented current practices and projects as well as possible alternatives of the use of residues from coffee processing. These have been completed by research results from Swiss institutions. During workshops, the participants have identified actual barriers to use the coffee residues, presented possible solutions, identified marketable ideas for projects and created a basis for some further evolution.

Program of the conference (PDF)

Presentations Current use and past experience

• Reto Steiner, EBP (PDF)
• Dr. Nelson Rodriguez, Cenicafé, Kolumbien (PDF)
• Ing. Rolando Chacón Araya, ICAFE, Costa Rica (PDF)

Panel Discussion: Interests of different Stakeholders

• Stefan Denzler, SECO
• Mark Furniss, Volcafe
• Adriana Mejia Cuartas, Fedecafe
• Ricardo Scachietti, First Climate (Switzerland) AG
• Markus Weidner, Institute of Marketecology(IMO)
• Britta Wyss Bisang, UTZ Certified

Introductory Note: Use Options

• Akos Lukacs, Ökozentrum Langenbruck: Combustion of coffee pulp (PDF)
• Stephan Gutzwiller, Kaskad-E: Pyrolysis of coffee pulp (PDF)
• Reto Steiner, Ernst Basler + Partner: Biogas production of coffee pulp & waste waters (PDF)
• Ing. Rolando Chacón Araya, ICAFE: Bioethanol production / gasification of coffee pulp (PDF)
• Dr. Nelson Rodriguez, Cenicafé: Material use of coffee residues / composting (PDF)
• Lilian Volcan, International Coffee Organisation (ICO): Projects in Central & South America supported by ICO (PDF)

Workshops: Identification of actual barriers, evaluation of possible solutions, development of ideas for projects

Conclusion of the workshop (PDF)