Unlocking the Value of Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are a natural organic waste which hold untapped environmental and economic value when thoughtfully repurposed. Rich in nutrients, coffee grounds can be transformed into useful inputs for agriculture and food production, supporting circular economy practices while reducing waste.

Building Cross Sector Circular Partnerships

7-Eleven Hong Kong launched the ‘Grounds to Green’ Coffee Grounds Upcycling Programme in 2024 to repurposes used 7CAFÉ coffee grounds into natural fertiliser to grow fresh produce, advancing circularity and supporting social impact objectives. In 2025, the programme expanded to include a cross-sector collaboration with New Life Farm, a local social enterprise, and Foodlink Foundation, alongside WeGen Farming and Maxim’s Group. Coffee grounds were converted into natural enzymes and fertiliser for seasonal crops cultivated at New Life Farm and WeGen Farming. New Life Farm provides vocational rehabilitation for individuals recovering from mental illness, while WeGen Farming focuses on sustainable agriculture. Crops grown at New Life Farm were incorporated into 7-SELECT juices, including Cucumber, Kiwifruit, Apple, and Beetroot Apple. Crops grown at WeGen Farming were used in ready-to‑eat items, including Pumpkin Soup and Fried Rice with Pumpkin, developed in collaboration with Maxim’s Group.

Measurable Circular and Social Outcomes

Since its inception, the programme has cumulatively recycled approximately 1.4 million cups of coffee grounds and produced 2,371 kilograms of crops. Products developed under the programme were launched on 10 September 2025 under the theme “Grounds to Goodness”. The initiative has received Double Gold at the Marketing Interactive PR Awards 2025 and two accolades at the ESG Business Awards 2025. Earlier phases also included Coffee BOB, a craft beer brewed using upcycled coffee grounds and surplus bread, which received Bronze at the Hong Kong International Beer Awards 2025.