Startup Wants to Replace Palm Oil with Coffee Grounds

by

Editorial Policy

Published on

Last updated on

Photo: Revive Eco

[R]evive Eco was founded by two Scottish baristas who were upset by the mountains of coffee grounds they witnessed being tossed into landfills. Founders Scott Kennedy and Fergus Moore decided to turn that trash into treasure and formed Revive Eco, which extracts and purifies oils from used coffee grounds. The resulting product can be used in a variety of commercial applications, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food and drink, and household items.

Revive Eco Co-founders Scott Kennedy (left) and Fergus Moore.

In addition to diverting thousands of pounds of coffee from ending up in landfills, the venture could have a major impact on reducing rainforest deforestation. Palm oil, which is the most widely used vegetable oil on the planet, is a major factor in deforestation around the globe. In some regions of Indonesia and Malaysia, palm farming has been responsible for 50% of deforestation.

Kennedy and Moore have secured £235,000 ($303,900) in funding from the Zero Waste Scotland agency and are aiming for more. Revive Eco has been selected to represent Scotland and Northern Ireland in the Chivas Venture competition, where they’ll be competing for a portion of the £776,000 ($1,003,523) in prize money. The founders hope to use their winnings to open a processing plant in Glasgow and eventually franchise into different countries around the world.

Share This Article

Fresh Cup Staff

Join 7,000+ coffee pros and get top stories, deals, and other industry goodies in your inbox each week.

Other Articles You May Like

The Cup In Hand: How Shape and Design Affect Coffee Drinking

The shape, weight, and feel of a cup can have a significant impact on the way you experience the flavor of coffee.
by Mikey Rinaldo | March 22, 2023

The Challenges of Coffee Certifications Go Beyond The Retail Shelf

Coffee certifications can be a valuable tool for farmers and roasters—but can be cost-prohibitive and difficult to navigate. We explore the benefits and challenges of certification programs before a coffee ever reaches the shelf.
by Anne Mercer | February 24, 2023

Let’s Talk About Coffee Certifications

B-corp, organic, fair trade: what do all the certifications gracing the shelves of coffee shops and grocery stores mean? We take a closer look.
by Anne Mercer | February 3, 2023

Sweet Companions: Creating The Perfect Coffee and Cheese Pairing

Its high fat content and overall creaminess makes cheese ideal for balancing coffee’s acidity.
by Madeleine Coghlan | January 24, 2023