HONG KONG — Coffee capsule and machine brand Nespresso has announced RE:FARM, a limited-time, experiential showcase that highlights the full circular journey of coffee, from capsule to cup to the dining table, all under one roof. RE:FARM will run from September 2022 to June 2023 and consumers can personally see, touch, and taste the results of Nespresso’s sustainability efforts. The program is the result of a partnership between Nespresso, K11, and Common Farms, a local indoor agri-tech farm, and is aligned with the sustainability initiatives of parent group Nestlé SA and its commitment to unlocking the power of food to enhance the quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come.
Nespresso has always done things a certain way. Not the easiest way, not the quickest. But the right way. Since its inception over 30 years ago, Nespresso has remained steadfastly committed to making a difference in the world, and sustainability has become a crucial component of its business today. By embedding transformative actions throughout its value chain, such as regenerative agriculture, eco-design, recycling, and circularity, Nespresso strives to bring a positive impact to all its stakeholders, from farmers and business partners to consumers. In 2022, Nespresso was certified as a B Corp and joined a global movement of companies doing business responsibly and transparently while maintaining high sustainability standards.
From Capsule to Cup to Table (and back!) – A Circular Journey
At RE:FARM, visitors have a unique opportunity to witness Nespresso’s sustainable circular system in action. An on-site recycler separates coffee capsules from the coffee grounds and recycles the aluminum to make second-life products. Meanwhile, Nespresso’s composter turns spent coffee grounds into rich nutrients that will be used to bring life to new produce. Composted coffee grounds serve as an excellent fertilizer and offer numerous benefits in farming, such as improved soil drainage, water retention, and aeration. They also acidify the soil, acting as a natural repellent that deters pests from damaging crops.
RE:FARM uses this compost to grow a variety of herbs, microgreens, and edible flowers within self-contained farming units, which are later harvested and sent to selected Nespresso partner restaurants in K11 MUSEA, and Rosewood Hong Kong, including Asaya Kitchen, Chaat, Deng G, Yung’s Bistro, and other dining establishments that will be joining the project over its nine-month run. As part of the RE:FARM experience, customers are invited to savor the products of Nespresso’s circular journey through delicious microgreens and herbs harvested from RE:FARM in specially designed menus available at participating restaurants.
Through a journey that sees resources travel from farm to capsule to cup, and back to the farm, Nespresso’s own circular economy aims to transform the “take-make-waste” model into a sustainable system that maintains value and minimizes waste.
Nespresso hopes to leave visitors with a new understanding and appreciation for circularity through RE:FARM, where end-of-life materials are reimagined and reused as resources rather than waste. In promoting restoration and regeneration, Nespresso continues to hold fast to its commitment to creating a long-term, positive impact in the world.
Coffee as a Force for Good
Nespresso’s sustainability journey continues to evolve in new and innovative ways. Through inspiring initiatives such as RE:FARM and an unwavering determination to continuously maximize its positive impact, the company remains committed to caring for communities, the climate, and circularity with the same dedication and passion that goes into every cup of Nespresso coffee. Because it is the right thing to do.
