#Japan #US Foods #Adachi #Adachi Coffee #Soei Inc.

The Adachi Circular Coffee Project: Transforming Waste into Resource

In a groundbreaking initiative, U.S. Foods Co., based in Adachi, Tokyo, has announced the launch of the "Adachi Circular Coffee Project." This project aims to transform coffee grounds, previously discarded as waste, into valuable resources using innovative fermentation techniques developed by Soei Inc., situated in Numazu, Shizuoka.

The Vision Behind the Project

This project seeks to establish a local circular economy by utilizing coffee grounds sustainably, promoting recycling within the community. Coffee grounds will be upcycled and sold as new food ingredients in local coffee shops and pastry stores, creating a zero-waste business model that highlights sustainability.

The initiative stems from growing concerns over the reduction in disposable income resulting in decreased spending on luxury items. The declining population in Japan has also contributed to a decrease in coffee consumption, while global demand continues to rise, further pressuring domestic coffee prices. U.S. Foods has a long-standing business of supplying coffee beans to various coffee roasters, reinforcing the importance of their sustainability for the continued success of the company.

In response to these challenges, U.S. Foods has identified a new mission: to inspire consumers to visit their partnered coffee roasters, making these establishments more appealing to the public. At the same time, they initiated efforts to find innovative ways to upcycle coffee grounds that are discarded daily across Japan.

A Historic Collaboration

The solution arose from a collaboration with Soei Inc., a company with nearly 300 years of fermentation expertise. Their advanced technology offers an innovative approach to utilize waste coffee grounds as a valuable resource. Recognizing the environmental impact of traditional coffee production, the Adachi Circular Coffee Project aspires to challenge the norm of discarding coffee grounds after brewing.

The core philosophy of Soei aligns with the desire to utilize every part of the product and to adopt an upcycling mindset. Their patented technology, UP 0 TECH®, allows coffee grounds to be transformed into a fermented paste without the need for drying, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining the integrity of the ingredients.

How the Project Works

The project involves collecting coffee grounds from local contributors, which U.S. Foods will purchase. Once gathered, these grounds are transformed into a high-quality coffee paste through Soei’s fermentation technique, ensuring minimal waste and maximum reuse of resources.

Project Workflow

1. Collection and Purchase: Consumers bring their used coffee grounds to participating shops, which then offer incentives for their contribution. U.S. Foods will purchase these grounds from the shops involved in the project.

2. Paste Production: The purchased coffee grounds are processed using Soei’s fermentation technology to create a unique fermented coffee paste.

3. Product Development: This fermented coffee paste will be sold to local pastry producers and participating businesses, who will then develop new products, ranging from pastries to beverages, using this innovative ingredient.

Timeline and Goals

The project's rollout is scheduled to coincide with the SDGs event "Guruguru Expo in Kita! Ayase 2025," where the results will be showcased. Key milestones include:

• - September 2025: Recruitment of cooperating businesses starts.
• - October 2025: Collection and paste-making processes initiated.
• - November 2025: Product development by cooperating businesses.
• - November 2025: Completion of the expo with results presentation.
• - December 2025: Launch of new products utilizing the coffee paste.

Post-project, the success of the initiative will be evaluated, with possibilities for continuous collaboration beginning in 2026.

Collaboration Opportunities

U.S. Foods is actively seeking partners in the community, including coffee roasters and pastry manufacturers, to support the project and co-develop new products. This collaborative effort promises to transform waste into a sustainable resource, enhancing both community engagement and environmental resilience.

Through the Adachi Circular Coffee Project, U.S. Foods aims to demonstrate the viability of local circular economies, raising awareness and inspiring sustainable practices within the coffee industry. Together with Soei and local allies, they are paving the way toward a greener future, where every part of the coffee experience is cherished and utilized to its fullest potential.