At our last Sustainable FNB Networking event on 28 March, we emphasized the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate the F&B industry’s emissions and water use. These practices promise long-term economic stability, social well-being, and opportunities for cost efficiencies and market growth (read more about the event here). One of the eleven sustainable solutions presented at our event was Kecipir, an organic and sustainable grocery marketplace. Among the attending F&B players was Common Grounds Coffee Roastery.
We are thrilled to see how the encounter between Kecipir and Common Grounds at our Sustainable F&B Networking event has evolved into a meaningful collaboration to develop an innovative fertilizer that promotes a circular economy. Launched at the Green Economy Expo 2024, Kecipir, Common Grounds, and Reka Selaras Alam has successfully produced “Ground2Grow,” an organic fertilizer using spent coffee grounds (SCG) as the main ingredient. Developed with sustainability in mind, Ground2Grow is a slow-release organic NPK fertilizer that is 30% more effective in increasing coffee crop yields and other agricultural plants compared to conventional chemical fertilizers. This collaboration was showcased among other sustainable solutions at the Green Economy Expo 2024 on 3-5 July 2024 at Jakarta Convention Center, held by the Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas Republic of Indonesia.
Indonesia produces approximately 225 thousand tons of SCG annually, with over 90% wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions (methane and carbon dioxide) when disposed of in landfills. By blending SCG with natural ingredients, Ground2Grow addresses the challenge of low coffee crop yields. Despite being the third-largest coffee producer globally, Indonesia faces low yields, especially in Robusta, which generally yields between 700-1,000 kg per hectare. With El Niño affecting prices, Robusta coffee saw a price increase of over 40% in 2023 alone.
Ground2Grow is developed by mixing SCG with natural ingredients to create a balanced, nutrient-rich powder, as unprocessed SCG is too acidic for direct use as fertilizer. Reka Selaras Alam’s expert, Prof. Robert Manurung advanced research capabilities play a crucial role in this process, infusing the powder with additional organic compounds and additives. Kecipir leverages its experience and farmer network to encourage the shift from chemical to organic fertilizers, while Common Grounds supplies SCG and eggshells as key ingredients.
Ground2Grow boasts a 90% absorption level, significantly higher than the 50-60% absorption rate of conventional chemical fertilizers, reducing wastage due to rainwater runoff.
If you or your colleagues are interested in distributing the innovative Ground2Grow organic fertilizer, please indicate your interest here. If you’re a coffee business owner looking to collaborate on providing SCG, drop us a comment and let’s connect!
