Starbucks to cut down water usage in processing, achieve carbon-neutral green coffee by 2030

US – American multinational chain of coffee houses and roaster reserves, Startbucks has doubled down on its sustainability goals, committing to achieving carbon neutral green coffee by 2030.

The company, mostly known for its coffee houses, also aims to conserve water usage in green coffee processing by 50% during the same period.

The company said its new sustainability goals are aimed at protecting the resiliency of its robust supply chain comprised of more than 400,000 farmers in 30 counties and to protect the planet we all share.

“By reducing carbon emissions and conserving water, we can help farmers be more productive while we are also contributing to a better planet and bringing coffee to customers in a sustainable way,” Michelle Burns, svp of Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa at Starbucks.

To make its green coffee carbon-neutral, Starbucks plans to decrease carbon emissions in its supply chain by equipping farmers with precision agronomy tools that help to decrease fertilizer use, consequently decreasing carbon emissions on their farms and resulting in increased farm productivity.

The company also plans to step up the promotion and distribution of climate-resistant tree varietals which are rust-resistant, enabling farmers to grow more coffee on the same amount of land, which then helps to reduce overall carbon emissions.

Additionally, Starbucks will invest in forest and landscape protection and restoration programs in coffee producing countries, starting in Colombia and Peru.

The company says these agroforestry efforts will not only remove carbon and support the carbon neutral pathway, but also will benefit freshwater ecosystems and coffee communities.

50% conservation in water usage by 2030

When it comes to conserving water, Starbucks says it will directly invest in new ecological wet mills (eco-mills) for C.A.F.E. Practice farms which will require less water while increasing processing efficiency for farmers.

Starbucks says it purchased nearly 600 eco-mills last year and had them distributed in Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Kenya, and Rwanda.  Where they were installed, there has been up to 80% water savings in coffee processing.

To further achieve more savings, the coffee giant said it is investing to make current water processing technology and machinery even more efficient while at the same time developing water replenishment projects in coffee communities.

Starbucks said it will continue to measure its overall carbon and water footprint and share progress annually in its Global Environmental Social Impact Report.

The company is also working with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to validate the 2030 corporate sustainability goals, inclusive of green coffee.

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