Upcycling Coffee Sacks

Together with the IWK Institute of FH Ost and inspire AG, we have achieved a real innovation as part of an Innobooster project from Innosuisse: we have managed to recycle coffee sacks 100% and produce new, fiber-reinforced components from them - without adding any plastics. A significant milestone for the circular economy and a sign that sustainable solutions are possible.

Why is this special?
Coffee bags are usually made from a difficult mix of materials: a composite of polyethylene (PE) and aluminum. This material structure makes them robust, light and protective for coffee, but at the same time very difficult to recycle. Such packaging often ends up in landfill or incineration, as there have been hardly any effective ways to recycle it to date.

However, we were able to meet this challenge with an innovative manufacturing process. Instead of disposing of the bags, we converted them into high-quality components and used them to make drinks holders. In this way, we give this supposed waste material a second life and save valuable resources in the process.

A contribution to the circular economy
With this project, we want to show that sustainable innovation is feasible - even with materials that seem difficult to recycle. New manufacturing processes like these help to close the material cycle, reduce waste and protect the environment. Every step counts and even small innovations like this can make a big difference.