Illycaffè, the premium coffee company that has been on the World’s Most Ethical Companies list every year since 2013, has launched a new initiative which aims to eliminate approximately 175 tons of plastic per year. This is part of the One Makes The Difference project, the first step of its new, global sustainability plan to become carbon neutral by 2033.
With research revealing that lockdown made nearly half of Britons re-evaluate how sustainable their lives are, the #ONEMAKESTHEDIFFERENCE project aims to highlight that each individual can have a positive impact on the environment by making small differences. illycaffè has implemented a multi-year program which will focus on environmentally-friendly product development.
As part of the initiative, eco-friendly disposable items such as recyclable to go cups, are now available in illy bars, illy Caffè direct stores, and in vending channels. The use of these to go cups will allow for a reduction in the use of plastic equal to 175 tons per year.
illy is also developing a new, energy-efficient coffee machine, equipped with a technology that enables it to dispense coffee, steam and hot water immediately; avoiding energy wastage linked to reaching and maintaining the correct temperature.
After each use, the new X1 ESE & Ground coffee machine will instantly go into standby mode to ensure that energy isn’t being wasted. It also combines two methods of coffee preparation that are environmentally sustainable: the new ESE compostable paper pods and ground coffee. All of the materials used in the construction of the machine are chosen to last over time and its packaging will also adhere to eco-friendly guidelines.
Over the next few years, the #ONEMAKESADIFFERENCE initiative will continue developing products and solutions to respond to consumer needs with a lower environmental impact.
CEO Massimiliano Pogliani commented, “We want to build a better future together with our consumers - using the approach of continuously improving, which has distinguished us for over 80 years, knowing that day by day and deed by deed, each of us can make a difference. #ONEMAKESADIFFERENCE officially marks the start of a series of initiatives to reaching our ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral for the 100th Anniversary of the founding of illycaffè.”