Coffee Carbon and Emissions

A practical guide to carbon sources and carbon claims in coffee.

Where emissions arise

Potential emissions occur during farm inputs, processing, drying, transport, roasting, packaging, refrigeration and brewing. Their relative importance depends on the product and supply chain.

Carbon footprints

A footprint is an accounting exercise with defined boundaries, assumptions and data. Two footprints can differ because they count different stages or use different methods.

Carbon claims

Terms such as carbon neutral or net zero should be accompanied by information about boundaries, reductions, accounting methods and any use of credits or removals.

Reducing emissions

Energy efficiency, renewable energy, efficient drying, lower-waste processing, logistics improvements and longer equipment lifetimes can all be relevant, depending on the system.