Crema Joe is making a difference, one reusable coffee pod at a time!

Great coffee, brewed with a purpose

Our increased awareness on the negative impact of single-use coffee cups has fortunately amassed affirmative change Australia-wide, with many coffee lovers now making a conscious effort to swap disposable coffee cups with KeepCups and the like. But what about at-home coffee pod machines?

Appallingly, we use an estimated six million coffee pods every day. Unbeknownst to many, disposable capsules deplete natural resources, increase C02 emissions, and the majority are sent straight to landfill where they contribute to the global landfill issue. Even when these kinds of single-use products are recyclable or "biodegradable/compostable", we use up energy and our environment’s natural resources to produce these easily-avoidable items.

Wanting to help others reduce the environmental impact of their coffee pod machines, in 2014 we decided to do something to combat the issue, launching a range of reusable and sustainable coffee pods.

The good news is it’s easy to make a simple 'small swap' to your daily cuppa routine - if most of those 6 million capsule coffees per day were brewed with reusable pods, we’d be saving our precious resources, including billions of gallons of water and massive amounts of energy every year. And we'd love you to choose us to help you start your mission to brew more sustainably - here's why:

The best reusable is the one you use

Your morning brew shouldn't be compromised by a commitment to conscious living. We believe that well designed, ethically sourced, high quality products are key to allowing you to do good,andproduce a delicious espresso!

Of course, all this amounts to nothing, if the reusable you choose gathers dust on your bench, or falls apart after a few uses. Whilst sustainable supply and manufacture are crucial, quality and enjoyment play a role in adopting new behaviours. Our range endures extensive product testing, ensuring it meets the highest food safety and durability standards so that you don't have to worry about machine damage or subpar products.

Consumers choose our premium products because they want to reduce their environmental footprint and save some cash whilst still enjoying beautiful coffee - brewing with our reusables will cost you around 15-30c per coffee, saving an average household over around $400 a year.

We care about the origins and ethics of our products, quality control is crucial and we most definitely require that our products adhere to stringent standards and guidelines - our products must be food-grade, non-toxic with heat resistant components, durable and BPA free.

And of course our products must be functional. Unlike inferior products, our Italian-made WayCap capsules, for example, utilise interchangeable filters, allowing you to brew with more types of coffee and tailor the product to your needs.

Passion for the planet

Simply selling an eco-friendly product doesn't necessarily mean the business behind it is implementing sustainable business practices. We're fighting the war on waste globally, and aim to have as little impact on the environment as possible.

"As a social start-up, everything we do is designed or actioned with purpose - amid the excessive consumption and consumerism, we strive to propel real, positive social change."

We are as passionate about reducing the amount of plastic on this earth as you are, and one of the most effective approaches to reducing waste is to reduce the number of products we consume in the first place - this should be the first step in lessening our impact on the environment.

Packaging Reuse Program:

Part and parcel of an eCommerce business is packing products to send via post or courier - to minimise the impact of this, we work with local businesses and individuals to collect and reuse pre-loved packaging materials, rescuing them from landfill.

Return To Recycle Program:

Through our Return To Recycle program, we accept the return of eligible Crema Joe products at the end of their lifecycle.

Coffee Waste Program:

Our hessian bags and coffee chaff are donated to landscape gardeners undertaking revegetation at a local orchard, for use as weed matting and organic matter respectively.

Equipment:

As leaders in the sustainable business movement, naturally, our ethos is to reuse and repurpose before purchasing new. Wherever possible, we utilise pre-loved equipment and furniture at our HQ and warehouse.

Responsible Supply Chain:

We believe a sustainable product should respect the environment at every stage, from manufacturing to transportation, with minimal environmental impact. Our suppliers must comply with our standards, minimising use of unnecessary plastic, or utilising recyclable alternatives as a minimum. Where incoming materials are necessary, they are disposed of consciously - rubber bands are passed on to our post office, cardboard rolls head to a local kindergarten for crafting. We aim to keep materials out of the waste-stream for as long as possible, whilst harnessing a circular-economy within our community.

Product Packaging:

Minimalism and intention guide our design and packaging decisions. Designed and printed right here in Melbourne, is our eco-friendly product packaging for our flagship SealPod range. Produced using FSC® certified stock, and printed using vegetable-based inks, the packaging is not only recyclable, but is designed to challenge consumers to think of creative ways to reuse it rather than dispose of it – such as a seedling planter box.

Product Longevity:

We also provide replacement components where necessary. This is much more energy efficient and less wasteful than buying a whole new product, prolonging the useful life of our reusable capsules for maximum sustainable impact.

Commitment to our customers

If you need it? We've got you covered with exceptional customer service, at your fingertips! Our team are here to help you on your mission to reduce your waste. If you require troubleshooting tips, or even just want to chat about the best local spot for coffee beans, we are here to help - get in touch via our contact page!