Admin: We’re excited to have Desmond from REKAFFEE with us today to share more about how coffee waste is being transformed into sustainable, circular solutions for the future.
Admin: Desmond, what inspired you to pioneer this initiative?
Desmond: The idea came from observing two parallel problems — the heavy use of single-use plastics in the food and beverage sector, and the large volume of spent coffee grounds (SCG) discarded daily. Malaysia’s coffee culture is thriving, yet much of the waste ends up in landfills, producing methane. We saw an opportunity to convert this waste into a value-added material, aligning with the circular economy principles promoted by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI).
Admin: To what extent have you personally been involved in the research and development of this material?
Desmond: I have been directly involved in collaborative research with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), particularly in studying the effect of spent coffee ground (SCG) loading, matrix ratio, and biological treatment of SCG on poly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) / poly(lactic acid) (PLA) polymer blends. This research is crucial to ensuring the mechanical strength, biodegradability, and performance consistency of our material. It reflects our commitment to grounding innovation in scientific validation.
Admin: How does REKAFFEE differentiate itself from other sustainable material solutions?
Desmond: REKAFFEE upcycles spent coffee grounds into plant-based plastic alternatives that are compostable under appropriate conditions. Instead of creating microplastics, our material can decompose into water, CO₂, and biomass, returning nutrients to the soil. We also developed coffee-based films that are naturally water- and oil-resistant, eliminating the need for PE or wax coatings commonly used in food wraps.
Admin: Your mission mentions collaboration. Why is that important?
Desmond: Innovation in materials science cannot happen in isolation. We are working with universities, brand owners, resin compounders, and product converters. Building a local alliance strengthens Malaysia’s competitiveness, especially against imported alternatives. Strong collaboration ensures scalability and industrial readiness.
Admin: You have experience in certification and product validation. Could you share more about that?
Desmond: Yes, my team have successfully obtained certification for compostable products under SIRIM Berhad, specifically the SIRIM ECO 001:2018 standard for our other product range. This experience gives us confidence in navigating testing protocols, compliance requirements, and validation processes. We are well-prepared to pursue similar certification pathways for our spent coffee ground-based materials.
Admin: What is your long-term vision for REKAFFEE?
Desmond: Our vision is to become a research-driven, eco-friendly Malaysian manufacturer that supports regional and international markets. We want REKAFFEE to represent how waste-to-value innovation can reduce plastic dependency while supporting soil regeneration and responsible consumption.
Admin: Finally, what message would you like to share with potential partners?
Desmond: Circular economy is no longer optional — it is strategic. REKAFFEE is open to partners who believe that sustainable materials are not just compliance tools, but competitive advantages for the future.