Interviewer: Mr. Desmond, REKAFFEE is still in its early phase. What inspired you to pioneer this initiative?

Mr. 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).

Interviewer: How does REKAFFEE differentiate itself from other sustainable material solutions?

Mr. 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.

Interviewer: Your mission mentions collaboration. Why is that important at this stage?

Mr. 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. Early-stage collaboration ensures scalability and industrial readiness.

Interviewer: What challenges are you currently facing?

Mr. Desmond: As with any early-phase venture, scaling production, ensuring consistent material performance, and educating the market are key challenges. Adoption requires both technical validation and strong ESG alignment from brands and procurement teams.

Interviewer: What is your long-term vision for REKAFFEE?

Mr. 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.

Interviewer: Finally, what message would you like to share with potential partners?

Mr. 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.