CoffeeFrom

Short description

Coffeefrom addresses two challenges: over 15 million tons of coffee grounds are disposed of each year, resulting in a loss of value, and companies must reduce their use of fossil-based plastic to comply with increasingly stringent European regulations such as the PPWR and to meet ESG expectations. Coffeefrom transforms this byproduct into bio-based thermoplastic pellets and sustainable products for packaging, design, and industrial applications, replacing fossil-based plastic with biopolymers. Through an integrated Made in Italy supply chain, it recycles over 700 tons of coffee grounds, creating a model of industrial symbiosis. The proprietary technology, supported by a patent for nanocellulose extraction, enables the development of advanced solutions for food-contact packaging. The competitive advantage combines know-how, validated protocols, stable access to raw materials, and a zero-burn-rate model, offering circular solutions, regulatory compliance, and a measurable reduction in environmental impact. The vision is to transform one of the world’s most common food waste streams into circular materials, strengthening the resilience of local production systems.

Business & Revenue Model

• Business areas integrated into a circular and scalable model
• Valorization of coffee by-products through reuse agreements
• Production and sale of biopolymer granules for manufacturing companies
• Development of private-label finished products for food, retail, and hospitality brands
• Circular co-design services (Circularity4Impact) with LCA analysis and certified testing
• Revenue model: pilot projects that evolve into recurring industrial supplies and multi-year contracts
• Sales channel: B2B and distribution partners
• Areas of development 2026–2029: secondary and tertiary packaging, advanced nanocellulose applications for primary packaging
• Strategic asset: biorefinery in Piedmont to scale up production and extract high-value components (nanocellulose, oils)
• Target positioning: industrial platform for bio-based materials at the European level
• Proprietary technology: patent for nanocellulose extraction

Traction

• Three operational business lines: 1) coffee collection and pilot projects, 2) coffee granules made from whole beans, 3) nanocellulose
• Validation of the model through pilot projects and initial industrial applications
• Strategic partnership: agreement with Ferrero to develop coffee by-products
• Strategic partnership: circular pilot project with Nestlé for the production of coffee cups
• R&D partnership: collaboration with the Politecnico di Milano on nanocellulose
• European partnership: participation in EIT Food programs
• Industrial and commercial collaborations: Nexeo Plastics, Krill Design
• Projects in development: corporate clients (Autogrill, Starbucks)
• Pipeline: secondary and tertiary packaging applications
• Pipeline: biorefinery development in Piedmont
• Pipeline: advanced projects for by-product valorization (oils, nanocellulose, lignin)
• Pipeline partners: Fraunhofer and University of Girona (Horizon projects)
• Consolidation: recurring revenue base and strategic partnerships
• Goal: growth in volumes and revenue by 2027

Roadmap and Development Plan

2026-2027

• Consolidation and scaling of existing business units
• Commercial expansion in Italy and Europe
• Onboarding of new industrial customers
• Growth in volumes and revenue
• Technological development of advanced nanocellulose applications for primary packaging
• R&D activities and industrial validation
• Certifications for food contact and PPWR regulatory compliance
• Validation of nanocellulose in a pre-industrial pilot environment by the end of 2026

2027-2028

• Establishment of a biorefinery in Piedmont
• Production scalability
• Extraction of high-value components (nanocellulose, oils)
• Development of new industrial partnerships and European projects
• Transition from a materials producer to an industrial platform for the circular bioeconomy
• Impact on a European scale

Funding need & use of funds

Fundraising target: €2.3 million (divided into two phases)

€300,000, with a target closing date of late 2026

€2 million, with a target closing date of late 2027

Use of funds:

• €300,000 to strengthen the sales team and develop scalable pilot projects
• €2 million to establish a biorefinery in Piedmont (facilities, R&D, supply chain development)

Team & Cap Table

Cap table:

Team:

The team combines expertise in materials innovation, industrial development, and business management.

• Laura Gallo – President and CEO. She leads the strategic vision with expertise in social innovation and the circular economy.
• Marco Bedogni – Industrial Partner. He brings expertise in injection molding and production scalability.
• Giancarlo Casari – He coordinates research, development, and logistics, ensuring the technical implementation and operational management of the supply chain.
• Sabina Bellione – Financial Advisor. She supports financial strategy and investor relations.

The team is rounded out by specialists in administration, legal affairs, fundraising, and marketing, ensuring a streamlined and multidisciplinary structure.

Social/environmental issue and impact

Problem: 

Every year, more than 15 million tons of coffee grounds are sent to landfills or incinerated, generating emissions and resulting in the loss of valuable biomass. The plastics industry continues to rely on fossil-based raw materials, contributing to CO₂ emissions and the accumulation of plastic waste.

Impact:

• Transformation of industrial coffee grounds into bio-based materials and low-impact products
• Industrial symbiosis model with by-product valorization
• Reduction in the use of fossil-based plastics
• Creation of new circular supply chains
• Reduction in emissions compared to traditional plastics (measured via LCA analysis)
• Tons of coffee saved from landfills
• Increased bio-based content in materials
• Alignment with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
• Compliance with the objectives of the PPWR Directive
• Waste reduction
• Reduced use of fossil resources
• Employment opportunities for vulnerable individuals in the collection and recovery supply chain

Financial Structure (equity, debt, grant)

Equity:

• € 110K – Terra Next (SAFE convertibile)
• € 160K – La Gemma Venture S.R.L. (SAFE convertibile)

Debt:

• None