World’s First Coffee Concrete Footpath Trialed in Australia

RMIT University and Macedon Ranges Shire Council trialed the world’s first footpath using coffee concrete in Gisborne, Australia. Biochar from coffee waste replaced up to 15% of sand in concrete, increasing strength by 30% and promoting sustainable, eco-friendly construction by reducing landfill waste and emissions.

May 25, 2024

1–2 minutes

In an innovative step towards sustainable construction, researchers at RMIT University, in collaboration with the Macedon Ranges Shire Council, have trialed the world’s first footpath made with coffee concrete in Gisborne, Australia. This unique approach utilizes biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More, a carbon-rich material derived from ground coffee waste, as a substitute for river sand in concrete.

Australia produces a staggering 165 million pounds of ground coffee waste annually, much of which ends up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. RMIT researchers, led by postdoctoral researcher Rajeev Roychand, addressed this issue by converting coffee waste into biochar through partial combustion at 662°F (350°C) without oxygen. This process stabilizes the organic matter, making it a viable ingredient for concrete.

The trial demonstrated that biochar from coffee and wood chips could replace up to 15% of the sand in concrete. This innovative solution not only addresses the scarcity of river sand but also offers a sustainable alternative, potentially replacing 1,400 million pounds of sand with Australia’s coffee waste alone, and up to 200 billion pounds globally.

Remarkably, the new coffee concrete exhibited a 30% increase in strength, suggesting the possibility of reducing cement usage by up to 10%. Although the current footpath did not use less cement, ongoing research aims to refine biochar properties for broader commercial applications.

This pioneering project highlights the potential of using coffee waste in construction, promoting environmental sustainability, reducing landfill waste, and offering cost savings for the industry. The successful trial paves the way for further advancements in eco-friendly construction materials.