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Based in Warsaw, Poland, Ecobean is a biotechnology company that transforms spent coffee grounds into sustainable, high-value chemicals such as coffee oil, antioxidants, lignin, and polylactic acid. The organization utilizes a patented processing technology to extract these bio-based ingredients, which serve as low-carbon material alternatives for the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food, and packaging industries. This circular business model allows coffee waste generators to monetize their byproducts while reducing their environmental footprint. Operating as a spin-off from the Warsaw University of Technology, the enterprise partners with OHAUS and receives backing from European innovation initiatives EIT Food and InnoEnergy. As a certified B Corporation, the company achieved a 102.1 B Impact Score in December 2024, though specific financial metrics regarding funding remain undisclosed. The exact founding year and the identities of the company's original founders are currently undisclosed.
Ecobean has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round.
Ecobean has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
EcoBean is a technology company specializing in the sustainable processing of spent coffee grounds (SCG). It converts coffee waste into five valuable chemical fractions—coffee oil, antioxidants, polylactic acid (PLA), lignin, and protein additives—that serve industries such as cosmetics, food, packaging, and biodiesel additives. By transforming coffee waste into high-quality, low-carbon-footprint raw materials, EcoBean addresses the environmental impact of the coffee industry while creating new revenue streams and promoting circular economy principles[1][3][4].
The company serves coffee producers, instant coffee manufacturers, and industries seeking sustainable ingredients. Its patented, plug-and-play technology integrates easily into existing coffee production lines, enabling scalable valorization of coffee waste. EcoBean’s growth momentum is driven by increasing global demand for sustainable raw materials and the urgent need to reduce the coffee sector’s significant carbon footprint, which is among the highest in food production[1][3][6].
EcoBean originated as a spin-off from the Warsaw University of Technology, leveraging scientific expertise to develop advanced coffee waste valorization technology[1][2][7]. The founders, with backgrounds in biotechnology and environmental science, identified the massive waste problem in the coffee industry—approximately 4.5 million tonnes of spent coffee grounds generated annually worldwide—and the untapped potential of these residues as a resource for sustainable chemicals[1][3].
Early traction came from developing a scalable industrial process that extracts multiple valuable fractions from SCG, supported by partnerships with equipment suppliers like OHAUS for precise quality control. This combination of cutting-edge technology and environmental commitment positioned EcoBean as a pioneer in circular economy solutions for coffee waste[2].
EcoBean rides the global trend toward circular economy and sustainable raw materials, addressing both waste reduction and climate impact mitigation. The coffee industry’s large-scale waste generation and high carbon footprint create a pressing need for innovative solutions like EcoBean’s. The timing is critical as regulatory and consumer pressures push industries to adopt greener practices and materials.
By transforming a widely discarded byproduct into valuable, sustainable chemicals, EcoBean influences multiple sectors—cosmetics, food, packaging, and biofuels—helping to decarbonize supply chains and foster circularity. Their approach exemplifies how biotechnology and industrial innovation can create scalable environmental impact, inspiring further ventures in waste valorization and sustainable materials[1][2][4].
Looking ahead, EcoBean is poised to expand its industrial partnerships and scale its technology globally, capitalizing on rising demand for sustainable ingredients and circular economy solutions. Trends such as increased regulatory focus on waste management, consumer preference for eco-friendly products, and corporate sustainability commitments will shape their growth trajectory.
As EcoBean continues to innovate and diversify its product applications, it may deepen its influence across multiple industries, potentially setting new standards for coffee waste utilization and sustainable chemical production. Their journey underscores the transformative potential of turning environmental challenges into economic and ecological opportunities[1][3][6].
Ecobean has raised $2.0M across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $2.0M Seed in November 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2022 | $2M Seed | — | CofounderZone | Announced |
Ecobean has raised $2.0M in total across 1 funding round.
Ecobean's investors include CofounderZone.
