Deeply rooted in Hong Kong for over 40 years, 7-Eleven continues its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and community well-being with the launch of the ‘Grounds to Green’ Coffee Grounds Upcycling Program, a pioneering coffee grounds recycling initiative in Hong Kong. Partnering with the Foodlink Foundation, this innovative initiative transforms used coffee grounds from 7-Eleven's own brand 7CAFÉ into organic fertiliser at a local charity-operated farm using a food waste composter. This fertiliser is used to nourish fresh organic vegetables that are then donated to ten charitable organisations across Hong Kong, including long-time partner Pei Ho Counterparts in Sham Shui Po, who utilise the produce to prepare nutritious meals for those in need.

‘Grounds to Green’ exemplifies 7-Eleven's dedication to both environmental stewardship and social responsibility. This unique model breathes new life into coffee grounds, creating a sustainable cycle of care that benefits both the community and the planet.

Photo 2: Transforms used coffee grounds from 7CAFÉ into organic fertiliser, to nourish fresh organic vegetables. (From left: Mr Alex Liu, Managing Director of 7-Eleven HK & Macau and Ms Aurea Yung, Head of Operations of Foodlink Foundation)

Recycling Coffee Grounds from 1.25M Cups of 7CAFÉ Coffee to Grow 4,000kg of Organic Produce

According to the Environmental Protection Department, Hong Kong produces approximately 3,300 tons of food waste daily, much of which ends up in landfills. As it decomposes, this contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental concerns such as contaminated wastewater and unpleasant odours. As Hong Kong's largest coffee retail network, 7-Eleven’s own brand 7CAFÉ not only offers convenient, easy-to-access, good quality, and affordable freshly brewed coffee, but it is also committed to finding sustainable solutions for coffee ground waste.
The ‘Grounds to Green’ program aims to recycle coffee grounds from an estimated 1.25 million cups of 7CAFÉ coffee annually. These grounds are delivered to a local charitable organic farm and transformed into organic fertiliser, projected to yield approximately 4,000 kg of fresh organic produce. This initiative not only addresses the food waste issue but also provides nutritious meals to around 10,000 people in need while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated 19,256 kg.

All organic produce harvested through ‘Grounds to Green’ will be donated to ten charitable organisations across Hong Kong, including Pei Ho Counterparts in Sham Shui Po, Foodlink Mart, OIWA, J Life Foundation, Little Sisters of The Poor St. Joseph's Home for the Aged, Jockey Club Kwun Tong Community Hub and Caritas Community Centre – Ngau Tau Kok etc. Many of these organisations will use the fresh produce grown to prepare nutritious hot meals distributed free of charge to underprivileged groups such as the homeless, the elderly living alone, low-income families, ethnic minorities, and individuals recovering from mental illnesses.

Photo 3: ‘Grounds to Green’ breathes new life into coffee grounds, creating a sustainable cycle of care that benefits both the community and the planet.
(From left: Ms Aurea Yung, Head of Operations of Foodlink Foundation and Mr Alex Liu, Managing Director of 7- Eleven HK & Macau)

A Vast Network Promoting a Sustainable Cycle of Care

Mr. Alex Liu, Managing Director of 7-Eleven Hong Kong & Macau, said, "As Hong Kong's largest convenience store network, with over 1,100 stores – more than 700 of which feature our own brand 7CAFÉ – 7-Eleven is deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life in the community. We are committed to finding innovative and sustainable ways to contribute to environmental protection. With the launch of 'Grounds to Green', we're taking a simple act – enjoying a cup of coffee – and turning it into a force for good. By collaborating with charitable organisations, a local organic farm, and our customers, we're transforming coffee grounds, often seen as waste, into a valuable resource that nourishes our community and creates a sustainable cycle of care that gives back to society and the planet."

Ms. Robin Hwang, Executive Director at Foodlink Foundation, said, "Despite Hong Kong’s outward prosperity, over 1.65 million people live in poverty, with nearly two-thirds of underprivileged families, especially children and the elderly, struggling to access nutritious food. We are proud to partner with 7-Eleven on this impactful initiative. 7-Eleven has donated safe and edible surplus food to those in need through Foodlink for years. This new collaboration goes even further by upcycling coffee grounds, a common waste product from our everyday lives, into a valuable resource, showcasing the immense potential of the circular economy.”

7-Eleven Cares for the Earth and Community

7-Eleven is deeply committed to environmental protection and actively promotes sustainable practices. Since 2022, 7CAFÉ has made significant strides in minimising its environmental impact by using 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified Arabica coffee beans, cup lids made from 100% biodegradable material, and paper cups made from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper. These measures help protect wildlife, preserve forests, and reduce waste, underscoring 7-Eleven's dedication to expanding its sustainability initiatives and promoting a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

Beyond ‘Grounds to Green’, 7-Eleven regularly donates safe-to-consume surplus food to Foodlink Foundation and its partnered charitable organisations. In 2023 alone, these donations totalled approximately 146,000 food items.

Moreover, the ‘Sik Tak Fan La’ Charity Program, launched in 2022, pledges HK$0.5 to Pei Ho Counterparts for each designated 7-SELECT meal box sold, supporting the expansion of their services to Shau Kei Wan. This initiative exemplifies 7-Eleven's ongoing commitment to giving back to the community it serves.