Brewing Better: How Sustainable Coffee Programs Strengthen Your Business and the Planet
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword — it’s a business imperative. From operations to employee perks, companies across industries are rethinking how they reduce their environmental impact and support global responsibility. One often-overlooked area for improvement? The office coffee program.
Though small in scope compared to manufacturing or logistics, traditional coffee services can leave a surprisingly large environmental footprint. Single-use plastics, inefficient equipment, and unsustainable sourcing all contribute to waste, emissions, and poor labor practices. Fortunately, businesses today can shift toward greener, smarter coffee practices that align with their values, and still deliver an outstanding coffee experience.
By partnering with a knowledgeable provider like Bernick’s, companies can design coffee programs that are both environmentally responsible and operationally simple. Let’s explore what that looks like.
Why Sustainability in Coffee Matters
The environmental impact of coffee goes far beyond what’s in the cup. Coffee programs touch nearly every point of the sustainability spectrum — agriculture, energy, packaging, and waste. Consider the following:
- Waste: Single-use pods, plastic stirrers, and non-recyclable cups often head straight to landfills.
- Energy Use: Outdated brewers consume excess electricity and often stay on for hours unnecessarily.
- Sourcing: Coffee grown without ethical or sustainable practices can involve deforestation, unfair labor, and habitat destruction.
Today’s employees — and consumers — are paying attention. They’re choosing brands that reflect a commitment to the planet and demanding that workplaces do the same. A 2024 study found that nearly 70% of employees are more likely to stay with a company that takes sustainability seriously. That makes eco-friendly coffee not just a perk, but a strategic investment.
Eco-Friendly Coffee Products and Packaging
One of the easiest places to start is with products employees use every day: cups, lids, and stirrers. Swapping out traditional options for sustainable ones can significantly reduce waste and align your breakroom with modern values.
At Bernick’s, we proudly carry Life in Green cups and lids, a compostable line that offers both function and eco-conscious design. These products are made from plant-based materials and break down much faster than petroleum-based plastic or Styrofoam.
Other sustainable changes businesses can implement include:
- Encouraging reusable mugs with signage or incentives
- Offering mug rinsing stations to make reuse more practical
- Recyclable coffee packaging with clearly marked bins
Compost bins in breakrooms for grounds and biodegradable cups
While small on their own, these steps collectively help your team reduce its landfill contribution — and send a clear message that your company values sustainability.
Sourcing Ethical and Sustainable Beans
The environmental impact of coffee begins before it reaches your office. Bean sourcing has major implications for sustainability, from the way crops are grown to the working conditions of farmers.
That’s why Bernick’s proudly partners with ethical, sustainability-minded coffee brands, including:
- New England Coffee: Known for its quality beans and strong support for environmentally responsible farming.
- City Girl Coffee Co.: A woman-owned Minnesota company that supports women farmers worldwide and emphasizes socially responsible sourcing.
Look for certifications that ensure ethical practices:
- Fair Trade Certified: Ensures farmers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions.
- Rainforest Alliance Certified: Promotes sustainable land use, biodiversity, and farming techniques that conserve ecosystems.
Ethical sourcing not only protects workers and environments—it also improves quality. Beans grown with care and processed sustainably often result in richer, more complex flavors, offering a better coffee experience for your employees and guests.
Reducing Energy and Waste with Smart Equipment
Choosing the right brewing equipment plays a huge role in your coffee program’s environmental footprint. Modern machines are far more energy-efficient and waste-conscious than outdated models, especially when used strategically.
Bernick’s offers several equipment options that help reduce both power consumption and material waste:
De Jong Duke Lua (CoEx XL model) – Bean-to-Cup System
This machine delivers fresh coffee by grinding whole beans on demand. It eliminates the need for single-use pods and minimizes waste by only using what’s needed for each cup. With programmable energy-saving modes and internal cleaning cycles, it's as efficient as it is premium. From its product website, “Lua not only suits any work environment, but adds style and elegance to any décor. This award-winning machine combines great looks and great reliability, with all the options your customers want most. Lua combines beauty with practicality and brings it together with ultimate style.”
ThermoPro – High Volume Brewer
Ideal for larger offices or meeting areas, the ThermoPro offers insulated thermal dispensers that keep coffee hot without needing a warmer. This cuts energy use and prevents coffee from burning or going to waste.
Add the Curtis Thermal FreshTrac (TFT) to a ThermoPro Server, and operators can monitor freshness, time, and volume at a glance, even from across the room. The TFT is activated from the moment coffee is brewed and continuously monitors quality. Another thing to remove from your daily list of concerns!
Keurig Single-Serve
While Keurig will always be popular for convenience, it ultimately creates more waste through its classic and non-recyclable pods. For businesses choosing this route, consider using recyclable K-Cups and offering clear disposal instructions to reduce environmental impact.
Bunn & Curtis Equipment
Bernick’s also offers a variety of brewers from Bunn and Curtis, both leaders in efficient coffee brewing. Many of their models include features like energy-saving sleep modes, volume programmability, and temperature controls for optimized operation.
As your coffee needs grow or shift, Bernick’s can help reassess your equipment to ensure it still supports your sustainability goals.
How Bernick’s Supports Greener Coffee Programs
Making the transition to a more sustainable coffee program doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With Bernick’s as your partner, it’s easier than ever to choose greener solutions without sacrificing taste, convenience, or satisfaction.
Here’s how we help:
1. Sustainable Product Selection
We work with clients to build a product lineup that fits their office culture and sustainability goals. From compostable cups to ethically sourced beans, our curated selection makes green choices easy.
2. Equipment Guidance
Not sure what machine is right for your space or volume? We help you evaluate your needs and recommend the most energy-efficient, waste-conscious equipment that fits your workflow.
3. Installation and Maintenance
Our team handles installation, training, and regular maintenance — so your coffee program runs smoothly from day one. We also help program energy-saving modes and cleaning routines to maximize sustainability.
4. Education and Engagement
Bernick’s can help you communicate your eco-friendly efforts to employees, from signage to onboarding materials. When people understand the "why" behind the changes, they’re more likely to support them.
5. Flexible, Long-Term Partnerships
Sustainability is an ongoing journey. As new technologies and products emerge, we help clients stay ahead — adjusting programs, testing new equipment, and upgrading where needed.
Sip Smarter with Bernick’s
Sustainable coffee isn’t just about reducing waste — it’s about creating a workplace culture that values wellness, responsibility, and innovation. With a few thoughtful changes, your business can drastically reduce its environmental impact while still delivering café-quality coffee that your team loves.
From compostable cups to energy-efficient machines and ethically sourced beans, Bernick’s helps you brew better — for your people, your brand, and the planet.
