Positive Environmental Impact of Engenho Café de Açaí
At Engenho Café de Açaí, our mission goes beyond making high-quality coffee. We are committed to turning challenges into opportunities by rethinking how we handle waste to make a positive impact.
By utilizing açaí seeds that would otherwise be discarded, we create an aromatic and healthy beverage. This not only reduces waste but also provides health benefits to those who choose our products.
Our commitment is to operate in a way that respects and preserves the environment while driving economic and social development in our local community. Each cup of açaí coffee is not just a tasty choice but also a conscious step towards a more sustainable future.
Negative Impacts of the Açaí Supply Chain
The açaí production chain, despite its economic and cultural importance, faces a significant environmental challenge. Daily, approximately 24,450 kg of açaí seeds are discarded solely in the metropolitan region of Macapá and Santana. This number does not account for the outskirts and other municipalities in the state of Amapá, where the disposal issue is equally concerning. Comprising 80% seed and only 20% pulp, the açaí fruit generates a massive amount of waste, leading to a buildup that causes serious environmental problems.
Imagem: G1, Globo. Apenas em Macapá, são descartadas diariamente 24,450 kg na região metropolitana da cidade.
Discarded açaí seeds without proper treatment can lead to:
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Soil and Water Contamination: The decomposition of the seeds can release substances that contaminate the soil and groundwater, affecting water quality and the health of local communities.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Anaerobic decomposition of açaí seeds in landfills generates methane, a greenhouse gas much more potent than carbon dioxide.
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Disease Vector Proliferation: The accumulation of seeds can create environments conducive to the proliferation of mosquitoes and other disease vectors, posing a risk to public health.
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Resource Waste: A significant amount of natural and energy resources is wasted in the process of cultivating and improperly disposing of açaí seeds.
Sustainable Solutions Developed by Engenho Café de Açaí
In this scenario, Engenho Café de Açaí emerges as an innovative and sustainable solution. Our mission is to transform the açaí seed, a byproduct often overlooked, into a high-value product: açaí coffee.
Our Approach
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Reuse of Açaí Seeds: The seeds are roasted and ground to create an aromatic and healthy beverage. This process not only reduces waste but also offers a sustainable alternative to traditional coffee.
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Reduction of Environmental Impact: In four years of operation, we have utilized approximately 200 tons of açaí seeds. This reuse prevents the emission of about 330 tons of CO2 that would be released during the natural decomposition of the seeds.
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Sustainable Production: Our production generates 120 tons of açaí coffee, promoting the conservation of natural resources and contributing to soil health.
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Community Benefits: By implementing sustainable agricultural practices and conserving forest ecosystems, we support Amazonian biodiversity and promote the economic development of local communities.
Commitment to Sustainability
At Engenho Café de Açaí, our commitment goes beyond producing an innovative beverage. We are dedicated to creating a business model that combines economic prosperity with environmental sustainability. We continue to invest in technologies and practices that promote the responsible use of natural resources, ensuring that our positive impact is both lasting and significant.
Our story is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets environmental responsibility. Join us on this journey and discover how small changes can make a big difference for our planet.