Effects of coffee roasting on the environment

The coffee industry is increasingly interested in sustainable development, especially issues related to minimizing environmental impacts. Let’s find out how the coffee roasting process affects the environment, the causes and measures to improve it!

Environmental Effects of Coffee Roasting

Years of research by experts and roasting equipment manufacturers have revealed significant environmental impacts from coffee roasting operations. The roasting process, essentially a fuel combustion process, releases various harmful gases into the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and fine particulate matter.

Beyond the primary roasting phase, the afterburner process – designed to treat emissions – consumes substantial amounts of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (propane). This secondary process generates additional volatile compounds and gases, potentially increasing air pollution unless properly managed.

Greenhouse Effect and Environmental Consequences

When emitted in large quantities, particularly from facilities without proper filtration and prevention measures, these emissions significantly contribute to the greenhouse effect. The accumulation of carbon beyond safe thresholds damages the ozone layer, leading to several serious consequences:

• Global warming acceleration
• Ecosystem imbalance
• Direct impacts on human health and quality of life

Root Cause: Issues with Roaster Design

According to Ram Evgi from Coffee-Tech Engineering, environmental issues in the coffee roasting industry stem from structural design flaws in roasting machines. Most roasters currently in use were designed in the mid-20th century – when climate change and biodiversity weren’t primary concerns. While these machines have been upgraded to meet quality and aesthetic requirements, they lack essential energy-saving and environmental protection features.

The main weakness of traditional roasters lies in their open atmospheric drum structure, where the burner operates directly in the roasting space rather than in a sealed system. Consequently, all combustion emissions are released directly into the surrounding environment.

Modern Solution: Next-Generation Roasters

Modern roasting machines, such as those used by Coffee-Tech Engineering, address these limitations through:

• Integrated emission containment systems
• Extended toxic gas decomposition time
• Heat recovery from exhaust gases
• Improved energy efficiency in continuous roasting operations

Path Forward for Roasting Businesses

While upgrading older roasters is an option many businesses consider, limitations in original designs make this approach challenging and often inefficient. The optimal solution is investing in new-generation roasters with built-in emission control technology and energy-saving features.

Current consumer trends strongly favor environmentally sustainable brands. Therefore, investing in green roasting technology isn’t just environmentally responsible – it’s a smart business strategy that helps companies build a positive image and attract environmentally conscious customers.