Ethical-coffee startup Presto Coffee has been given the impressive accreditation after achieving a commendable 92.3 B Impact Score.
London-based Presto Coffee, the ethical coffee startup that ranked in our 2021 Startups 100 index, has become one of only a handful of British coffee producers to achieve certified B Corporation status.
The new certification is a major milestone in the company’s ethical credentials. To be a B Corp, a firm must legally consider the impact their decisions have on workers, customers, suppliers, community and the environment by using business in a positive way and outside of shareholder profit.
Following a thorough submission process, the startup was awarded B Corp status. It received an impressive 92.3 B Impact Score for its social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency.
Last year, Presto Coffee joined the list of exciting sustainable startups that made our Startups 100 index. The index celebrates the most disruptive new businesses in the UK, in recognition of their innovation and stellar growth.
James Hagerty, Presto’s founder, said the company was excited to be part of a global movement of leaders who are “using business as a force for good, working together to create a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
“Being recognised as a certified B Corp business is validation that the transparent, sustainable business we’ve been working so hard to create has been worthwhile.”
Bean there, done that
Since its founding in 2018, Presto has been on a mission to shake up the coffee industry.
Presto Coffee currently works with organisations like the Rainforest Alliance to combat labour exploitation in coffee production and ensure its farmers are being given the best possible salary and training.
But the startup is also working to combat the environmental impact of coffee production, a lesser-known problem within the industry.
Presto coffee beans are air roasted (in the UK’s most sustainable roastery) instead of drum roasted to minimise waste heat and carbon emissions. Air roasting uses a third less energy comparatively yet only 1% of all the world’s coffee brands are air roasted.
Every Presto product also now has 100% kerbside recyclable packaging, making it simple for customers to do their bit for the environment.
Hagerty said: “At every stage of our product lifecycle, from the coffee farmers we work with around the world, through to how our end customer consumes and disposes of our products, we’re working hard to not only minimise overall carbon emissions and waste from our processes, but to go further, constantly innovating to offset through charitable, workforce and supplier initiatives.”
Presto also currently supports 1% For The Planet, an international organisation whose members contribute at least one percent of their annual sales to environmental causes.
Sustainability in 2022
Presto Coffee is just one of a number of exciting new startups that are taking steps to strengthen their resilience to climate impacts, reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, and support the UK government’s sustainable policies.
Earlier this month, we published our Business Ideas for 2022 campaign, which looks at the trends, sectors and business ideas that could make a huge impact in 2022.
We highlighted Sustainability as one of the key trends that boomed as a result of growing consumer awareness about the climate crisis.
In fact, a 2021 consumer report by Mastercard found that 62% of adults surveyed from across the world believe it’s important for companies to behave in a sustainable and eco-friendly way.
Environmental events like last year’s COP26 global environmental summit, have also helped to highlight the business case for reducing carbon emissions.
Electric vehicle production, waste consultancies, and vegan restaurants are all new business ideas and opportunities that look set to keep on growing in 2022.
Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK said: “Being able to welcome Presto to the B Corp community is hugely exciting.
“As a fledgling business and challenger brand, their commitment to doing business differently will be an inspiration to other startups and really help spread the idea that we can redefine success to be as much about people and planet as it is about profit.”
Need some ideas on becoming more sustainable? Read our guide to learn more about five simple initiatives small business owners can use to reduce your carbon footprint.
