Sustainable packaging: New site ranks 25 coffee brandsSustainable packaging: New site ranks 25 coffee brands

Greenopia has released the green ratings of 25 brands of coffee available at grocers, specialty food and convenience stores. Using an extensive list of criteria covering lifecycle aspects of growing, preparing, transporting, and packaging of coffee beans and grounds, Greenopia has reported that only two brands earned 4-Leaf Ratings.

"It's a tough challenge for a coffee producer to effectively implement true sustainability. My hat's off to the brands that have shown it can be done," remarked Doug Mazeffa, Greenopia's Director of Research. "From our efforts we are assuring coffee drinkers that they can have a cup of Joe in ways that are as socially and environmentally conscious as possible."

Of the 25 rated brands, only Green Mountain Coffee and Newman's Own Organics received 4-Leaf Ratings. Kalani Organica of Bellevue, Washington and Jim's Organic Coffee of West Wareham, Massachusetts each earned a 3-Leaf Rating. Kalani gets additional positive marks for best value among the top greenest brands.

The US market sources coffee from faraway, tropical climates. Water required for coffee plant cultivation (some estimates cite 140 liters of water per beans required in a single cup of coffee), the costs of transportation plus extensive land usage to meet strong worldwide demand create constant upward environmental and price pressure. Yet 54% of Americans consume on average 3.1 cups of coffee every day. The best selling brands, Folgers and Maxwell House, received a Zero Green Leaf Rating.

"Americans are drinking as much coffee as ever," said Gay Browne, CEO and Founder of Greenopia. "Our readers wished to know what choice of brews they could make that would ease the intense environmental pressures caused from the global coffee trade and industry. Our findings make that clear."

The complete Coffee Brand Ratings are available online for free at Greenopia Coffee Ratings including discussion of ratings criteria. Greenopia employs its award-winning eco-analysis method to deliver actionable green-assessments to the rapidly growing green consumer market. Green businesses and merchants use Greenopia's range of targeted marketing methods to reach consumers making greener choices.

To find out more, visit www.greenopia.com.

Source: Greenopia