Hong Kong – 7-Eleven has expanded its ‘Grounds to Green’ upcycling programme through a new farm-to-table collaboration with Foodlink Foundation and local social enterprise New Life Farm, transforming used coffee grounds into fresh produce and two new 7-SELECT juices.
The initiative marks the third phase of the coffee grounds upcycling programme. Starting this September, 7-Eleven will roll out two new 7-SELECT juices – Cucumber Kiwifruit Apple and Beetroot Apple – made from vegetables grown with fertiliser derived from recycled coffee grounds.
‘Grounds to Green’ also ties environmental action to social responsibility. New Life Farm, Hong Kong’s only farm-based vocational rehabilitation service centre, provides agricultural training for people recovering from mental illness to support their reintegration into society and self-reliance. Through the collaboration, both coffee grounds and people in recovery are given what the partners describe as a “second life”, advancing a low-carbon farm-to-table model.
Chris Wong, head of professional services at New Life Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association (NLPRA), said, “We’re delighted to collaborate with 7-Eleven – it’s an important breakthrough for New Life Farm. 7-Eleven’s strong commitment to sustainability is inspiring. By turning coffee grounds into organic crops, this project gives people in recovery a rare chance to see their harvest transformed into new products for the market – a tremendous sense of achievement.”
Wong added, “I hope this is just the beginning, with more opportunities to co-create new products with 7-Eleven so even more people can enjoy the results of our partnership.”
Aurea Yung, head of operations at Foodlink Foundation, also commented, “We’re delighted to leverage Foodlink’s network to further support 7-Eleven’s ‘Grounds to Green’ Coffee Grounds Upcycling Program. Phases one and two received very positive feedback, and phase three strengthens sustainability while extending its impact into community mental health in partnership with New Life Farm. It’s an innovative and meaningful programme. We look forward to continuing to work hand in hand with 7-Eleven to drive sustainability across multiple areas.”
The ‘Grounds to Green’ programme first launched last year as Hong Kong’s first sustainable green cycle of care initiative, recycling 7CAFÉ coffee grounds into fertiliser for growing fresh vegetables. These crops were donated to charities such as Pei Ho Counterparts for use in hot meals for people in need. Phase two introduced Coffee BOB, a canned craft beer created in partnership with Maxim’s Group, which won a bronze award at the Hong Kong International Beer Awards 2025.
Patrick Lui, managing director of 7-Eleven Hong Kong & Macau, said, “‘Farm to Table’ harnesses the power of upcycling to promote low-carbon, healthy eating.” He noted that the first two phases of the programme “received strong support and delivered a positive sustainability impact”, while phase three extends the effort by using coffee grounds to grow seasonal crops that become ingredients in 7-Eleven own-brand products.
“This initiative embeds sustainability and corporate social responsibility, reflecting 7-Eleven’s commitment to the environment and society. Looking ahead, we will continue to explore the limitless possibilities of green circularity and open a new chapter in the circular economy,” Lui added.
