From Coffee Grounds to Ceramics

ReRoasted

Developed by ceramic designer and researcher Felix McCrossen-Sadler, the ReRoasted project gives new life to the often-overlooked spent coffee ground, integrating it into a custom-formulated clay composite. Through a depth of knowledge in material science and production processes, McCrossen-Sadler has created a range of functional and aesthetically captivating ceramic vessels.

In the UK, an estimated 250,000 tonnes of spent coffee grounds are produced annually, with the potential to generate harmful methane if left to decompose in landfills. ReRoasted addresses this challenge by upcycling these valuable resources. Through strategic collaborations with organisations like the British Library in Kings Cross, which generates approximately one tonne of spent coffee grounds per month, ReRoasted is setting a scalable and replicable model for sustainable material cycles.

The project’s key innovation lies in the material lamination process, whereby the coffee-infused clay is sandwiched between layers of conventional ceramic. By strategically incorporating the spent coffee grounds into the clay body, ReRoasted can capture the benefits of this waste material – such as its insulative properties – while ensuring the final ceramic vessels maintain their structural integrity and functionality. In this way, the designer has found a way to add value to the product through sustainable material innovation, without sacrificing the core requirements of durable ceramic ware.

At Haeckels, connecting customers with the origins of our products is central to our ethos. The ReRoasted project is a perfect example of this kind. The design choices in this project are intentional, inviting users to engage with the story behind each vessel. By exposing this material, the design element not only honours the material’s origins but also encourages users to reflect on the material’s life cycle, from spent coffee grounds to valued objects.

This approach resonates deeply with our own commitment to sustainable practices. For instance, we’ve incorporated waste coffee grounds into our Exfoliating Coffee + Seaweed Block, a limited-edition soap that exemplifies our dedication to circular design and showcases the innovative use of coffee grounds in body care. 

As we continue to advance the repurposing of waste in our own products, we’re inspired by projects like ReRoasted. They demonstrate how research-driven design can transform our relationship with by-products, paving the way for a future where material waste isn’t seen as an inconvenience, but celebrated as a valuable resource. This is the kind of innovative thinking we believe will shape the future of regenerative design, and we’re proud to champion such initiatives alongside our own efforts. We look forward to furthering this important conversation at the upcoming ‘Reclaimed: The Silo Collection’ exhibition during the London Design Festival, where we’ll participate in a panel discussion on finding beauty and utility in waste.

References: Felix McCrossen-Sadler