Matthew Algie unveils crucial climate pledges as it serves COP26 delegates
Matthew Algie Photo Shoot at The Glasgow Science Centre. Photograph by Martin Shields
Glasgow-based coffee roaster, Matthew Algie, has set out ambitious targets that will strengthen its sustainability strategy as part of a global effort to save the planet.
The independently owned roastery, which is a leader in sustainable practices, has unveiled its climate pledges at the same time it will be serving its coffee to delegates attending the crucial COP26 summit. 30 cases of triple certified Darwin coffee have been supplied to event organisers ensuring world leaders can enjoy 25,000 cups during the two-week summit.
As well as supplying its carbon neutral coffee to the world’s most influential politicians, the roaster will also be showcased at the summit as an example of what businesses can do in this field, featuring as a key case study for One Carbon World’s webinar on 8 November.
Matthew Algie was chosen due to its long history of championing sustainable initiatives. It became the first roaster to introduce Fairtrade espresso to the UK and the first in the world to offer triple certified coffee. It was also the first roaster globally to achieve the Carbon Neutral International Standard.
The roaster has also joined forces with John Lewis and Marks & Spencer and 25 other businesses to sign a pledge ahead of COP26 urging leaders to take action to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
Matthew Algie is also focused on building upon these achievements with a new strategy designed to reduce its carbon footprint, support coffee farmers around the world, and further engage with environmental initiatives closer to home.
Among its pledges is a commitment to working with farming partners in the Global South to help mitigate the effects of climate change. Coffee farmers face increasing pressures caused by the climate crisis, and Matthew Algie is working directly on solutions with farmer organisations and supporting them through Fairtrade and organic financial premiums.
Matthew Algie estimates that the premiums the roastery will contribute in 2022, which could fund anything from training on sustainable practices; to crop diversification; to new equipment, will equate to around £1.5m extra revenue to farmers.
At home, Matthew Algie is also actively seeking a charitable partner for 2022 in a bid to support more environmental initiatives in the UK. In additional to a substantial annual donation, it aims to use its network of cafes to drive awareness of the cause and deliver extended fundraising.
Ewan Reid, managing director of Matthew Algie said: “COP26 is arguably the most important climate event in our lifetime so it is hugely encouraging to see our coffee being used as a symbol of how responsible businesses can rise-up to the challenge of climate change. We have been supplying tea and coffee for more than 150 years, but this is the most notable and high-profile event we have ever been involved with.
“Sustainability has been at the heart of everything we do for more than three decades, and we continue to strive to find ways to reduce our impact on the world around us, while also working with our partner farming communities to understand and help mitigate against the climate crisis.
“Like everyone else, we are on a journey with sustainability and we don’t have all the answers to these challenges, but we are constantly questioning what we do while working closely with leaders in this field to educate and explore new innovations that can make a difference.”
The ‘How Your Business Can Save the Planet’ webinar will be delivered by One Carbon World on 8 November at 09:30. Further details and tickets can be secured here: www.onecarbonworld.com/event-details/how-can-your-business-save-our-planet
For more on Matthew Algie’s sustainability journey, visit: www.matthewalgie.com