At Balmforth and Co our coffee ethos is rooted in a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and community. We believe that exceptional coffee can only come from practices that respect both people and the planet. From sourcing Fairtrade beans to using environmentally friendly packaging, we strive to make a positive impact at every stage of our coffee journey.
Fairtrade Coffee: Investing in Farmers and Quality Beans
When you choose one of our Fairtrade coffees, you’re not just enjoying a delicious cup; you’re also contributing to a better quality of life for coffee farmers and their communities. Fairtrade certification ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their beans, which helps them invest in their families, communities, and farms. This investment often translates into better quality beans, as farmers can afford to adopt more sustainable and effective farming practices.
Community Sustainability Initiatives
Our commitment to Fairtrade goes beyond fair prices. We support various community initiatives in the regions where our coffee is grown. These initiatives include:
- Education: Funding teachers for the children of farm employees and donating books to local schools.
- Infrastructure: Setting up water wells to provide clean water for the community.
- Healthcare: Supporting local health services and initiatives to improve the well-being of farming families.
Sustainable Sourcing: Beyond Certification
Even our non-certified blends are sustainably sourced. We work closely with farmers and cooperatives to ensure that our coffee is grown in ways that protect the environment and support local communities. Our sustainability efforts include:
- Environmental Stewardship: Implementing practices that protect the soil, water, and biodiversity in coffee-growing regions.
- Economic Support: Providing financial support and resources to help farmers improve their livelihoods.
- Community Development: Investing in local infrastructure and services to enhance the quality of life for farming communities.
PEFC-Certified Packaging: Protecting Forests and Freshness
We take pride in using PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) accredited cups, ensuring that your coffee is served in sustainably sourced packaging. PEFC is the world’s largest forest certification system, dedicated to promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) through independent third-party certification. By using PEFC-certified materials, we help protect forests and the environmental, social, and economic benefits they provide.
Sustainable Packaging Materials
Our commitment to sustainability extends to our coffee packaging. All our whole bean coffee bags are 100% aluminium-free, as we are conscious of the negative environmental impact of aluminium production. The materials we use offer an optimum barrier against oxygen, moisture, temperature fluctuations, and UV light, ensuring ultimate product freshness while minimizing our ecological footprint.
Sustainability, Carbon Management: Reducing Our Footprint
Since 2008, we have partnered with a carbon management company to calculate and offset the carbon emissions from our daily activities. Through initiatives like the Kenyan stove project, we have made significant strides in reducing our carbon footprint and supporting local communities. The project involves distributing energy-efficient stoves that reduce emissions and improve the quality of life for users by providing a cleaner and more efficient cooking method.
Our coffee ethos is a testament to our dedication to quality, sustainability, and community. By choosing our coffee, you are not only enjoying a superior product but also supporting practices that make a positive impact on farmers, communities, and the environment. We are proud of the journey we’ve undertaken and remain committed to continuing our efforts to bring you the best coffee in the most responsible way possible.
Experience the difference that our commitment to ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and community support makes.
