Sustainability can sometimes feel like a bit of a buzzword, but we try to follow through and look for opportunities to improve constantly. From the farms we source from to the communities we support, we believe great coffee and doing good go hand in hand. However, sustainabiliry isn't something you impliment once then it's done, it's something that is to be consistantly worked upon.

Sourcing from Smallholder Farms

Every bag of BAD Coffee starts with a farmer. We source directly from smallholder farms and cooperatives worldwide, building long-term relationships that go beyond a transaction. Smallholder farmers produce the majority of the world's coffee, yet they're often the most vulnerable to climate change and market volatility. By working directly with them, we help ensure fairer prices, better livelihoods, and more resilient communities, better agriculture.

Examples of farmers, cooperatives and projects we work with include:

Cafeina Women's Collective, Brazil

The Cafeina Women's Collective is a group of female coffee producers in Brazil who are rewriting the rules of an industry that has long been dominated by men. By working collectively, these women access better resources, fairer prices, and a stronger voice in the market. Their coffee is exceptional,  and their story is one we're proud to be part of. When you drink our Brazilian beans, you're supporting women who are changing coffee from the ground up.

The Perfiles Cooperative, Peru

In the highlands of Peru, the Perfiles Cooperative brings together smallholder farmers who share a commitment to quality and sustainability. By pooling resources and knowledge, the cooperative gives its members access to better processing facilities, training, and markets they couldn't reach alone. The result? Exceptional coffee and stronger communities. We're proud to source from them.

The Miyah Village Water Project

Access to clean water is fundamental — and in many coffee-growing regions, it's far from guaranteed. Through the Miyah Village water project, we support initiatives that bring clean, safe water to farming communities. Because sustainable coffee isn't just about the environment. It's about the people who make it possible. We regularly use Ethiopia Sweet Berry, from Ranger Coffees in our house blend which contributes to this project.

Asomujer Collective, Colombia

Asomujer is a Colombian collective of women farmers dedicated to producing high-quality coffee while building economic independence for their communities. In a country where coffee is king, Asomujer ensures that women have a seat at the table, and a fair share of the rewards. Their commitment to quality and community mirrors our own values at BAD, and we're honoured to work with them.

Abadatezuka Cooperative, Rwanda

Rwanda produces some of the most distinctive coffee in the world, and the Abadatezuka Cooperative is a shining example of why. Bringing together smallholder farmers in the region, the cooperative focuses on quality processing and sustainable practices that protect both the land and the livelihoods of its members. Their beans bring a bright, complex character to our roasts — and every cup supports a community that's building something remarkable.

Promoting Sustainable Agriculture

We actively seek out producers who use sustainable farming practices, from shade-grown cultivation, organic methods, and soil conservation techniques that protect the land for future generations. When you buy BAD Coffee, you're supporting a supply chain that gives a damn about the planet. Our coffee doesn't always carry organic certification as not all origins have access to the awarding bodies, plus it takes money out of farmer's pockets. Instead we build relations with our importers, to gain knowledge of the agricultural projects at origin. We also aim to visit as many farmers and wash stations as we can to see first hand the impact made.

Zero-to-Landfill and Plant Based Consumables

We’re serious about making it count: from plant-based, compostable takeaway cups to our plant based coffee bags. Dedicated bins at our shop ensure these end up in commercial compost facilities.

Most of our waste is managed by First Mile, ensuring nothing ends up in landfill. Used coffee grounds head to the local primary school for gardening projects, and leftover chaff from roasting fuels composting at the nearby garden center.

Always Improving

We're honest: sustainability is a journey, not a destination. We're always looking for ways to reduce our footprint, improve our sourcing, and do better by the people and places behind our coffee. Got ideas or questions? We'd love to hear from you.