Hilton launches eco-friendly coffee briques programme in Myanmar
HILTON HOTELS in Myanmar has launched a programme that turns waste coffee grounds into “coffee briques” that can be used for cooking and heating.
The simple steps to make coffee briques were demonstrated for the first time last Saturday at Hilton Mandalay, the first Hilton property in Myanmar to launch the programme.
Coffee briques are eco-friendly fuel alternatives to normal charcoal. Hilton is implementing the coffee briques programme as part of its long-term sustainability commitment in Myanmar.
“2019 is a milestone year for Hilton as we celebrate our 100th year. With the coffee briques programme, we aim to strengthen our commitment to corporate social responsibility for the benefit of the community. By recycling used coffee grounds, we are providing not just a cleaner energy solution but also minimising waste that goes to landfills or clogged waterways,” said Veronique Sirault, cluster general manager of Hilton in Myanmar.
More than 140 kilograms of used coffee grounds collected over two months have been dried, starched and moulded into briquette. These are now being used as an alternative to charcoal at Hilton properties.
The coffee briques are mainly used for grilling BBQ. Coffee briques are more energy efficient than charcoal because they contain carbon and coffee oil which produce the blue flame that has a higher temperature than charcoal. The coffee briques programme at the Hilton is held in cooperation with Diversey.
In Myanmar, charcoals and firewood are still the main source of fuel for cooking. By introducing the coffee briques programme, Hilton hopes to inspire local communities and companies to try making their own coffee briques or to find other alternative and more eco-friendly fuel.
Recycled coffee waste generates up to 80 per cent less emissions than if the grounds end up in landfill. The process of making coffee briques also does not require burning so there is less pollution.
“Deforestation is a leading cause of global climate change. This programme helps to reduce the use of charcoal and firewood in Myanmar. We hope to lead by example and inspire our staff and the local community to take simple steps to save Mother Earth,” Veronique added.
Hilton currently operates three hotels in Myanmar: Hilton Nay Pyi Taw, Hilton Mandalay and Hilton Ngapali Resort & Spa. The company has three hotels in the development pipeline which will open in Inle Lake, Bagan and Yangon over the coming years.
