Sustainability - Cannon Coffee's commitment and mission
1. Introduction
Company Overview Cannon Coffee Roasters, established in 2020, is a coffee roastery based in Woking, Surrey. Founded by a team of individuals with extensive backgrounds in the coffee industry, the company was born out of a desire to feel more connected to their passion for coffee than in their previous roles.
Mission and Values Our mission is to remain genuine and authentic in all of our business practices. We prioritize direct communication with coffee farms, allowing us to ensure worker conditions and sustainability practices are up to our standards while forming better relationships with our suppliers.
2. Environmental Sustainability
Sustainable Sourcing Practices We do not rely on large corporate certifications, which we believe have been diluted and now serve more as greenwashing marketing tactics. Instead, we buy directly from farmers, ensuring they receive better pay and more support to improve their farming techniques.
Plastic-Free Operations Cannon Coffee Roasters is likely the only plastic-free coffee roastery in the UK. Our coffee bags are made of 100% paper and are fully recyclable. While we previously used plant plastic and compostable bags, we determined these were not the most sustainable packaging options.
Partnership Initiatives We are currently partnering with tribes in the Philippines to combat deforestation and increase biodiversity. By supporting these tribes in starting agricultural practices and growing multiple crops such as coffee trees, mango, banana, and avocado, we aim to boost the local economy and protect their land.
3. Social Sustainability
Direct Trade and Fair Pay Our direct trade practices ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their crops. This approach not only supports better living conditions for farmers but also fosters long-term relationships that benefit both parties.
Community Support and Engagement Through our partnerships, we support the communities where our coffee is sourced. Our collaboration with GEIA initiatives in the Philippines, for instance, are designed to improve local agricultural practices and economic stability, benefiting the entire community.
4. Economic Sustainability
Financial Practices We ensure that our financial practices support sustainability and fairness throughout our supply chain. By avoiding large corporate certifications and engaging directly with farmers, we maintain control over pricing and ensure that profits are fairly distributed. Supporting Local Economies Our efforts to boost local economies through agricultural projects in the Philippines reflect our commitment to economic sustainability. These projects help create a stable economic environment for the tribes involved.
5. Goals and Future Plans
Sustainability Goals Our short-term and long-term sustainability goals include expanding our partnerships with farming communities, further reducing our carbon footprint, and continuing to innovate in sustainable packaging.
Strategies for Achievement We plan to achieve these goals through continuous collaboration with our partners, investment in sustainable technologies, and adherence to our core values of authenticity and direct communication.
Measuring Progress We will measure our progress through regular assessments of our environmental impact, community feedback, and financial audits to ensure fair trade practices are maintained.
6. Customer Engagement
Communication Strategies We communicate our sustainability efforts to customers and through transparent reporting, social media updates, and community events.
Partnerships and Initiatives Engaging with sustainability initiatives and forming new partnerships will remain a cornerstone of our strategy. Our current work with tribes in the Philippines exemplifies our approach to meaningful, impactful collaborations.
