What is the Sprout Project?
Sprout is known for its ethical, sustainable, purpose-driven approach in the corporate coffee sector. At its core, the Sprout project aims to simplify ethical decision-making in the office environment. Choosing ethical can be overwhelming and confusing, but Sprout exists to make it easy. Being a certified social enterprise, Sprout combines Fairtrade practices, premium quality, and environmental consciousness. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate coffee business, Sprout has established itself as a leading supplier of corporate coffee solutions, providing office coffee, office tea, and sustainable office supplies. The clear vision from its inception is to connect businesses with cost-effective, premium quality products that support fair and eco-conscious practices.
Main Benefits of Sprout’s Approach
The benefits of Sprout’s model are both impressive and impactful. Its circular, end-to-end service leaves a positive environmental footprint while delivering excellent products, such as Fairtrade tea and sustainable office coffee. Key figures and facts include:
- Over 4 million Sprout coffees & teas enjoyed by values-driven companies
- 25,000 LT of waste diverted from landfill – that’s equivalent to over 200 wheelie bins!
- 100% carbon offset energy consumption, supporting the protection of Tasmanian forests
- A full circular service that includes collecting coffee grounds for composting and recycling milk cartons
- Certification as a B Corp, affirming its commitment to using business as a force for good
Treading Lightly on the Earth
Everything Sprout does is geared towards reducing impact on the planet. The company is all about treading lightly on the earth – a vital aspect that ensures support for those who strive to minimise environmental footprints. Every process, from sourcing Fairtrade and Australian-grown coffee beans to operational strategies like carbon-offsetting its machinery, illustrates a steadfast commitment to the environment. In a world where sustainable office solutions are increasingly important, the project’s practices offer businesses an opportunity to support ethical suppliers while minimizing their own environmental impact.
Innovative Circular Services
Sprout’s seamless circular model is a standout innovation in the beverages industry. This model supplies not only high-quality coffee and tea but also advanced coffee machines and end-to-end service. Offering more than just a product, Sprout takes charge by collecting used coffee grounds for composting and retrieving empty milk cartons for recycling, with the ultimate aim to create zero waste to landfill… It is a dynamic approach that integrates both sustainability and convenience, ensuring that every aspect of the supply chain contributes to a healthier planet.
Ethical Partnerships and Global Recognition
The Sprout project proudly partners with values-driven businesses that share a vision for a sustainable future. Its ethical, sustainable, and circular strategies don’t just resonate locally – they have earned recognition and certification from leading global bodies. This international acclaim reinforces the trust placed upon Sprout by companies looking to support Fairtrade practices while benefiting from premium office coffee, tea, and sustainable products. By aligning with these ethical guidelines, Sprout exemplifies how business and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, creating a win-win scenario for both the organisation and the planet.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – through waste diversion and circular practices
- SDG 13: Climate Action – via 100% carbon offset energy consumption and carbon-offset initiatives
- SDG 15: Life on Land – with efforts that support the protection of Tasmanian forests and sustainable sourcing
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – by collaborating with values-driven businesses globally
Founders’ Vision and Corporate Ethos
The story of Sprout is rooted in a clear, passionate vision. Founded in 2015 by Steve Joy and Ed Sladen, the project was built on the idea that making ethical, sustainable decisions should be straightforward for any business. Their ambition was to demonstrate that support for fair, eco-conscious practices not only benefits the environment and farmers but also enhances organizational culture, values, and long-term financial sustainability. In the bustling office coffee scene, Sprout is a breath of fresh air, connecting companies with sustainable office tea, coffee machines, and more. This vision, coupled with a commitment to high-quality, Fairtrade practices, has fueled the journey toward making every workplace a little more ethical and green… The approach stands as a compelling example of integrating corporate success with the greater good.
