Miko Coffee: A Journey Towards Sustainability with the CO₂ Performance Ladder

As organisations across the globe work to reduce their carbon footprints, decarbonisation has become a fundamental aspect of sustainable business practices. Miko Coffee, a family-owned Belgian coffee roasting company, is one such organisation. One of the oldest coffee roasters in the world, Miko has been roasting high-quality coffee since 1801. With 30% of its volume sold in Belgium and a significant presence in the UK, Miko operates internationally and continues to make strides in sustainability.

Sarah Chatfield from Action Sustainability sat down with Bart Laps, Plant Manager, and Liesbeth Lenaerts, Marketing and Communication Officer, to explore Miko Coffee’s journey with the CO₂ Performance Ladder. They discussed how the ladder has shaped their sustainability goals and business practices, as well as the valuable lessons they’ve learned that could help other organisations achieve CO₂ Performance Ladder certification.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability has long been a focus at Miko Coffee. Initially, their commitment to reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions stemmed from a separate group organisation in the plastic moulding and extrusion industry, where the environmental impact was significant. The lessons learned in energy efficiency and emissions reduction influenced Miko Coffee’s sustainability approach.

“We’ve had sustainability on the table for a long time. Over the years, we’ve undertaken various energy-saving initiatives. But when the CO₂ Performance Ladder came into play, it offered us a clearer, more structured approach to track and reduce emissions,” Bart explains.

Why the CO₂ Performance Ladder?

In 2023, Miko Coffee adopted the CO₂ Performance Ladder to help reduce their carbon footprint through a structured approach. The decision was driven by two factors: the growing demands of sustainability legislation, particularly the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the importance of sustainability as an evaluation criterion for business opportunities.

“Having a recognised certification has become essential in many tender processes. It helps us demonstrate our commitment to sustainability and ensures we meet the expectations of our customers and stakeholders,” Liesbeth notes.

Bart continues: “If we didn’t have the CO₂ Performance Ladder in place, it would be much harder to prepare for the CSRD requirements. Emissions data is crucial, and with the certification, we have a tool we can lean on. Without it, we’d be scrambling to collect data from scratch, which would be far more challenging.”

The Challenges and Learning Curve

As Bart noted, the CO₂ Performance Ladder has provided Miko Coffee with a solid foundation for collecting the necessary emissions data, particularly in preparation for the CSRD. While the ladder made the process clearer, it didn’t come without its challenges, especially in the early stages. The company had to coordinate data from multiple subsidiaries, each with different systems for tracking energy consumption and emissions.

“The first time we collected data, it was a steep learning curve. We had to engage multiple departments, and there were many errors along the way. But with each iteration, we’ve been able to improve the process,” Bart shares.This experience highlights a challenge that many companies face when adopting new certifications or standards: the complexities of data collection and alignment across different departments and systems. Despite these hurdles, Miko Coffee’s commitment to continuous improvement has helped them refine their processes and establish a strong foundation for their future sustainability efforts.

Concrete Actions and Outcomes

Since adopting the CO₂ Performance Ladder, Miko Coffee has implemented several key actions to reduce its emissions. These include investing in a windmill for renewable energy and enhancing energy efficiency within their roasting facility.

“The CO₂ Performance Ladder has provided a clearer view of our emissions. It has helped us map out areas for improvement, and we’ve made tangible investments, such as the windmill project, which will play a significant role in reducing emissions moving forward,” Bart points out.

Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future

Miko Coffee’s sustainability journey is far from complete. With ambitious goals in place, the company is constructing a new, energy-efficient coffee roasting facility designed to significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

“We’re building a new roasting facility that will be operational in two to three years. It will meet the latest energy standards and be much more CO₂ -friendly than our current facility. It’s a big investment, but it’s essential for our long-term sustainability,” Bart states.

One of the key innovations planned for the new facility is the adoption of an electric roaster, which will be the first of its kind in Europe and is set to play a critical role in reducing emissions when the facility becomes operational.

Additionally, Miko Coffee is working to expand its sustainability efforts across its supply chain. While supply chain emissions (Scope 3) have not yet been fully incorporated into their sustainability strategy, Miko Coffee plans to include them as they progress to higher levels on the CO₂ Performance Ladder.

Advice for Others: Start Small, Improve Continuously

For businesses considering the CO₂ Performance Ladder, Bart and Liesbeth offer practical advice: start small, involve a dedicated team, and be patient.

“Gathering data and getting everything right takes time. It’s crucial to have a dedicated team to oversee the process. The first year is the hardest, but once you have the data, tracking progress becomes easier year by year,” Bart advises.

Liesbeth adds, “Don’t be intimidated by the data. It can seem overwhelming initially, but the CO₂ Performance Ladder provides a framework that pays off once you get past the first year.”

Final Thoughts: A Tool for Real Change

Miko Coffee’s experience with the CO₂ Performance Ladder demonstrates how the right tools, commitment, and long-term vision can lead to positive changes in a company’s sustainability efforts. The ladder has provided clarity, structure, and continuous improvement, helping Miko better manage their environmental impact.

For Miko Coffee, the CO₂ Performance Ladder is more than just a certification—it’s a practical tool for taking control of their emissions. The message for other businesses is clear: start now, set clear goals, and embrace the journey towards sustainability.

For more information on Miko Coffee and their sustainability initiatives, visit Miko Coffee’s website.

Special thanks to Bart and Liesbeth for sharing their valuable insights.

Action Sustainability is the national coordinating partner for the implementation of the CO₂ Performance Ladder in the UK. To learn more about how your organisation can integrate the Ladder into your decarbonisation journey, contact us today.