How to Build a More Sustainable Coffee Shop in 2025: 7 Practical Steps

Stephanie April 16, 2025

Sustainability isn’t “just” a marketing trend. For Gen Z and the growing number of environmentally conscious consumers, it’s a requirement and  they choose brands that match their values. Ethical sourcing, zero-waste practices, carbon-conscious operations, and real transparency are non-negotiables, and 76% of them are willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly products.  If your coffee shop isn’t already on a sustainable path, 2025 is the time to get serious. Here’s how to set achievable sustainability goals that make a real difference to your customers, your bottom line, and the planet.

1. Switch to Eco-Friendly Packaging The first step toward sustainability is often the most visible: your packaging. Plastic-free, recyclable, or compostable cups and containers are now the standard for eco-conscious customers. If you haven’t already phased out single-use plastics, now’s the time. Bonus points for offering custom-branded, sustainable packaging that showcases your values.
2. Add Low-Waste and Refillable Options Encourage customers to bring their own cups with incentives, or implement a cup return program. Consider offering in-store ceramic cups for dine-in orders. For takeout, look into cup-sharing or borrow-a-cup programs. These are small changes that build long-term trust with eco-conscious guests.
3. Choose Sustainable Coffee and Transparent Suppliers It matters where your coffee comes from and how it’s grown. Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, and Organic Certified beans are becoming the baseline for Gen Z customers. Choose partners with clear sourcing practices and long-term sustainability programs. If your supplier can’t tell you where your beans are grown or how farmers are paid, it might be time to look elsewhere.
4. Rethink the Customer Experience Sustainability doesn’t stop with packaging or sourcing, it should show up in your messaging too. Every drink you serve is a chance to reinforce your values. With the Ripples coffee printer, you can print custom sustainability messages, Earth Day-themed artwork, or share the impact your customers have made on the planet by choosing you over the other guys. It’s an easy, creative way to share your eco-values in a medium your customers are already excited to post. Branded, values-driven designs can replace the need for extra signage, reduce paper waste, and keep your mission front and center.

5. Make Sustainability Part of Your Brand Culture Staff buy-in matters. Train your team on your sustainability practices and make it part of your daily operations. Customers notice when everyone on your team walks the walk. Promote your practices on in-store signage, social channels, and packaging to keep the message consistent.
6. Turn Values into Viral Reach Sustainability doesn’t have to stay behind the scenes. Gen Z thrives on social sharing, and brands that showcase their values in creative ways are the ones that go viral. With Ripples, you can print earth-themed art, sustainability messages, or custom thank-yous for BYO cup users directly onto drinks. Every foam-topped latte becomes a photo-worthy moment that spreads your message, and your brand.

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7. Measure Your Progress and Share It Sustainability is a journey, and your customers want to see you grow. Track your efforts—how much waste you’ve diverted, how many reusable cup discounts you’ve given, or what percentage of your coffee is responsibly sourced. Share updates regularly to strengthen trust, demonstrate impact, and keep your customers engaged with your coffee shop’s sustainability journey.

Sustainable coffee shops don’t just help the environment. They attract loyal, values-driven customers, create a better experience, and often lower long-term costs. By making smart choices now, you can future-proof your business and become a go-to destination for a generation that expects better. In 2025, sustainability won’t set you apart, but it will define you. So start where you can, build from there, and remember, progress is better than perfection.