Research efforts are focused on converting the grounds into biodiesel, laundry detergents, and bioplastics. When mixed with fungi, the carbohydrates of the coffee grounds are "broken down into succinct acid, a key ingredient in many products including bioplastics and detergents." In addition, the grounds have potential to serve as a feedstock for biodiesel. Oil makes up 11-20% of compounds in coffee grounds, a very close equivalent to that of the oil discovered to be existing in more conventional feedstocks. For many years Nestle has been able to source heat for cooking food products at their factories from the energy produced by burning their waste coffee. Currently Starbucks is donating their coffee (and bakery) waste to a research project that is working on producing the above products. To learn more details about these exciting developments check out: Used Coffee Proving Fertile Grounds for Sustainability
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