Made from coffee bean chaff and other renewable materials, the entire k-cup can be thrown directly into the compost bin. The innovative pods are BPI certified and tests in municipal composting show they can break down in as few as five weeks– faster than many other kinds of common food waste. The story of Ethical Bean is rooted firmly in place and purpose. In 1999, founders Lloyd Bernhardt and Kim Schachte spent most of a year in Guatemala awaiting the adoption of their daughter. There, they watched and learned about the country and the coffee and the people working to make a living growing something we all enjoy. They believed there was a better, more equitable way to honour these farmers, and in 2003, Ethical Bean was born in Vancouver, Canada. Quality coffee drives Ethical Bean. Director of Coffee, Aaron De Lazzer, became Canada’s first Certified Q Grader in 2008. Certified Q Graders are professional coffee graders and cuppers who have undergone a rigorous testing of their senses and skills to become the industry’s most eminent coffee experts. Aaron selects only the best Fairtrade and Organic coffees from around the world. And once he chooses the right coffees, Aaron works with our production team to roast them to perfection. Fairtrade redefines business-as-usual. To put people first. To live in greater harmony with the land. To leave a lighter footprint. To step forward without leaving others behind. Organic certification ensures that our coffee is grown without harmful pesticides or chemicals and is also non-gmo. Our environmental practices and social responsibility led us to become a Certified B Corporation in 2010, demonstrating our commitment as a business catalyzing positive change in the community. Delicious coffee, filled with purpose.