The coffee industry plays an important role in generating India’s agricultural exports and livelihood. However, it also results in emissions, wastewater discharge and solid waste which can cause harm to the environment if not properly managed. This has led to the formulation of standards dedicated to regulate environmental pollutants from the coffee industry and promoting sustainable practices.

Table of Contents

Understanding the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986
Benefits of Emission Standards for the Coffee Industry
Environmental Pollutants from the Coffee Industry
Coffee Industry Emission Standards
Monitoring and Reporting
Conclusion

Understanding the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986

The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, were enacted by the Central Government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to compile emission and discharge standards for numerous industries. These rules authorize regulatory agencies, to monitor and control levels of pollution in water and land.

Under these rules, coffee processing and roasting units need to meet set limits for emissions into the air and release into water reservoirs. These measures target environmental pollutants from the coffee industry, such as particulates, BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), COD (chemical oxygen demand) and suspended solids. Implementing these limits helps in reducing the environmental impact of the industry while confirming compliance with the laws imposed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and respective State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs).

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Benefits of Emission Standards for the Coffee Industry

Environmental emission and discharge standards brings numerous benefits to both industry and society. These regulations encourage responsible actions, lessen environmental footprint, and ensure reliability in compliance across the industry. Some of its key benefits include:

Protects Air and Water Resources: Implement emission principles to reduce contamination of local air and water reservoirs, maintain ecological balance and supporting biodiversity close to coffee processing zones.
Improves Health and Safety: Exposure to untreated emissions and wastewater can harm workers and local residents. Compliance with standards safeguards public health and minimize long-term risks related with toxic pollutants.
Enhances Operational Efficiency: Pollution control methods lead to more efficient use of energy, water and raw materials. This reduces wastage and lowers the overall cost of long-term production.
Supports Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the prescribed environmental limits ensures that the industry complies with CPCB and SPCB regulations avoiding legal complications and possible shutdowns.
Builds Sustainable Brand Image: After emission standards, the company is declared environmentally responsible. This is valued for certifications, exports, and attracting environmentally conscious consumers in both domestic and international marketplaces.

Environmental Pollutants from the Coffee Industry

The coffee industry produces numerous types of pollutants during processing and roasting. Wet coffee processing results in high amounts of wastewater containing pulp, sugar, mucilage, and other organic matter. This leads to high BOD, COD, and TSS (broken suspended solids), which if left untreated can contaminate rivers and groundwater.

Air emission is mainly from the roasting process. These include particulate matters, smoke, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) discharged from the thermal breakdown of organic materials. If left unchecked, these can worsen air quality and contribute to respiratory problems.

Solid waste like coffee husks, skins, and grounds can also produce methane or leachate if disposed of without treatment. Without proper regulation, these pollution can impact soil quality, water availability, and local biodiversity, making environmental standards indispensable.

Coffee Industry Emission Standards

To minimize pollution and ensure uniform compliance across the sector, the Government of India introduces particular standards under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 for the coffee industry. This applies to both new and existing coffee processing and roasting units. These standards must be enforced using correct control measures such as dust collection systems, wastewater treatment plants, and solid waste management techniques. Industries are expected to maintain these systems in operational condition and work within prescribed limits at all times.

Emission standards cover the following parameters:

S.No.	Industry	Parameter	Standards
“35	Coffee Industry	Instant / Dry Processing
			Limiting value for concentration in mg/I except for pH
		pH	6.5 – 8.5
		BOD3days.27 C	100 (for discharge on land for irrigation)
		Wet / Parchment Coffee Processing
		pH	6.5 – 8.5
		BOD3days.27 C A. For storage in lined lagoons B. For discharge on land for irrigation	1000 100
		Note: (i) Raw, treated and / or diluted effluent shall not be discharged into surface water body or used for recharging ground water under any circumstances what so ever. (ii) The non-permeable lining system shall be constructed by using well graded, highly impervious clay or geosynthetic liners such as Geosynthetic Clay Liners (GCL), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or a combination of both and shall achieve an in-situ coefficient of permeability of less than 1x10-7 cm/sec. The compacted clay liner must have a minimum thickness of 300 mm (or two compacted layers of 150 mm minimum thickness each). The finished lining must be tested to ensure that it meets the permeability criteria. (iii) The effluent storage facilities/lagoons/solar evaporation ponds shall be located above high flood level mark of the nearby stream, rivulet, etc. with below mentioned free board and away from any water body/stream at a distance. Free Board (cm) 60 Distance (m) 100 (iv) The liner system specification and lagoon specification to be achieved in one year.

Also Read: What are the Standards for Emission or Discharge of Environmental Pollutants for Thermal Power Plants - Emission

Monitoring and Reporting

To ensure compliance with the above standards, each coffee processing unit should monitor emissions and discharges regularly.

Air emissions should be tested for particulate matter and VOCs using approved methods, particularly in roasting units. Wastewater must be sampled periodically to measure BOD, COD, pH, and TSS before final discharge.

Coffee units need to maintain a records of environmental performance and submit compliance reports to the respective SPCB. These reports should comprise test results, the operational status of pollution control equipment, and corrective action if any. Failure to monitor and report may result in regulatory action under the Environment (Protection) Act.

Conclusion

The introduction of prescribed emissions and discharge standards for the coffee industry under the Environment (Protection) Rules is an important step towards making the sector more environmentally responsible. These standards ensure that coffee processing and roasting operations control their emissions, treat their wastewater effectively, and handle their waste responsibly.

By adhering with the pollution limits set by CPCB and SPCBs, coffee makers not only fulfill legal obligations but also do their part in protecting the environment. Sustainable practices help mitigate environmental impact, enhance efficiency and build strong brand reputation in domestic and international marketplaces.

Environmental compliance is no longer optional, it’s a strategic requirement. As the demand for sustainably brewed coffee increases, compliance to these standards will define the future of responsible coffee production in India and beyond.

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