Renewed Partnership, Waste Upcycling

Shanghai, April 2026 – Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai and Diversey Cleaning Technologies (Shanghai) Co.Ltd. have announced a new partnership to transform coffee ground waste into sustainable ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’, combining environmental innovation with meaningful social impact.

In pursuit of green, low-carbon development, and to further integrate public welfare initiatives with corporate social responsibility while exploring new approaches to recycling, the signing ceremony for the ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’ collaboration between Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai and Diversey Cleaning Technologies (Shanghai) Co.Ltd. was successfully held. Representatives from all parties gathered to witness this milestone, jointly launching a new chapter of cooperation centred on ‘resource recycling + public welfare support + green practice’.”

Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai is a luxury five-star hotel in the Lujiazui Financial District with a long-standing commitment to sustainable development. While delivering high-end services, the hotel actively fulfils its corporate social responsibility by integrating environmentally conscious practices across all of its operations. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing resource recycling and promoting a greener lifestyle. 

Diversey Cleaning Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, with its strong international investment background and extensive expertise in cleaning technologies brings advanced technical capabilities and deep industry experience. With particular strengths in environmental protection and resource reuse, the company provides robust technical support for the research, development and application of ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’.

At the ceremony, Mr Mark Kirk, General Manager of Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai, noted that the hotel generates a considerable amount of coffee ground waste in its daily operations, and that the effective reuse of such waste has long been a key priority. This partnership enables the transformation of coffee grounds into environmentally friendly and practical ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’, turning waste into a valuable resource. At the same time, it conveys the warmth of public welfare through the meaningful collaboration, creating a strong alignment with the hotel's core philosophy of ‘Excellence in Service, Commitment to Responsibility’. The hotel will fully support the initiative by ensuring the efficient collection and sorting of coffee grounds and promoting the implementation of the project.

Mr Steven Ma, Vice President and General Manager, Northeast Asia, Institutional Solutions and Industrial Solutions (Food and Beverage) at Diversey, highlighted that the company has long focused on cleaning technology and environmental innovation. By converting coffee grounds into ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’ with cleaning and adsorption properties, the initiative represents both a practical application of resource recycling and a tangible expression of corporate social responsibility. This collaboration brings together complementary strengths and creates meaningful synergy. Diversey will provide full technical support to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’, helping to establish a benchmark project that integrates environmental sustainability with public welfare.

The successful implementation of the project also relies on the support of Hangzhou Huiling Custody Centre in Shangcheng District. The Centre will play an active role in the collaboration by supporting its ‘public welfare + commercial’ integration model. The production and promotion of ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’ will provide skills training and employment opportunities for people with disabilities, helping them develop their abilities and realise their potential. At the same time, proceeds from the initiative will be reinvested into care and rehabilitation services for people with disabilities, creating a sustainable and self-reinforcing public welfare system. The Centre expressed its sincere appreciation to Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai and Diversey Cleaning Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. for their support and partnership and looks forward to deepening cooperation among the three parties following this signing.

Following the speeches, the formal signing ceremony took place. The Cooperation Agreement on ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’, clearly defining their respective roles and responsibilities and confirming a full-process collaboration model: ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’ – Technical Processing – Public Welfare Transformation – Market Promotion’. Under the framework, hotel will oversee the standardised collection and delivery of coffee grounds, Diversey will manage the technical processing and production of ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’, and Huiling Care Centrewill organise the participation of people with disabilities in packaging, promotion and related activities. All proceeds from the collaboration will be dedicated to care, rehabilitation and skills training for people with disabilities.

Following the signing, representatives exchanged handshakes and commemorated the occasion with a group photograph. This agreement marks the official establishment of a long-term and stable partnership among the three parties, opening a new chapter in the integration of resource recycling, corporate social responsibility and public welfare development.

Looking ahead, all parties will adhere closely to the agreement, maintain strong cooperation and steadily advance the project. Efforts will focus on refining the production and promotion model of ‘CoffeeBriques^SM’, expanding its impact and encouraging broader participation in environmental and public welfare initiatives. Together, the partners aim to achieve a shared vision of ‘Effective Environmental Protection, Warm Public Welfare and Responsible  Enterprise’.

CoffeeBriques^SM

With over 400 billion cups of coffee consumed annually, massive amounts of spent coffee grounds end up in landfills. CoffeeBriques^SM repurposes this waste by compressing coffee grounds into eco-friendly briquettes, providing a cleaner alternative to firewood and charcoal for cooking and heating.

By reducing reliance on traditional fuels, CoffeeBriques^SM helps combat deforestation, lower carbon emissions, and promote circular economy practices. The program also empowers communities by offering training and resources to produce and sell coffee-based briquettes, creating economic opportunities for at-risk families. 

Through innovation and sustainability, CoffeeBriques^SM turns waste into a valuable resource, improving both livelihoods and the environment.

About Diversey

Diversey, a Solenis company, provides cleaning, hygiene and infection prevention solutions for the hospitality, food service, healthcare, beverage, and processed food and dairy markets. These solutions, which include advanced chemicals, digital technologies and value-added services, enable customers to build a cleaner, safer and more sustainable world. What differentiates us is our extension of CSR into creating shared value (CSV). By partnering with customers and NGOs, we tackle shared social and environmental challenges. Mutually beneficial programmes such as Soap For Hope™, Linens For Life™ and Coffee Briques touch all three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental and financial benefits.

About Hangzhou Huiling Custody Centre in Shangcheng District

Founded in 1990, Huiling is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to serving adults with intellectual disabilities. It is one of China’s earliest and largest providers of comprehensive day care services. The name ‘Hui Ling’, which translates to ‘wisdom’ and ‘soul’ respectively, embodies the belief that individuals with intellectual disabilities possess the capacity to share wisdom and love with society. 

The Hangzhou Huiling Custody Centre in Shangcheng District, established in December 2012, primarily caters to social organisations supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities aged 16 and above. Committed to fostering an inclusive society, encouraging active participation and promoting integration, the Centre provides vital support and assistance to individuals with intellectual disabilities.