December 2, 2024

QWSTION x ViCAFE

What do you get when two Zurich-based B Corps share a roof, a mindset, and a vision? A revolutionary coffee bag, of course!

What do you get when two Zurich-based B Corps share a roof, a mindset, and a vision? A revolutionary coffee bag, of course!

QWSTION and ViCAFE have come together to create a reusable coffee pouch made from QWSTION’s Bananatex®—a material that’s 100% plastic-free and compostable. It’s a partnership that’s as innovative as it is sustainable, and it all started with a conversation over two years ago.

Photo credit: © ViCAFE

A B Corp connection: Where ideas take root

Christian (QWSTION) and Pascal (ViCAFE) met at an event within the Made in Zurich network back in 2022. Both were navigating the B Corp certification process at the time and bonded immediately over it. During their chat, an idea began brewing: What if coffee packaging could be reimagined in a way that aligns with both companies’ values?

Fast forward to today, and that idea is a reality. Their collaboration has resulted in a product that doesn’t just deliver coffee but carries forward a vision for regenerative farming and a truly sustainable design.

“From linear to circular, from waste to resource – our reusable and compostable coffee bag for ViCAFE proves that better solutions are possible and collaboration is key. We can all be the change we want to see in this world.”

– Christian Paul Kaegi, Co-founder at QWSTION

About QWSTION: Redesigning everyday items, better

QWSTION is no stranger to innovation. Founded on the belief that everyday items should be designed better, they’ve revolutionized the world of functional bags by using Bananatex®, a fabric made from the fibers of the banana plant. Native to the Philippines, these banana trees thrive without external inputs, making them the ultimate example of upcycling nature’s resources.

From its durability to its compostability, Bananatex® isn’t just a material—it’s a movement toward materials that give back to the planet.

About ViCAFE: From farm to cup

ViCAFE, on the other hand, is known for bringing coffee lovers high quality beans, sourced directly from farmers who share their vision for responsible agriculture. With a focus on longlasting partnerships and exceptional coffee, ViCAFE’s business goes beyond the cup, advocating for fair practices and positive impact throughout the supply chain.

“ As a food and beverage manufacturer, the answer to circularity isn’t always straightforward. However, our packaging is one opportunity for transformation. We wanted to offer our customers a circular, zero waste option for coffee beans in our roastery. QWSTION’s innovative material perfectly aligns with our values of sourcing high quality, natural products.”

– Pascal Herzog, COO at ViCOLLECTIVE

A bag that’s brewed to perfection

The reusable coffee pouch, designed specifically to keep coffee fresh, costs CHF 25 and has:

Airtight, light-resistant, and water-resistant properties to protect the coffee.
Durable design for countless reuses – the compostable feature simply ensures that, when the bag does reach the end of its life, it leaves no lasting footprint.
Energy-efficient production, requiring less energy than other reusable solutions like metal cans.

Besides, every pouch is handcrafted at QWSTION’s workshop in the SBB Werkstadt, by Omar, QWSTION’s repair and development specialist.

The bigger picture: a platform for collaboration

During the launch of their collab in Zurich on the 20th of November, Christian (QWSTION) and Pascal (ViCAFE) shared with us that for them, the B Corp certification is more than a badge—it’s a platform for finding like-minded partners and working toward shared goals. (And they are not the only ones – Here’s another Swiss B Corp collab to get you even more inspired!)

Their collaboration is proof that the B Corp community doesn’t just foster ideas but brings them to life, creating ripple effects that extend far beyond their individual businesses.

What’s next?

The pouch is just the beginning. QWSTION and ViCAFE are already exploring how this packaging solution could be adapted for other products, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with sustainable materials.

But for now, you can get your hands on this QWSTION pouch filled with ViCAFE’s coffee at ViCAFE’s Cafe and Roastery in Zurich Altstetten.

QWSTION

The collective questions how things are designed, made and used, to find better ways that benefit both humans and nature. They have been making bags and everyday goods from plants instead of plastic since 2008 – ones that unite responsibility with functionality and timeless aesthetics.

QWSTION is their answer.

ViCAFE

ViCAFE roasts specialty coffee in Zurich Altstetten and currently operates 18 espresso bars in Zurich, Basel, and Eglisau. Our roasted coffee is also available online, in select Swiss retail stores, and for B2B customers. We place great importance on our relationships with coffee farmers: we source coffee exclusively from farms we have personally visited and that are committed to continuously improving their farming practices.