In a significant step toward sustainability and community development, Škoda Auto Volkswagen India (SAVWIPL) has lent its support to Škoda Auto a.s.’s innovative ‘Curiosity Fuel’ initiative.
The initiative focuses on sustainability and circular economy principles by repurposing coffee bean husks as a tanning agent for leather seats in Škoda’s Kodiaq and Octavia models. This environmentally conscious practice exemplifies the brand's commitment to reducing waste and transforming by-products into valuable resources, reinforcing the group’s emphasis on eco-friendly automotive production.
Through its partnership with family-owned coffee farms in Coorg, Karnataka, Škoda is directly supporting Indian coffee producers. India, the world’s eighth-largest coffee exporter with an export value of $ 1.25 billion, is known for its unique coffee flavors. By sourcing coffee directly from these farms, Škoda ensures fair trade practices, promotes permaculture farming, and eliminates intermediaries, benefiting local communities while adhering to Rainforest Alliance certification.
Škoda Auto has launched ‘Curiosity Fuel,’ a specially crafted coffee blend that reflects the company’s sustainability goals as outlined in Strategy 2030. This blend, now served across Škoda's headquarters in the Czech Republic, is designed to inspire employees while aligning with the company’s ethical and environmental standards.
Karsten Schnake, Board Member for Procurement at Škoda Auto a.s., emphasised the brand’s focus on integrating social, environmental, and circular economy principles, stating, “Our 'Curiosity Fuel' initiative highlights Škoda Auto's commitment to innovative sustainability by integrating social, environmental, and circular economy principles into our supply chain.'
Piyush Arora, Managing Director & CEO of SAVWIPL, echoed this sentiment, adding, “By bridging the gap between Coorg's coffee planters and our global operations, we're fostering community development. This initiative exemplifies our belief that true progress in the automotive sector must encompass environmental responsibility and community empowerment.”
By intertwining agriculture and automotive innovation, Škoda’s ‘Curiosity Fuel’ initiative not only promotes rural prosperity but also exemplifies cross-sector collaboration, setting new benchmarks for sustainable development in both the automotive and agricultural industries.
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