Sustainability Stories
Blog post 2
How Martius Is Reducing Carbon Footprint in Cocoa Export
Sustainable Shipping: From Colombian Farms to Your Factory
The global demand for cocoa is growing—but so is the environmental cost of transporting it. At Martius, we believe delicious chocolate shouldn’t come at the expense of the planet. That’s why we’ve implemented innovative strategies to cut carbon emissions across our supply chain, from remote Colombian farms to chocolate makers in the USA and Europe.
Here’s how we’re making cocoa exports cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.
1. Carbon-Neutral Shipping
Smarter Logistics, Fewer Emissions
Shipping cocoa internationally traditionally relies on air freight (high emissions) or slow ocean freight (long lead times). We’ve optimized the balance:
- Consolidated Sea Freight: By grouping shipments, we reduce the number of vessels needed.
- Carbon Offset Programs: We invest in reforestation projects in Colombia to neutralize remaining emissions.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Biodegradable bags and minimal plastic reduce waste.
Result: Our 2024 exports had 40% lower CO₂ per ton vs. industry averages.
2. Renewable Energy in Processing
Sun-Dried Beans, Not Fossil Fuels
Most cocoa is dried using gas or diesel-powered machines. Instead, we:
☀️ Use solar dryers in partner farms (cutting fossil fuel use by 90%).
🌿 Support agroforestry—shade-grown cocoa preserves trees that absorb CO₂.
Farmer Impact: Solar drying also lowers costs for smallholders, making sustainability profitable.
3. Shorter, Smarter Supply Chains
Less Travel = Fewer Emissions
By working directly with smallholder cooperatives (no middlemen), we:
- Cut unnecessary transport (beans move from farm → fermentation center → port).
- Use regional warehouses (Miami for the USA, Rotterdam for Europe) to reduce last-mile shipping.
Example: Our beans from Tolima, Colombia, reach Europe in 18 days—faster than industry averages, with lower fuel use.
4. Agroforestry: Carbon Capture by Design
Farms That Fight Climate Change
Monoculture cocoa farms degrade soil and release CO₂. Our partner farms use agroforestry:
🌳 Cocoa grows under native trees (mahogany, plantains), which:
✔ Sequester 2-4x more carbon than open fields.
✔ Prevent soil erosion, keeping farms productive for decades.
Certified Impact: Our agroforestry projects are verified by Rainforest Alliance.
5. Educating Buyers on Low-Impact Choices
How Chocolate Makers Can Help
We guide clients on reducing their cocoa’s footprint:
- Bulk Shipping: Fewer, larger shipments lower emissions per unit.
- Seasonal Buying: Aligning with harvest cycles avoids energy-intensive storage.
- Transparent Reporting: We provide emissions data per shipment for carbon accounting.
Success Story: A Dutch chocolatier cut its cocoa-related emissions by 30% after switching to our optimized shipping model.
The Future of Sustainable Cocoa Trade
We’re investing in:
🔋 Electric trucks for farm-to-port transport (piloting in 2025).
📉 Blockchain traceability to verify emissions at every step.
Our Goal: Net-zero cocoa exports by 2030—without compromising quality or farmer livelihoods.
Join the Movement
Want premium, low-carbon cocoa beans for your chocolate business?
🌱 Ask us about:
- Our carbon-neutral shipping options.
- Certifications (Fair Trade, Organic, Rainforest Alliance).
- Samples of our sustainably grown Colombian beans.
📩 Contact us today:
info@martius.org