Covestro is dedicated to promoting sustainability in agriculture and has introduced innovative solar dryers made from polycarbonate to support coffee farmers in Ethiopia. This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and is part of a broader effort to provide simple yet effective technological solutions to people in disadvantaged regions worldwide.
Coffee plays a vital role in Ethiopia’s economy, serving as one of the country’s most significant export commodities and a primary source of income for many smallholder farmers. However, the increasing impact of climate change—characterized by rising temperatures and irregular rainfall—has posed serious challenges to coffee cultivation.
These changing conditions have led to declining yields and a higher susceptibility of coffee plants to diseases, threatening the livelihoods of numerous farmers. In response to these challenges, Covestro and GIZ have partnered to enhance the efficiency and resilience of coffee production through the use of solar dryers.
Dr. Helene Widmer, Project Manager at GIZ, said in a statement, “The solar-powered greenhouse dryers have significantly reduced drying times for both washed and naturally processed coffees. This allows farmers to process their coffee more efficiently and bring it to market faster. Additionally, the sealed environment of the dryers protects the beans from contamination, improving quality and minimizing waste. Local cooperatives have embraced this innovation as a valuable asset for their coffee production. Our collaboration with Covestro demonstrates how innovative material technologies can contribute to stabilizing agriculture.”
Pejman Norastehfar, Head of Inclusive Business EMEA at Covestro, stated, “The successful implementation of solar dryers impressively demonstrates the positive impact that innovative and sustainable technologies can have on the coffee industry. We are proud to work with GIZ and local cooperatives to provide a solution that not only increases efficiency but also enhances the quality and shelf life of coffee. With our solutions, we can help address the challenges of climate change right here on the ground.”
The solar dryers developed for this project are parabolic structures designed to function similarly to greenhouses but with improved temperature and humidity control. Instead of traditional glass, these dryers are constructed using lightweight, transparent polycarbonate multiwall sheets, which provide excellent insulation and UV protection. This advanced drying technology allows coffee to dry quickly and hygienically while safeguarding the harvest from external threats such as rain, pests, and mold.
GIZ supports this initiative through its develoPPP program, which aims to promote sustainable development projects in emerging and developing countries by combining private sector participation with development policy objectives. The project has already led to the installation of six solar dryers in Ethiopia, with further expansion underway.
Recognizing the benefits of this innovative drying solution, one of Ethiopia’s largest coffee roasters has purchased four additional solar dryers, which are currently being installed to enhance its production process. This collaboration between Covestro and GIZ demonstrates how sustainable technology can address critical agricultural challenges, improve productivity, and create long-term economic opportunities for farmers in developing regions.
