CoffeeTalk Magazine
July 11, 2024
GRIND Z is a pencil lead that uses coffee grounds as an alternative to graphite, providing a zero-waste alternative to regular pencils. The 5.6mm lead fits into any clutch pencil that accepts leads that size, allowing users to write, take notes, doodle, and sketch with coffee. Each lead is made up of recycled coffee grounds and a combination of binding agents, resulting in an earthy brown lead that writes on paper and actually has a coffee aroma too.
Zirobio, a biotechnology firm dedicated to developing sustainable solutions through bio-based materials, was initiated by Hailey and Miles, avid coffee drinkers, to see if this humble cup of coffee could be channeled into something else. The GRIND Z pencil lead contains 20% recycled coffee grounds and other components like wax and adhesives. Coffee grounds are a major contributor to landfill waste, with millions of tons ending up in dumps each year. Zirobio’s idea builds on the already existing trend of using espresso and black coffee to make stained art.
One cup of coffee can generate enough grounds for up to 6 leads. Each GRIND Z lead boasts a unique blend of 20% recycled coffee grounds and 80% essential binding agents like waxes and adhesives, ensuring a smooth writing experience. The real magic lies in the subtle, natural coffee aroma (with a hint of bitterness) that lingers with each stroke, adding a delightful sensory element to the drawing/writing process.
The lead comes in a standard 5.6mm size, ensuring compatibility with most clutch pencils, the refillable mechanical pencils commonly used by artists and designers. The natural brown hue of the coffee grounds eliminates the need for artificial coloring, resulting in a unique aesthetic that complements the sustainable philosophy behind the product.
GRIND Z offers a captivating visual appeal, with subtle variations in brown tones adding a touch of organic charm to artwork or sketches. It supports being sharpened by a knife or sharpener, with zero wastage, and is naturally skin-friendly, allowing people with sensitive skin to handle it with ease.
