TR178: CAFF-TRAP

WAN NOR ALEEYA SYAHEERA BINTI WAN DERAMAN POLITEKNIK MUADZAM SHAH

The booming cafe culture has led to a significant accumulation of spent coffee grounds ending up in landfills, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Concurrently, residents in high-density living spaces frequently encounter musty fabric odors caused by bacterial growth, while commercial fabric fresheners heavily rely on synthetic aerosol chemicals that merely mask odors temporarily. The CAFF-TRAP innovation addresses both challenges through a Circular Economy approach by upcycling sugar-free spent espresso grounds into a dual-action organic fabric treatment spray (odor-trap and antimicrobial agent). The formulation is produced through a specialized cold-extraction process, synthesizing active odor-absorbing organic compounds with cosmetic-grade antimicrobial agents and botanical essential oils. This synergy leverages the microscopic porous structure of coffee to trap sulfur odor molecules, while the active antimicrobial agent eliminates bacteria and ensures rapid drying without damaging textile fibers. The novelty of CAFF-TRAP lies in its zero-aerosol formulation, long-term liquid stability against mold growth, and a non-staining, non-sticky finish on fabrics. Efficacy testing demonstrates that CAFF-TRAP optimally neutralizes persistent odors within 10 to 30 minutes. Positioned as a green cosmetic product, CAFF-TRAP offers high commercial viability supported by an eco-friendly refill system (Refillable Eco-System). Overall, CAFF-TRAP holds immense potential as a sustainable household innovation aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG 12 & 13).