About Us
"Drinking coffee is enjoying the moment"
Who we are
The word "buna" is derived from word "bun" and refers to a coffee tree and its cherries. It has been used by the people living in the Horn of Africa, where coffee originated. BUNA is also the name of our co-operative, which operates according to four main principles: Known Origin, Transparency, Freshness, and Environmental Responsability.
Buna was created to encourage people to begin questioning where the products and services they are buying come from, how they were made and how their price is structured. The thing we wish to buy in itself often represents just one element of the final product and a small fraction within the price we pay for it. Since we often like to re-affirm our existing consumption patterns and everyday comfort we are usually not prepared to try out and choose alternative products, even though they could mean a better long-term choice for the environment, the producers and us. The projects we prepare within Buna cooperative address this challenges.
"Ensuring freshness, transparency, revealing the origin of products and environmental responsability are the four key elements of the Buna concept"
Each Buna product is accompanied by information about its origin. Raw materials used in production of Buna products come from the fair trade system or are made in accordance with its principles. We aim for the shortest possible supply chain from the plantation to the final consumer to guarantee freshness of our products. By revealing the details of our price structure and the origin of the materials we ensure transparency for our customers. Our products are renowned for environmental responsibility, since we strive for our processes to result in as little waste as possible and we make sure we recycle the rest.
Our Team
Meet us, the founders of the BUNA Cooperative
TINE ČOKL
One day Tine looked into a cup of coffee and realized that he didn't know much about this ancient beverage. This revelation set him on the path of discovering the secrets behind our daily companion.
ŽIVA LOPATIČ
RENE SUŠA
Rene is a reasearher and interpreter of Fair trade and other topics realted to global learning. He works for Association Humanitas as a project manager and a workshop leader.
Our impact
At the core of Zadruga BUNA's operations lie social justice and transparent practices through fair trade, with coffee as the leading product.
Environmental Sustainability Impact
Biodegradable packaging and recycling – Packaging is returnable, and excess jute is either recycled or reused.
Reduction of emissions – A short supply chain (from producer to consumer) lowers emissions, reduces waste, and saves energy.
Use of single-use packaging for delivering coffee to our wholesale customers.
Sales to end customers in their own packaging – We sell 350 kg of coffee annually to end customers, and all of it is taken in their own packaging (859 bags).
We do not sell coffee in single-use cups – between 10,000 and 15,000 disposable cups are not produced annually.
Use of delivery services for shipping to other areas – fuel savings due to optimized group deliveries.
Purchasing raw materials/products in reusable or recyclable packaging (juice, tea, alcoholic beverages, mineral water, etc.).
Social and Economic Impact
Direct purchase of green coffee – from cooperatives or producer communities through a short value chain (only involving those adding necessary value through essential services).
Support for local producers and communities – product selection in the café is based on small local producers.
Fair Trade – products sold in the café are sourced from the fair trade system.
Cooperative business model – democratic governance of the organization based on cooperative principles.
Community awareness raising – through more than 30 educational events, parents, students, and adults learn about the significance of fair trade, how international trade operates, and are encouraged to reflect on their purchasing decisions.
Local presence – coffee corners in Ljubljana, Piran, Škofja Loka, Kostanjevica na Krki, Loče, Kranjska Gora, Kobarid, and online sales – strengthening the local economy, reducing transport, and connecting local communities.
Active support for social innovation in Slovenia – as the coordinator of the SozialMarie Award for social innovation in Slovenia, we actively contribute to the promotion and further development of social innovation in the country.
Measurable Results
Today, more than 500 people drink a cup of BUNA coffee daily.
Annually, we collaborate with journalists to prepare at least 20 interviews for national and local media.
We conduct at least 30 educational sessions per year on the origin of coffee, the functioning of international trade, overexploitation of natural resources and people in producer countries, the importance of sustainable coffee production, and the responsibility coffee drinkers have towards the environment and people.
It's difficult to estimate exactly how much packaging we have prevented from entering the market, but we can confidently say that through our chosen practices, we have not produced at least half a ton of waste.
Our Vision for the Future
Expansion of education – our new roastery will allow us to expand our educational programs and invite more individuals eager to learn about coffee, its origins, its global role, and how it impacts the lives of people in the coffee industry and the environments where it's grown and consumed.
Further product development – more support for coffee growers through the development of new products for the Slovenian market (decaffeinated coffee, our own tonic), and integration of fair trade products into our sales channels.
Product certification – in the coming years, we will obtain organic certification for some of our products.
Continued awareness efforts – on the global value chain and its effects on the environment and people.
Zadruga BUNA operates at the intersection of fair trade, sustainable packaging practices (especially reduction), and an educational approach. Our impact on the environment and people is reflected through transparency, support for local producers and processors, support for producers within the fair trade system and cooperatives, and active engagement in the community.
Our projects
The project "Futr za jutr" (Food for Tomorrow), led by Focus – Association for Sustainable Development, focuses on the challenges of sustainable food systems and raising awareness of their environmental and social impacts, especially among young people. The goal of the project is to address issues related to sustainable food and to raise awareness about its impact on the environment and society. Several partners are involved in the project, including Radiom Študent, which produces the "Futr za jutr" podcast, MMC RTV, which publishes the "Green Friday" articles, and the Kersnikova Institute, which organizes events for young people. An important part of the project is also the Instagram and Facebook profiles of Futr za jutr – this is where we come in, supporting the influencer in creating content for social media. Our role also includes selecting appropriate content and collaborating on a campaign with well-known personalities to reach as wide an audience as possible. Through this project, we contribute to raising awareness about the importance of sustainable food and encourage changes that benefit both the environment and society.
The SozialMarie Award is the oldest European award for social innovation, recognizing projects that create positive change in society for over a decade. As the national coordinator for Slovenia, we ensure that as many Slovenian social innovations as possible apply to this prestigious European competition. Our role includes identifying and recognizing projects across Slovenia, providing guidance with applications, and organizing national gatherings for everyone interested in applying. We are proud to support Slovenian social innovators in gaining European recognition and connecting with a network of like-minded individuals across Europe. Through this role, we continue our mission of connecting and supporting those working toward a better society.