At a pivotal moment for sustainable development in Greek tourism, Coffeeco Upcycle announces its strategic partnership with three major industry players: Empiria Group, Blue Hotels & Resorts, and Attica Group.
These partnerships mark a new era in the implementation of the circular economy in the tourism sector, transforming coffee waste into raw materials for high-value skincare products.
Specifically, Coffeeco’s Auraskin cosmetic products will be used in all Empiria Group and Blue Hotels & Resorts properties, offering guests an authentic experience of sustainable luxury that combines quality with the knowledge that every product is made from recycled coffee.
At the same time, Attica Group continues to incorporate Auraskin shower gels into its cruise itineraries for the second year, providing travelers with personal care products made from recycled coffee consumed on board the ships, actively promoting environmental awareness.
As stated in a related announcement, with Auraskin products already in use at hotel chains, Coffeeco Upcycle isn’t just announcing a new direction—it’s putting it into practice. Every consumer who uses these products in a hotel or on a ship actively contributes to a circular economy model that transforms waste into real value.
Expansion of the Board of Directors
Alongside these new strategic partnerships, Coffeeco has expanded its Board of Directors with the addition of Stefania Flegka, an executive with a long and successful career in the tourism sector. Stefania Flegka has more than 30 years of international experience in leadership roles at leading international groups, such as Hilton International, Accor, Grecotel, and Design Hotels of the Donkey Hotels group, and is expected to play a decisive role in the company’s growth efforts and the expansion of its network of strategic partnerships.
Another addition to the Board of Directors is Vasileios Karatzinis, who brings to the Board more than 20 years of international experience in the fields of investment and asset management. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with leading organizations such as PaineWebber, Merrill Lynch, UBS, and Pictet & Cie. In 2020, he founded VDK Capital, with the aim of partnering with specialized venture capital and private equity funds and developing new investment opportunities. He is a graduate of the Institut Florimont in Geneva and Boston College in Massachusetts, where he studied Economics and Finance.
It is worth noting that Yannis Theodoropoulos, an entrepreneur with significant experience and deep knowledge of the consumer goods market, has assumed the role of Chairman of the Board.
The new Board of Directors of Coffeeco Upcycle consists of:
Yannis Theodoropoulos — Chairman, Board Member of BESPOKE SGA HOLDINGS S.A.
Dr. Alexis Pantziaros — CEO & Co-Founder of Coffeeco
Marios Vlachogiannis — COO & Co-Founder of Coffeeco
Vasilis Karatzinis — Founder & CEO, VDK Capital
Konstantinos Konstantinopoulos — CEO of Coffee Island, Chairman of the Hellenic Franchise Organization, Board Member of ELLA-DIKA MAS, former President of the global Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
Konstantinos Lambrou – Strategic Advisor - Business Development, Corporate Affairs & ESG
Stefania Flega — CEO, Movement Hospitality Consulting