SUSTAINABILITY

More sustainable cacao: The Heart of VAICACAO

  • At VAICACAO, we believe that every choice makes a difference. Sustainability is not just a principle, but the foundation of our project, which embraces both the environment and the communities we work with. From the cultivation of cacao at our Finca Cuyancúa plantation in El Salvador to our commitment to minimal impact production here in Sardinia, every step of our supply chain is guided by a deep respect for the planet and those who inhabit it.

Agroforestry Cocoa: An Ally for the Climate Crisis

  • The various cacao we work with are a concrete ally in the fight against the climate crisis. In our Finca Cuyancúa and other micro-small plantations from which we source, cacao grows in regenerative agroforestry systems, where plants coexist with trees and other local species, restoring biodiversity and improving soil fertility, as well as proper management of water resources. This practice not only reduces erosion and increases the soil's capacity to store carbon, but recreates real ecosystems that nourish nature and protect the land, reducing waste.

  • Carbon sequestration: cacao agroforestry systems can sequester a significant amount of carbon. For example, one study found that such systems can store up to 60 tons of carbon per hectare, contributing to climate crisis mitigation.

  • Biodiversity: It is well established that integrating cacao with other tree species promotes biodiversity, creating habitats for various species and improving ecosystem resilience.

  • Water Use: Although cacao requires a significant amount of water, agroforestry systems can improve water efficiency through diverse plant cover that reduces evaporation and improves soil water retention.

Sardinia: Where Sustainable Supply Chain Meets Green Technology

  • Our commitment to sustainability continues even once the cocoa is ready to be shared with you. All machines are energy class AB contributing to less energy needed for their operation. The electricity grid from which we source is powered for half by clean energy, solar and wind. In addition, thanks to our e-commerce platform that uses servers powered 100% by clean carbon-free energy, we are committed to offsetting the emissions of shipments thanks to the efforts of the "Planet" program, which invests in reforestation projects and other environmental initiatives around the world. In addition, we carefully recycle every material and give a second life to production waste, turning it into resources rather than waste.

Responsible Packaging: Zero Plastic, Only Recycled Paper

  • Each of our products arrives at its destination in minimalist and eco-friendly packaging. We use very little plastic, preferring recyclable and biodegradable materials. Each VAICACAO shipment is wrapped in recycled and sustainable paper, designed to minimize environmental impact and to ensure that the beauty of cocoa arrives intact, without compromising the environment.

A Concrete and Continuous Commitment

  • For us at VAICACAO, sustainability means daily action and conscious choices. With humility, we are aware that reaching zero impact is still a journey in progress. However, our commitment remains firm: we have no intention of making the situation worse or replicating the methods of the unsustainable chocolate industry. We are and want to remain an alternative project, where every step aims at a positive and regenerative change for the planet.