Full of beans: scientists use processed coffee grounds to make stronger concrete

Strong coffee: RMIT University researchers are using converted grounds to make stronger concrete. Photograph: Carelle Mulawa-Richards, RMIT University

In an idea that fittingly arose over a cup of coffee, researchers have devised a technique to recycle used coffee grounds to make stronger concrete.

Engineers at RMIT University say they have developed a way to make concrete nearly 30% stronger by incorporating processed coffee grounds into the material.