In an industry where sustainability is increasingly critical, how does Modbar integrate sustainable practices into its production processes and supply chain?
Sustainability Team: Sustainability is at the heart of our production processes and supply chain. We’re certified in ISO 9001 and ISO 45001 and are working towards ISO 14001 certification. Each year, we calculate our carbon footprint according to the GHG Protocol, which enables us to assess the environmental impacts of our materials and products. This year, we’ve expanded this assessment to include emissions generated during the usage phase of our Modbar products, with the goal of continually refining our practices to reduce our carbon footprint. Since 2022, we’ve offset part of our carbon emissions, specifically covering direct emissions (like gas and fuel for company vehicles), indirect emissions from electricity purchases, and a portion of other indirect emissions.
When it comes to our supply chain, 90% of our tier-1 suppliers are based in Italy, and 56% are located locally in Tuscany. This reduces transportation emissions and supports local economic growth. From 2024, we’re adding an ESG assessment to our supplier audits, along with a dedicated ESG audit to monitor and assess our supply chain in even greater depth. Additionally, we require all suppliers to formally agree to our code of ethics, underscoring our commitment to responsible business practices.
How does Modbar support barista education and technical knowledge?
Alessandro De Luca (Modbar Export Manager): Training is one of the pillars of our customer experience. We want both pre- and post-sales support to meet the high expectations of the professionals who choose Modbar, fostering a relationship that goes beyond the traditional client-supplier interaction.
We invest resources in transferring know-how to our distribution network, so they can be autonomous in customer management and follow the quality standards we set as a company. In the pre-sales phase, it’s essential to collaborate closely with designers and architects. This ensures that Modbar blends seamlessly into its environment and performs at its best. After installation—carried out by our expert partners and distributors—we train the baristas who will operate the Modbar system. Many are pleasantly surprised by how user-friendly it is, even with its unique, “unconventional” design.
To us, training also means staying current on the latest technologies from La Marzocco and keeping up with broader industry innovations. It’s a continuous process of learning and growth.
With an emphasis on durability and high usage, especially in high-volume cafés, what measures does Modbar take to ensure that its equipment stands up to rigorous daily use?
Riccardo Marani (Modbar Technical Leader): Our approach centers on high-quality materials, achieving top performance, monitoring recurring issues, and continuous product improvement. “All cars have comfortable seats, navigation systems, and lots of electronics,” Riccardo notes, “but the most reliable brands are those that invest heavily in lab testing and high-quality materials. And they don’t break down after 20k kilometers.”
That’s the philosophy we bring to Modbar—investing in premium components and extensive testing to ensure that our equipment holds up to the intense demands of daily, high-volume use.
Modbar’s minimalist approach is distinct. Could you share any inspirations or influences behind the design process?
Stefano Della Pietra (Product Design & Innovation Manager): Our design draws on a minimalist style with rounded forms and smooth edges. The modular design is inspired by high-fidelity audio amplifiers, while the tap design is influenced by classic beer taps. For our AV group, we incorporated elements from the 1920s Streamline aesthetic, which was a landmark design movement in American industrial culture.
Aric Forbing (Modbar Co-founder & LM Technical Product Manager): From the beginning, our aim was to remove anything unnecessary that might come between the barista and the customer. By placing equipment in a modular box below the counter, we were inspired by hi-fi music equipment—units designed to work together below the surface. Above the counter, we wanted something that would blend naturally into the bar setting.
After frustrating ourselves for what seemed like ages, we found additional inspiration in nature. A diving whale seemed to be a great fit for what we were trying to do, with its tail extended above the water, but the bulk of the creature below. If you look closely at the espresso tap, you can see the influence of the whale’s tail, replacing the fin with the espresso group. Through sustainable practices, a commitment to education, robust materials, and design inspired by nature and culture, Modbar is setting new standards in the coffee equipment industry. The team continues to push boundaries, delivering products that support both baristas and the planet.
