Coffee logs which are better for the environment than wood are going on sale in supermarkets for the first time this week.

Each log is made from the grounds of approximately 25 cups of coffee, which come from coffee shops, offices, restaurants, instant coffee factories and even universities, airports and train stations around the UK.

The logs, which will be sold in Waitrose, smell slightly of coffee when not in use, but when they are burned they smell similar to wood.

They burn 20 per cent hotter and brighter than wood and emit 80 per cent less carbon than burning kiln-dried wood.

By burning waste coffee oil it also reduces the amount of coffee grounds go to landfill where they emit methane, a greenhouse gas 34 times more potent than carbon dioxide.

Jennifer Lovegrove, Partner & Assistant Buyer at Waitrose & Partners said: "When I heard of Coffee Logs, I instantly thought they would be a hit with our customers and am thrilled we’ll be stocking them from November."

"Reducing waste and finding ways to be kinder to the environment is a priority for our business, so this pioneering product fits perfectly with our plans for recycling and waste reduction."