According to a recent report by the United Nations (UN), the planet could accumulate almost 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste by unless consumption and waste management habits undergo rapid change. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that environmental concerns around product packaging, like coffee bags, have taken centre stage in consumers’ minds.
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The specialty coffee industry is no stranger to modern consumer expectations. Notably, the sector has rapidly evolved with several new sustainability efforts, such as opting for eco-friendly materials in-store and beyond. Throughout this shift, the industry has become abuzz with discussions centring on the adoption of biodegradable coffee bags.
Biodegradable packaging has become a popular option among coffee roasters because of its sustainability, affordability, and overall durability. However, its benefits extend beyond mere sustainability.
Richard Ali from Tigray Coffee Co. and John Wilt of Maiden Coffee Roasters explain why their businesses invested in biodegradable coffee bags.
Biodegradable packaging is made from materials that eventually break down into smaller particles. The time it takes to degrade depends on the item and its environment. Factors such as light, water, oxygen levels, and temperature all affect the degradation process.
Technically, many products can be considered biodegradable, as the only prerequisite is that they degrade. However, to be officially labelled as biodegradable in accordance with ISO -1, 90% of a product must break down within six months. The biodegradable packaging market has grown rapidly over the past few years and was valued at $82 billion in . Many major brands (including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle) have either moved to biodegradable products or pledged to use them more in the future.
“Biodegradable packaging is definitely becoming more popular in the coffee industry as time goes on,” says John, the owner of Maiden Coffee Roasters. “This is, in part, because consumers are becoming more involved in what they are ingesting and how it affects their bodies. Materials in plastic packaging often break down into microplastics.”
Microplastics are defined as fragments of any type of plastic less than 5mm in length, and concerns about their environmental impact have heightened in recent years. More than 42,000 tonnes of these small fragments are deposited into the environment each year, causing problems for wildlife and ecosystems around the world.
Studies show that traces of microplastics have been found in local crops and food sources in areas such as Nigeria. “Research indicates the presence of microplastics in foods, such as the popular ewedu (jute) leaves used to make a Nigerian soup,” explains Richard, the owner and founder of Tigray Coffee Co. “Non-biodegradable, single-use plastics present a major threat to the environment and public health in Nigeria.”
“Modern consumers are taking a deeper look into their eating habits and how hormone disruptors, such as microplastics, affect their overall well-being,” John says. “In my experience within the specialty coffee industry, trends that start here are usually the canary in the coal mine for what’s to follow in the general news sector.”
The environmental impact of investing in biodegradable coffee bags is substantial. As these bags reduce the use of traditional, non-biodegradable materials, they decrease the carbon footprint associated with a brand. Beyond this, they also help to conserve natural resources, as they’re made of renewable, sustainable materials, such as kraft paper and polylactic acid (PLA).
According to a sustainability briefing by solar panel manufacturer SolarCity’s sustainability briefing, 75% of consumers are more likely to buy a product or service if the company is making a concerted effort to be sustainable.
By switching to biodegradable materials, whether it’s kraft paper, rice paper or PLA, brands are, in effect, showcasing a commitment to environmental sustainability to consumers. It also demonstrates an ability to keep abreast of new trends, giving people confidence and trust in the quality of the product.
Tigray Coffee Co. uses high-barrier ziplock coffee bags made from kraft paper, making them both multi-use and biodegradable. Kraft paper is made using the kraft process, which involves the chemical conversion of wood into wood pulp. Once the lignin and cellulose fibres of the wood are separated, the cellulose pulp is strained and formed into kraft paper. It is a strong and environmentally friendly option.
Consumers need to be aware of how to dispose of biodegradable packaging correctly to maximise its benefits. This is vital to reducing waste and minimising the impact on the environment. It’s also why Tigray Coffee Co. has committed itself to supporting the development and further establishment of more appropriate plastic recycling initiatives.
“We understand the need to teach younger generations to become conscious citizens,” Richard says. Furthermore, he believes collaborating with other agents of socialisation, such as traditional institutions and women’s organisations, would benefit an entire community of citizens. He adds that further measures throughout the supply chain and day-to-day café activities would also need to become more widely exercised. “Certifications are always a good guide. In our industry, there are certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which guarantee the paper is sourced from sustainably grown forests.”
Richard and the team at Tigray Coffee Co. are steadily forming the foundation of sustainable packaging in places like Nigeria. At the same time, the brand is helping consumers and roasters understand the benefits of using sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable packaging and the long-term effects this will have on their environment and well-being.
Beyond this, studies indicate that spent coffee grounds (SCG) can be used to create biodegradable packaging materials. This means that eventually, brands may be able to use the organic waste produced from coffee to create their own packaging, reducing the costs of design and manufacturing.
MTPak Coffee’s biodegradable packaging goes a long way to providing a solution to this pressing issue. And, with 53% of European consumers stating that they are concerned about the current level of plastic waste, it should have widespread appeal to your customers.
Our biodegradable coffee bags are certified by Din Certco in complete compliance with the European certification standard (EN ). Our packaging also proudly carries the Seedling logo, a registered trademark owned by European Bioplastics. This logo communicates that a product is certified industrially compostable by their standards.
Images courtesy of Tigray Coffee Co. and Maiden Coffee Roasters
In the competitive coffee industry, packaging is crucial in preserving freshness, enhancing branding, and attracting customers. However, many US business owners face the challenge of balancing cost and sustainability in coffee packaging. Sustainable packaging options are often more expensive upfront, but they offer long-term benefits such as brand loyalty, regulatory compliance, and minimal environmental impact.
This blog explores cost-effective strategies for implementing sustainable coffee packaging without compromising quality or profitability. So, keep reading till the end!
Before diving into how to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging, it is important to develop a basic understanding of coffee packaging. Coffee needs an effective packaging solution because it is a highly sensitive ingredient to external environmental factors.
Neglecting these factors and choosing improper packaging for coffee may cost your business heavily. You must opt for proper packaging that protects coffee beans from light, moisture, dust, and oxygen. Choosing the right packaging preserves the freshness, aroma, and quality of coffee beans.
When it comes to coffee packaging, there are basically two types: traditional and sustainable. Traditional coffee packaging contains a mixture of plastic and aluminum lamination. These packaging materials ensure freshness but negatively affect the environment. Have a sneak peek into the pros and cons of traditional coffee packaging:
Apart from preserving the freshness and quality of coffee, sustainable packaging for coffee has also become a very important factor to consider. This is because the coffee's traditional packaging is significantly contributing to negative environmental aspects.
Traditional coffee bags produce a huge amount of carbon footprint, badly impacting the environment. According to statistics, more than 500 billion coffee cups are produced every year around the world. Many of these cups are non-recyclable. These coffee bags mostly have a mixture of materials such as plastic and foil which are difficult to recycle.
As a result, the disposal of these coffee bags causes landfill dumps and plastic pollution on a global level annually. Over the past few years, consumers have become aware of the negative impact of packaging on our environment. Hence, the buying trend among customers is shifting toward eco-friendly packaging solutions for products, especially coffee.
So, build an ethical image of your brand by choosing sustainable packaging bags and boxes for coffee and attract eco-conscious consumers. But the question arises: can you choose this eco-friendly packaging without breaking your bank? Let’s dive into that:
Talking about coffee packaging cost efficiency, there is a need to look beyond the immediate price tag for the long-term benefit of your business. Consider several things when you decide to choose packaging material for your coffee bags:
In case you are wondering about the cost of sustainable vs traditional coffee packaging bags:
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Keep in mind that the above-mentioned prices are approximate to give you a comparative price overview of traditional versus sustainable coffee bags.
Instead of choosing riskier traditional packaging, find a sweet spot where you achieve sustainability at a reasonable cost. That sweet spot is eco-friendly yet cost-effective packaging materials described below:
These packaging materials are mono-type, consisting of a single material instead of a plastic and aluminum mixture in traditional packaging. Recyclable packaging materials are made from polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP).
PE and PP are plastic types but are cheap and recyclable which don’t contribute to landfill dumps and ocean plastic pollution. Choosing this material helps businesses to save costs on waste management and source virgin materials.
Compostable packaging materials decompose naturally into the environment, usually within a few weeks to months. These materials are basically plant-based bioplastics, such as wheat straw plastic, corn starch plastics, sugarcane bagasse, and kraft paper.
But they are costly to produce initially. However, compostable packaging materials contribute to zero waste in landfills and minimize the overall carbon footprint of your brand. For coffee brands, compostable coffee packaging boxes serve best for customers who prioritize sustainability.
Renewable resources such as sugarcane, corn, wheat straw, or even coffee grounds are used to make bio-based plastic materials. These materials have the same protective properties as traditional plastics. But they have a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
However, bio-based plastics are more expensive than fossil-fuel-based plastics. But they offer brands the opportunity to join the sustainability circle. Moreover, these plastics are usually recyclable or compostable, supporting green credentials.
Paper-based packaging has long been the famous choice for environment-friendly brands. Paper is both renewable and recyclable, making it an ideal sustainable packaging material if sourced properly. Enhance barrier properties of paper with PLA (Polylactic acid) coatings or liners.
These properties provide better protection for coffee beans while being eco-friendly. You may choose paper-based packaging, such as kraft paper pouches to get the mutual benefit of environmental sustainability and comparatively low costs.
To balance out the sustainability and cost of coffee packaging bags, your brand should also explore eco-friendly printing options. Adopting these options helps small to large coffee brands attract eco-aware customers at affordable cost. Some of these options are:
Digital printing is a popular sustainable alternative to traditional printing. This method significantly reduces the negative environmental impact of coffee production packaging. Because digital printing uses less amount of ink and ultimately produces less waste.
Water-based inks and Soy-based inks offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional petroleum-based inks. The best part is these inks enhance the visual appeal of coffee packaging bags with exceptional color vibrancy while maintaining eco-conscious practices.
However, traditional printing processes use solvent-based inks. These inks contain harmful VOCs (Volatile organic compounds). VOCs contribute to air pollution and require high energy to restore a healthy environment.
Incorporate sustainability into coffee packaging using eco-friendly labels and adhesives. On the other hand, traditional labels and adhesives usually contain plastics and non-biodegradable substances that negatively impact the environment.
Balancing cost and sustainability for any business requires a holistic approach. This approach is crucial to adopt to maximize brand visibility and profitability. Any coffee brand can adopt some strategies to stand out in the market without constraining budget:
One smart strategy to balance cost and sustainability is to buy sustainable coffee bags or boxes in bulk. Your business may order paper or mono-packaging materials in bulk purchases to save you a significant amount.
Grabbing wholesale purchases not only helps you save reasonable costs but also builds positive relationships with your suppliers. Your business can also unleash the potential of custom packaging to sleigh your competitors in a crowded retail market.
Another innovative strategy is to adopt refillable packaging schemes or offer subscription samples using eco-friendly materials like kraft paper. Customers can reuse boxes or bags with refillable schemes which minimizes the need for single-use packaging.
Leverage the power of unique insights and sustainable practices from leading countries in the coffee industry at an international level.
Establish the authority of your band in the competitive coffee industry by adopting emerging trends. Dive deep into these trends to take your coffee packaging to the next level:
Consider coffee bags that leave no waste behind after their primary use. Such as seaweed-based packaging coffee bags dissolve in hot water.
These materials are made from mycelium (mushroom roots) which are compostable and can be customized to aesthetic shape.
Adopt to use of recycled ocean plastic like many other eco-conscious brands to minimize the land and ocean pollution.
Establish the authority of your band in the competitive coffee industry by adopting emerging trends. Most trends are helping brands attract customers while cutting unnecessary costs. Dive deep into these trends to take your coffee packaging to the next level:
Consider coffee bags that leave no waste behind after their primary use. Most edible packaging can either be composted or eaten, leaving no waste behind. You can try different types of edible packaging for your coffee. Using seaweed for your coffee packaging is an excellent choice as this packaging dissolves in hot water.
You can achieve sustainability by choosing a minimalistic design approach for your packaging. Using less ink for the designs on your packaging can help you save money and resources. By using minimal designs on your coffee packaging, it gets easier to recycle or repurpose the packaging at the end of its life. Your brand can also reduce its environmental impact by using minimalist designs.
Most brands are adopting mushroom-based packaging to keep up with customer demands. This packaging is completely biodegradable within 45 days. Mushroom packaging is made from mycelium (mushroom roots) and can be customized in any way you desire.
The plastic waste is collected from the ocean and then sorted and shredded to make it better for packaging. Before making the ocean plastic packaging, it is processed to reduce the CO2 emissions to make it more environmentally friendly than normal plastic. Adopt to use of recycled ocean plastic like many other eco-conscious brands to minimize land and ocean pollution.
Balancing cost and sustainability in coffee packaging requires strategic planning, from choosing cost-effective materials to optimizing design and educating consumers. By adopting these methods, US coffee brands can meet environmental standards, appeal to eco-conscious buyers, and enhance long-term profitability.
Investing in sustainable packaging is not just a trend but a smart business move for those looking to grow responsibly in the competitive coffee market. This blog has discussed in detail the ways how to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging to win more customers and boost sales.
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