What are the best forms of recyclable cold brew packaging?
As the cold brew coffee sector continues to boom, a renewed focus is being placed on reliable and eco-friendly packaging solutions. Today, investing in suitable packaging solutions extends beyond aesthetics and convenience, as it also showcases the values of your business.
Recyclable cold brew packaging comes in various shapes and sizes, and each has its own rate of recyclability. While some materials present themselves to be widely recyclable, others may actually pose significant environmental damage.
So what are the best forms of recyclable cold brew packaging, and how can brands ensure they’re making the right investment?
I spoke to Paulo Abiog, the founder of Fines & Filter Consultancy, about the various forms of cold brew packaging he’s encountered during his travels around the world.
Common forms of recyclable cold brew packaging
Fines & Filter Consultancy is a firm that partners with local and international roasters to guide them in making smarter business decisions. This includes selecting the most eco-friendly packaging options tailored to market needs.
Paulo spends many days at work speaking with his clients on this topic alone. Sustainability has become a significant concern among consumers in the coffee and broader hospitality industry. More consumers are showing non-negotiable buying behaviours around not just their packaging but the ethical origin behind the beans they consume.
Paulo recently travelled through Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines; countries that are becoming increasingly concerned with their own pollution problems.
“Ubiquitously, glass and plastic bottles come in various shapes, sizes, tints, and colours,” he notes. “These are the common packaging formats used in cafes and restaurants, while a mix of glass and plastic bottles, and cans, are found in grocery stores.”
Paulo adds that he saw a handful of brands in Singapore and Malaysia that use pouches for cold brew coffee.
“Pouches are good packaging mediums that [can be made using] compostable or recyclable materials, which is an effective alternative option for countries with specific packaging restrictions,” he says.
He adds that educating consumers on proper disposal is still a challenge. “This is particularly challenging in countries that are not lenient in organised waste disposal.” Paulo notes that beverage pouches are most commonly used for fruit juices and chocolate milk products, with very limited applications in coffee beverages.
To many consumers in Southeast Asia, this sudden shift may have been a bit of a shock–especially when marketing the product. That said, today’s younger generation shows a great deal of tolerance for innovative products, particularly if they’re sustainable.
One trend Paulo noticed is a lack of bag-in-box (BiB) packaging in many countries abroad, such as the Middle East.
“So far, the least common packaging material I saw being used is the bag-in-box format. When I was doing consultations in the Middle East between 2018 and 2019, I only noticed a single brand that’s widely using this type of packaging, and that was a doughnut company.”
On the other hand, when cold brew coffee emerged in the UK and Irish markets in 2017, bag-in-box packaging was a desired option. “A company that I helped in formulating a cold brew product line also considered using the “BiB” packaging format,” Paulo explains.
When it comes to popularity, Paulo notes one form of recyclable cold brew packaging reigns supreme.
“In my perspective, single-serve canned cold brew coffee is still the most effective packaging format. Plus, in terms of marketing and consumer appeal, the can designs can be configured [more visually than] other packaging formats. It also resembles a similar experience when drinking sodas, which provides familiarity to consumers.”
Why recyclable cold brew packaging is critical
The global cold brew coffee market is projected to reach $16.22 billion by 2032. More so, sustainability concerns are only increasing. As this sector expands, so does the environmental impact of single-use packaging, highlighting the ever-growing need for sound recyclable solutions.
However, even Paulo admits that the lack of education about proper recycling guidelines is a major concern within the industry.
“I can say that recyclable or even compostable materials are going to be beneficial for the industry in the long term for as long as local and national regulations are going to be implemented to make the movement a success.“
He also lists a lack of recycling and sustainable education in certain areas of the world as a massive factor for coffee roasters.
“A good example is in my home country of the Philippines, where it has been over twelve years since the speciality coffee movement commenced,” he says. “Coffee demand and consumption is skyrocketing, supported by local and international investment in the coffee retail industry.
“Until the time of this writing, recyclable and compostable materials are still not in the best interest of business operators and consumers because of a lack of understanding, awareness, and implementation of such regulations in the country.”
Therefore, sustainability within the coffee sector doesn’t just stop at selecting the correct form of recyclable cold brew packaging–it extends to education. When selecting recyclable cold brew packaging, brands must consider local recycling capabilities. It’s important to remember that not all materials may accepted, so understanding what can be recycled in specific regions is essential. Researching local disposal facilities helps brands align their packaging choices with the recyclability standards of their target markets.
Recyclable cold brew packaging is more than a new fad. It’s a necessary step toward reducing global environmental impact.
At Cold Brew Pak, we offer sustainable cold brew packaging that is both affordable and fully customisable. We can create bespoke cold brew coffee packaging for your unique collaborations while ensuring the carbon footprint of your business remains low.
Cold Brew Pak offers complete cold brew coffee packaging solutions to suit your budget and business needs.
