Why you need to invest in recyclable cold brew cans
Recyclable cold brew cans have become a standout packaging choice for coffee brands looking to enter the RTD space. These help cater to the growing demand for convenience and sustainability while still protecting the coffee inside.
Cold brew’s popularity has soared in recent years, making it one of the fastest-growing segments in specialty coffee. Within the cold coffee segment, however, ready-to-drink (RTD) is leading the charge with its meteoric growth.
RTD has become the third most popular way to consume coffee in the US – and is up by over 83% since 2023. This demand is driven by younger consumers seeking convenient, eco-friendly coffee products that fit their busy lifestyles.
I talked with Greg Howard, President and co-founder of Howie’s Spiked Alc-a-Chino, and Esteban Mejia Sierra, founder of Galante Cold Brew Coffee, to learn more about RTD coffee and the benefits of using recyclable cold brew cans. Continue reading to find out what they said.
Understanding the RTD boom
The rise in cold coffee consumption has been a driving force behind the growth of the cold brew market. According to the National Coffee Association, 45% of younger coffee drinkers (ages 18 to 24) drank cold coffee in the past day.
“I think the demand for cold brew can be attributed to the rise in consumption of iced beverages at coffee shops and the simplicity of making cold brew at home,” says Greg.
Cold brew has also proliferated in the RTD segment, with more grab-and-go coffee drink options, like recyclable cold brew cans and bottles, fueling both sectors’ growth.
“Since 2023, we have seen an increase in demand for these beverages, particularly for our Galante brand, which has experienced steady growth of 7.6%,” says Esteban. “In the United States, the sector’s growth was 5.92% in 2024, maintaining that positive trend.”
Esteban adds that he thinks RTD coffee beverages will remain relevant for consumption habits worldwide over the coming years. Data supports this, with the global RTD coffee market expected to reach $42 billion by 2027.
“The RTD coffee segment continues to grow as consumers are looking for convenience, quality, and portability,” notes Greg.
Esteban agrees, adding that RTDs make it easy to consume cold coffee, whether in the fridge at home or on the refrigerated shelf of a convenience store. “In addition, being a cold beverage eliminates the wait to cool down or the risk of burns, making it a safe and convenient option to consume in the car, walking to work, or on the go,” he says.
Recyclable cold brew cans, in particular, have become a favourite among Generation Z and millennials, who frequently take their coffee to-go.
How canned cold brew benefits your brand
In addition to helping you reach modern consumers, recyclable cold brew cans also offer roasters several key benefits, including improved quality preservation, increased food safety standards, and more real estate for branding.
Esteban explains that the RTD format helps roasters better preserve cold brew quality. “Thanks to packaging such as glass, cans, tetra paks, and even bags, the flavour, antioxidants, and properties of the coffee remain constant, offering an experience that meets the expectations of the most demanding consumers,” he says.
Aluminium cans, in particular, have become a popular choice for RTD coffee beverages. Aluminium is known for being robust and corrosion-resistant, protecting the coffee from light and oxygen and extending its shelf life. Furthermore, it also doesn’t add a metallic taste, allowing the cold brew’s unique flavours and aromas to shine through.
Esteban adds: “Aluminium cans offer practicality and safety, ideal for those who want to take the product anywhere with ease.”
The canning process also helps roasters mitigate food safety concerns that are commonly associated with traditional cold brew preparation. When made using traditional methods, cold brew left unrefrigerated during extraction can become unsafe due to microbial growth.
Conversely, recyclable cold brew cans are pre-washed and undergo a pasteurization process where they’re heated to kill germs, flushed with nitrogen, and then sealed. Canning allows roasters to make a shelf-stable cold brew that they can sell into channels with more exacting food safety requirements – like supermarkets and coffee shops.
“Besides the obvious benefits, there are also reduced product weight, packaging design options, and merchandising,” says Greg.
Finally, using recyclable cold brew cans also gives roasters more real estate for their branding. Cans are an ideal canvas for rich, colourful branding, helping coffee brands stand out with eye-catching packaging design.
Additionally, aluminium is lightweight – reducing shipping costs – and a more cost-effective RTD packaging material, significantly as paper prices are rising.
Appealing to conscious consumers with recyclable cold brew cans
Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of how their coffee consumption impacts the environment. This shift has prompted them to explore more sustainable ways to enjoy their favourite coffee.
“I think this started with the introduction of reusable cups offered at coffee shops, and consumers have become more aware of single-use containers,” adds Greg.
Eco-friendly RTD coffee packaging appeals to modern consumers who expect more sustainable practices from the brands they buy from. For example, Galante uses two types of 100% recyclable packaging: glass bottles and aluminium cans. Esteban says these materials cater to consumers who increasingly value ecological and responsible coffee offerings.
“This combination of recyclable packaging connects with a more conscious public, which seeks coherence between its values and the brands it chooses,” he explains. “In this way, we attract consumers who prioritise products aligned with their principles of sustainability and responsible lifestyle.
“Specifically, our sustainable packaging, such as glass bottles and aluminium cans, allows the world to benefit from their recycling and transformation into new packaging or products,” he says. “This ensures a sustainable life cycle that actively contributes to reducing environmental impact and promotes a more responsible future.”
This is one of the many reasons that aluminium has become a go-to sustainable packaging material for cold brew cans. It is technically infinitely recyclable – around 75% of all aluminium produced is still in use today.
At Cold Brew Pak, we offer 100% recyclable cold brew cans made from aluminium, which can be recycled many times without degrading. These cans also provide a large printable surface, offering coffee brands more options for customisation and branding.
Interested in learning more? Get in touch with our team today to enquire about our recyclable cold brew cans.
recyclable cold brew cans
