How suitable are compostable coffee bags for cold brew?
Compostable coffee bags for cold brew refer to two key packaging formats: bag-in-box and cold brew pouches. Both leverage flexible, lightweight materials to offer coffee companies more environmentally friendly ways to retail their cold brew.
Compostable packaging solutions are widespread in the global coffee market. Still, they have traditionally been seen as primarily suitable for ground coffee, whole-bean coffee, and espresso coffee capsules.
Recent technological and manufacturing improvements have made compostable coffee bags for cold brew not only more reliable and eco-friendly but also more advantageous for brandability and customisation.
Bag-in-box cold brew and flexible cold brew pouches are not only suitable for liquid packaging but increasingly preferred by leading specialty coffee businesses and commercial coffee roasters alike.
To learn more about the importance of sustainable packaging in 2024, we spoke to Arzaq Al-Najjar, founder and CEO of Mokha Valley and Authet Coffee.
Why is compostability such an important packaging feature?
According to Jabil, a multinational manufacturing firm, 42% of consumer packaging goods companies report that incorporating the use of biodegradable or compostable materials is the highest priority in their sustainable packaging programs.
48% report implementing paper-based packaging as a key goal, and 38% report increasing the recyclability of their current packaging portfolio as essential work. Compostable resins are the most commonly used resin types by manufacturers, creating more sustainable packaging materials ahead of bio-based and non-food grade PCR types.
With consumer demand for environmentally-friendly packaging reaching record levels, companies that sell packaged goods must keep up. Consumers perceive compostable packaging as the most sustainable option, well ahead of aluminium, paper, and plastic.
Companies are also placing a greater emphasis on consumer education about compostable packaging types, telegraphing their expectations for future demand. Look-alike products and bio-friendly branding aesthetics may confuse customers, but not for long. As they become more educated and more discerning about the packaging in which their desired products are housed, true compostable packaging will be even more sought after.
“Sustainability is now a huge focus in the coffee world,” says Arzaq.
“Customers care more than ever about where their coffee comes from and how it’s grown, and they are also asking questions about fairer wages for farmers, the impact of climate change on growing regions, and seeking evidence of environmentally friendly business practices.
“However, sustainability isn’t just about the coffee beans anymore. People expect brands to be mindful of every detail, from company values to packaging. Many consumers actively seek biodegradable, recyclable and reusable packaging options.”
By choosing compostable coffee bags for cold brew, coffee companies can signal that they themselves are seeking to have a more minor impact on the environment while helping their customers lead more sustainable lives.
Instead of single-serve aluminium cans or glass bottles, compostable coffee bags for cold brew come in multiple sizes, from 187 ml to 20 litres, in a bag-in-box format. In smaller sizes, cold brew pouches are more sustainable than cans or bottles, as they pack more tightly and are more lightweight, slashing transport carbon footprints.
In larger sizes, a customer needs only purchase one product for multi-serve use instead of multiple packs, which results in more packaging waste.
What else do compostable coffee bags for cold brew have to offer?
As mentioned, customers perceive compostable packaging as the most sustainable option. As eco-conscious consumer trends grow further, this perception will only increase, resulting in more purchasing decisions dictated by the sustainability credentials of packaging types.
Compostable coffee bags for cold brew are biodegradable, compostable, 100% recyclable, and can be quickly processed by consumers. Brands that help their customers live more sustainable lives are well rewarded. 81% of shoppers worldwide believe that businesses should contribute directly to environmental improvement.
Bag-in-box cold brew solutions, for example, are comprised of two highly sustainable elements: an outer cardboard box and an internal aseptic bag. The outer box is made from kraft paper and corrugated cardboard, two biodegradable and compostable materials. The inner aseptic plastic bag is made from compostable LDPE and PLA plastic. Once the cold brew is consumed, the materials need to be separated and recycled according to local regulations – simple.
Flexible cold brew pouches are similarly recyclable and compostable. They use the same materials as the internal bag in a bag-in-box packaging solution and come in a wide range of sizes to help coffee companies stratify their offerings.
Another key benefit of compostable coffee bags for cold brew is their customizability. Unlike round glass bottles or aluminium cans, cold brew pouches and bag-in-boxes boast large, immensely customisable panels due to their square shape. This is prime branding real estate and offers coffee companies more space to grab consumer attention on busy supermarket shelves.
“Branding and product aesthetic is more important than ever,” says Arzaq.
“A strong brand and unique, creative look can make a big difference in competitive spaces. People want to connect with brands that feel genuine and tell a store, especially in the specialty coffee space. Eye-catching designs, thoughtful packaging formats, and a clear identity can make your coffee feel special.
“Customers notice when a brand is being true to its values. You need to feel authentic to them. Creativity has to go hand-in-hand with honesty and transparency – together, they build trust and encourage further engagement.”
At Cold Brew Pak, we offer a wide range of customisable, biodegradable, compostable coffee bags for cold brew, including bag-in-box packaging and cold brew pouches. Our clients benefit from vast brandable packaging surfaces and certified eco-friendly materials.
Moreover, we offer quick lead times, low minimum order quantities, and global shipping to help them get to market as quickly as possible.
To source your own line of compostable coffee bags for cold brew, visit our website or contact our team directly.
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Compostable coffee bags for cold brew
Photos provided by Roots BKK
