Which bag-in-box system is best for your cold brew brand?
Amidst all the competition of ‘who can offer the best cold brew’, brands are now continuously seeking ways to deliver the highest-quality, freshest, most flavourful cold brew possible – often turn to packaging solutions that promise quality, sustainability, and convenience, such as a bag-in-box system (BiB).
Originating from our cousins in the wine industry, bag-in-box systems boast several attractive traits. Unlike single-use plastic bottles or large plastic jugs, BiB setups for cold brew coffee packaging feature a collapsible inner bag snugly fitted in a sturdy cardboard box. This helps the packaging protect the delicate coffee inside from oxygen exposure and light, two key culprits in the degradation of cold brew.
Moreover, BiB is more compact and lightweight, helping roasters reduce expensive shipping costs. Yet, with so many variations in materials, taps, and barrier properties, choosing the right BiB system can feel overwhelming.
We spoke with Joel Shetterly of Compass Coffee, who offered invaluable first-hand insights on selecting the perfect bag-in-box system for cold brew.
Considerations for bag-in-box system for cold brew coffee
If you’re new to BiB, you might be wondering why this borrowed packaging trend from the wine industry is thriving within the speciality coffee space. The growth in popularity really boils down to the fact that BiB helps to tackle many of the challenges roasters face when shipping and storing their product.
This single system can protect coffee from oxygen, light, and the bumps and jolts of transit, ultimately ensuring customers receive a fresh, flavourful brew – no matter where it ends up at the end of its transport journey. When it comes to protecting the cold brew inside, oxygen is the largest threat to its degradation, so a key advantage of BiB packaging is that it collapses inward as the liquid dispenses, keeping air out and flavour locked in.
However, as Joel explains, finding the right bag-in-box system demands rigorous testing to confirm it meets a brand’s quality, convenience, and sustainability standards.
“When selecting our bag-in-box solution, we considered durability first and foremost! Nothing is more disappointing than opening up your Compass box and finding your cold brew in a puddle at the bottom of the box,” he says.
“We ship our coffee all over the world, so we knew we needed a bag-in-box solution that would stand up to all of the things that packages are subjected to on long journeys. That meant lots of testing on dozens of different bags. We stabbed them with screwdrivers, sliced them with box cutters – we even threw them off the side of our roastery!”
Ensuring your cold brew stays perfect throughout its long journey in a leak-proof bag and sturdy outer box is just one small piece of the puzzle. For many consumers, cold-brew coffee is predominantly about convenience, whether for a quick-service café or the ‘at-home’ barista. A well-designed box can align with this expectation.
“Convenience for our customers and sustainability for the environment were also top of mind,” Joel adds.
“Something we talk about all the time at Compass is that coffee should be easy – it should fit into your day and make your day better. It should never be hard or annoying!”
Translating that ease of use into a take-home product requires the utmost attention to how the bag-in-box fits into everyday life. Customers should be able to pour a cup of cold brew without fuss, and the coffee should remain delicious until the very last drop.
What’s more, sustainability is increasingly important to consumers. Many bag-in-box systems use less biodegradable plastic than rigid jugs or bottles, and the cardboard exterior is often recyclable and readily customised.
“As we were selecting a bag-in-box solution, just as important as ensuring a legendary experience for our customers was finding a product that we could feel good about and that lived up to our stringent sustainability standards,” says Joel.
“Lots of bag-in-box products don’t meet this standard – some use materials that are difficult to recycle or are made of multiple layers that can’t be separated for recycling. We’re proud that our Cold Brew on Tap is 100% recyclable – after you drink the coffee, of course!”
Striking the right balance between environmental responsibility and product performance is a non-negotiable way to meet the minimum expectations of today’s consumers, so be sure to keep sustainability in mind when choosing your BiB for cold brew coffee.
From materials to taps: overcoming hurdles by choosing a bag-in-box system
Even with a crystal clear understanding of the benefits of switching to BiB, the real key lies in how each component works together to protect and, most importantly, showcase your cold brew.
The inner bag, often composed of multiple layers of plastic and UV-resistant film, serves as the first line of defence against harmful rays and oxygen. Both can quickly compromise the nuanced flavours of cold brew. Consequently, it’s vital to thoroughly test the inner bag’s durability and barrier properties when evaluating any BiB solution.
Many tend to forget about the tap or spout, which can genuinely make or break the consumer’s experience. A good bag-in-box system tap prevents drips and ensures pouring remains hassle-free. If the spout is poorly designed, then the entire appeal of BiB can be lost in a few messy cups.
Alongside the internal considerations of your potential BiB packaging is the box itself. Of course, even a near-perfect BiB set-up on paper must stand up to the rigours of real-world shipping. Long distances, rough handling, and fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on inadequate packaging. That’s why rigorous testing of the box’s exterior, akin to what Compass Coffee did with its ‘stabbed, sliced, and thrown-off-the-roastery’ approach, can be invaluable for roasters looking for the correct BiB. The last thing you want is a soggy box arriving on a customer’s doorstep.
Beyond offering physical protection during transit and storage, the cardboard box can also become prime marketing real estate for coffee brands. A standout visual design and clear branding can help your product grab attention on shelves or across social media, while varying box sizes let you tailor your offering to different audiences – smaller boxes for household consumers, larger ones for offices or high-traffic cafés.
The good news is you’re not alone! Cold Brew Pak can help you navigate the entire process, from offering sturdy materials inside and out, optimising your tap design, and branding the exterior for maximum exposure.
Get in touch today to discover how our custom BiB coffee packaging can safeguard your coffee’s quality, adhere to consumer sustainability expectations and deliver a great cold brew every single time.
Bag-in-box system
