Are BPA-free cold brew bottles sustainable?
As a record number of coffee brands and RTD manufacturers realise the potential of the rapidly growing cold brew coffee channel, options for the best-performing and most sustainable packaging solutions are increasing.
BPA-free cold brew bottles are an environmentally friendly way to package cold brew coffee safely and one that reinforces the sustainability of the brand itself. The case is similar for bag-in-box cold brew, flexible cold brew pouches, and even aluminium cans.
The term plastic bottle has become radioactive in recent years, synonymous with environmental shortsightedness and single-use packaging. Indeed, such plastics often survive for hundreds of years, refusing to break down and exacting significant amounts of harm on the global environment.
Some plastics, however, are safe and sustainable, including the ones used to create BPA-free cold brew bottles. When it comes to bottling your cold brew, it’s worth considering the advantages these packaging formats offer.
As an example, we look to STōK Cold Brew, an RTD specialist leveraging both BPA-free plastic bottles and aluminium cans to offer the most sustainable and convenient caffeine fix possible.
What are BPA-free plastic bottles, and are they more environmentally friendly?
In the last ten years, BPA-free products have gained popularity worldwide. Chances are, if you’ve purchased a reusable water bottle or food container, you’ve seen the words but likely haven’t had a full explanation.
BPA refers to Bisphenol-A, a chemical found in certain plastics that might seep into food and drinks over more extended periods of exposure. BPA-free means the product is free from Bisphenol-A.
Bisphenol-A studies are ongoing, but the core body of research currently available agrees that there are potential health concerns associated with its ingestion by human beings, namely hormonal disruption, metabolic issues, and cardiac-related risks.
BPA became a common ingredient in plastic manufacturing in the mid-1900s, initially used for electrical and electronic purposes before becoming commercially standard in food and beverage packaging, especially plastic bottles and linings for metal containers.
In truth, the presence of BPA in a food container or package does not directly affect the sustainability of the product. Instead, BPA or BPA-free simply refers to the presence or absence of a chemical compound.
Indirectly, however, the demand for BPA-free plastics in recent years has been a boon to the sustainability movement. The awareness of the health risks associated with BPA has encouraged a shift towards reusable containers made from materials like glass or ceramics, as well as alternative plastics, many of which are more sustainable, like LDPE or PLAs (low-density polyethene and polylactic acid, respectively).
In summary, packaging formats like BPA-free cold brew bottles have offered consumers more sustainable alternatives to the traditionally BPA-based single-use plastics of the late 20th and early 21st century. Today, most plastic used for bottles is BPA-free and more likely to be sustainable, a win-win for both consumers and the environment alike.
How to use BPA-free cold brew bottles for your brand
In December 2024, cold brew specialists STōK announced a new line of decaf RTD cold brew coffee in an effort to expand the appeal of their products beyond purely functional requirements.
“With 30.2% of Gen Z already hopping on the decaf wave, and with millennials also seeking coffee innovations that align with health-conscious values, STōK Decaf offers a bold and smooth experience for people who love coffee but don’t always want caffeine,” the press release states.
“As a leader in multi-serve ready-to-drink coffee and expert in cold brew, no other than STōK could deliver the same bold and smooth flavour profile that fans know and love – but in a decaf brew.”
STōK is a prime example of a modern RTD coffee business leveraging the benefits of BPA-free cold brew bottles*. Sustainability is a key message focus for the Colorado-based cold brewer. Their Amazon store highlights four key sustainability features of their products, including Rainforest Alliance-certified beans. Every STōK bottle is recyclable (once the label is removed).
BPA-free plastic bottles are also highly customisable, which enhances their eco-friendliness further. Manufacturers can leverage PET, PLA, and HDPE (high-density polyethene) plastics to produce them in a range of different sizes. PET is unique among plastics due to its aluminium-like infinite recyclability.
STōK’s new decaf line comes in 48 fl oz (1.41 litre) bottles for multi-serve purposes. For convenient cold brew consumption at home, such size ranges help the consumer avoid purchasing multiple individual servings and hence reduce their waste further. The company also offers RTD coffee cans for true on-the-go and sustainable consumption.
At Cold Brew Pak, we offer our clients a range of BPA-free cold brew bottles that are ready for comprehensive customisation according to specific needs. We offer 100 ml – 300 ml bottles for companies looking to develop single-serving, sustainable RTD cold brew and up to 1000 ml for those looking to take on the at-home, multi-serve segment.
All of our materials are environmentally friendly; we use clear PET, biodegradable PLA, and natural HDPE in our bottles. Moreover, you can choose from square, round or round Boston formats to create a truly signature aesthetic.
For more information on sourcing your own BPA-free cold brew bottles, visit our website or get in touch with us directly.
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*Not sourced from Cold Brew Pak
BPA-free cold brew bottles
