Coffee packaging is not just a container. It plays a major role in preserving the flavor and freshness of coffee. Whether you’re a coffee lover or a business owner, the right choice of coffee packaging is the key. There are many reasons why you should know how to choose the best coffee packaging. Besides maintaining the quality and shelf life of coffee, we also care about the environmental impact.
If you’re a business owner, you need to consider cost and aesthetics as well. This article will guide you through some common types of coffee packaging today. We also provide practical tips to help you make the best choice for your coffee packaging needs. Keep scrolling down since the information you need is just right here below!
Why Is Coffee Packaging Your Matter?
For coffee lovers, proper packaging ensures the coffee is fresh and aromatic for a long time. For businesses, packaging is a key touchpoint that represents your brand and impacts customer satisfaction.
Coffee is highly sensitive to air, moisture, light, and temperature changes. Thus, packaging impacts the flavor and freshness of coffee. Proper packaging acts as a robust barrier to maintain the coffee quality until opening. Plus, packages also help extend the shelf life of coffee so that you can store it for a long time.
And like all other packaging, coffee bags do affect the environment. People consume billions of cups every year all over the world. Countless amounts of bags, cups, and containers get into the landfill every day. That is where using sustainable coffee packaging can minimize such waste to keep a green planet.
6 Common Types of Coffee Packaging
You will have a few types of coffee bags to choose from. Each will have a unique function and aesthetics. Here are 6 popular coffee packaging options and what they will offer.
Metal Cans
Metal cans are a traditional and durable choice for coffee packaging. They are extra durable, recyclable, and provide excellent protection for coffee’s quality. Thus, it is great for long-term coffee storage. They come with a higher price and may not be suitable for everyone.
Metal cans bring a premium feel and attract customers who are looking for high-quality coffee. However, they are quite bulky to store. You should look for cans with resealable lids to keep the coffee stays fresh after opening.
PET Jars
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) jars are lightweight and cheaper than metal cans packaging. They also work well to protect coffee from air and moisture, except light. Since PET jars are transparent, they allow light to go through and this will affect the coffee freshness. So, if you intend to buy coffee in PET jars, think about the place you will store them.
The advantage is that clear jars allow you to see how much coffee is inside. While PET is recyclable, it depends on the availability of recycling facilities. Most PET jars include screw-on or snap-on lids, ensuring a good degree of resealability.
Doypacks
Doypacks, or stand-up pouches, have become popular due to their flexibility and modern appeal. They are made from lightweight, multi-layered materials with sleek and customizable design. Doypacks also maintain the coffee quality well while being more affordable than cans or PET jars. They are perfect options for businesses for both cost-effectiveness and appealing packaging.
Doypacks are compact to be placed on shelves and in transportation. They are recyclable but with challenges in certain regions. Stand-up pouches often come with resealable zippers, which help to keep your coffee fresh.
Flat-Bottom Bags
As its name, these bags are designed to be able to stand upright on the shelf. Their compact shape allows for easy stacking, making them an efficient choice for both storage and display. Moreover, such design is aesthetic and gives space for labeling. Flat-bottom bags are also durable and relatively affordable compared to metal cans.
Many flat-bottom bags are recyclable or compostable, depending on the materials used. The degassing valve is a modern inclusion to these bags. This valve allows carbon dioxide (CO2) to come out while keeping the air from outside to get in.
Quad Seal Bags
Quad seal bags are famous for their sturdy construction and elegant appearance. They are extra durable with seals on all 4 corners. This feature allows coffee bags to stand upright easily. Qual seal bags are ideal for coffee beans as they offer various airtight sealing options. While slightly more expensive than other types, they are recyclable and compact. Thus, quad-seal bags are a sustainable and space-saving solution for coffee lovers.
Pillow Bags
Pillow bags are one of the most economical options for coffee packaging. They are simple, recyclable, super compact, and lightweight. These bags offer minimal protection for coffee in short-term storage.
Pillow bags are less premium-looking but can still be customized with appealing designs. They are easy to produce, take up little space, and are cost-effective for transportation. However, pillow bags don’t have advanced features like degassing valves. They typically use heat sealing. It is less convenient compared to zippers or valves.
How To Choose The Best Coffee Packaging: A Guide For Coffee Lovers
Each of you will have different requirements when seeking coffee packaging. Below are some criteria you will want to consider to fit your needs.
Affordable Price
If you’re on a budget, cost-effective options like pillow bags or doy packs are great choices. Doypacks may be slightly more expensive but offer excellent functionality and a polished appearance.
Sustainability
Eco-conscious coffee lovers will want to look for packaging that minimizes environmental impact. Compostable or biodegradable coffee packaging is ideal for reducing waste to the environment. Especially, paper-based packaging provides a recyclable alternative that is lightweight and eco-friendly. For those willing to invest in greener solutions, these options support sustainability while preserving your coffee.
Best Flavor & Freshness
If you prioritize for quality of coffee, metal cans, PET jars, flat-bottom or qual seal bags will be your perfect choice. They are excellent in sealing coffee freshness and aroma for a longer time. Yet, these kinds of bags come with higher prices.
Size & Shape
The size and shape of your coffee packaging can affect both convenience and shelf space. Flat-bottom bags and doypacks are compact and stand upright, making them easy to store and visually appealing on shelves. For larger coffee quantities, metal cans or PET jars provide a sturdy and stackable option. If portability is key, smaller pillow bags or doypacks are lightweight and easy to grab on the go.
How To Choose The Best Coffee Packaging: A Guide For Business
For businesses, it is crucial to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging. Here’s a guide to help you choose wisely depending on your budget, location, and your target customers.
Cost-Effective
Cost-effectiveness is essential to maintain profitability for any premises. Pillow bags are the most budget-friendly option. Flat-bottom and quad-seal bags are a little more expensive but offer more benefits to customers.
Eco-Friendly
Options for environmentally friendly packaging can enhance your brand image with consumers. Recyclable materials, like paper-based bags, are great choices for you. Compostable or biodegradable doypacks also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Material Durability
If your commitment is the best coffee quality, metal cans and PET jars are your greatest options. They provide exceptional durability and protection, ideal for premium coffee products. Doypacks and quad-seal bags also ensure long-lasting protection. These options not only extend the shelf life of coffee but also reassure customers of its quality.
Labeling & Design
Visually appealing packaging can make your coffee stand out on shelves. Flat-bottom bags and quad-seal bags offer large surface areas for creative labeling and branding. These packaging types are perfect for showcasing your logo, product details, and vibrant designs. Digital or minimalist designs on paper-based packaging, such as Kraft paper, also contribute to a premium, eco-friendly aesthetic.
Innovative Point
Innovative packaging is a must to give you better competition on the market. Businesses can add more functionality that customers will appreciate and remember. One-way pressure valves or resealable options on PET jars and doypacks are examples you can consider.
Final Thoughts
How to choose the best coffee packaging – This depends on your requirements. If you choose pillow bags, you should consume your coffee soon to enjoy the best flavor. With coffee in metal cans or PET jars, you can use it for a longer time, 4 weeks after the bags are opened. For the best taste, you should consume coffee within 2 weeks after opening.
