In this world of modern marketing, the packaging is a crucial part for your product’s popularity. But the key role of product packaging is to maintain quality and sustainability. When we talk about coffee, there is a vast enthusiasm around the globe. To save the quality, freshness, and aroma of coffee, the packaging is a game changer.
A good coffee tends to be a mood booster and a stimulant for a fresh start of the day. The freshness, stable taste, and a nourish flavor make coffee desirable. The packaging must ensure to maintain these specifications for the customers. It also helps the brand to establish a long lasting impact on the consumers.
Here, we will talk about how to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging. Does packaging affect coffee freshness? If yes, then how does packaging affect coffee freshness? And how to choose the best coffee packaging? To get answers to all these concerns, let us explain why coffee packaging matters and how does packaging affect coffee freshness?
We will also discuss how challenging it is to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging.
Why Coffee Packaging Matters
Are you curious if packaging affect coffee freshness? And how does packaging affect coffee freshness? Let’s find out. There are some factors to consider when choosing coffee packaging: humidity, temperature, packaging type, and shelving. These things have a direct effect on coffee quality.
It is essential for the packaging to be sustainable against these variable factors to ensure quality. A good packaging strategy’s other aspect is establishing your brand’s identity and building a profitable consumer perception. The packaging can be a symbol of quality among other brands if you have done a good R&D.
Good packaging builds trust and attracts consumers. Top-notch packaging not only ensures quality and freshness but also enhances the shelf life of coffee. You can deliver different types of coffee to customers, but you also need the packaging accordingly for a better shelf life and sustainable freshness.
How Does Packaging Affect Coffee Freshness?
Coffee degradation starts right after roasting them. That’s why using the right packaging and storage is necessary to keep coffee beans fresh and enriched with flavor. There are different types of coffee packaging such as side-fold bags, stand-up pouches, flat-bottom pouches, and four-seal bags.
There are two major types of coffee beans: Whole coffee beans and Ground coffee beans. Each type of coffee beans has its own respective lifespan. Whole coffee beans last longer than ground coffee beans which is around 6 months. But it is necessary to keep these away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture.
On the other hand Ground coffee beans comparatively have a short shelf life. These coffee beans can remain fresh and sustainable for up to two weeks. You must store them in an airtight container under a dry environment. These coffee beans have a short lifespan because the oxidation process increases as more surface area is exposed to air.
To maintain freshness, avoiding exposing coffee beans to oxygen/air is important. One-way valves are one of the common practices used to keep coffee beans fresh. These valves do not allow external air to enter coffee packaging using carbon dioxide.
Reusable seal options are also important as they are environmentally friendly. These are used in the form of zippers for example. It allows consumers to use coffee and reseal it right after consumption. A study published by Perfect Daily Grind shows using absorptive packaging can degrade coffee flavor and taste before 6 months.
That’s why using impermeable packaging can keep coffee fresh and tasteful for a long time period. There are different types of coffee beans that require different types of packaging.
Balancing Cost and Sustainability in Coffee Packaging
Coffee is part of the daily routine for many coffee lovers worldwide. It is not just a drink but an energy pack to start a productive morning. If coffee packaging is compromised, the coffee will degrade soon and lose its original flavor and freshness. However, sustainable packaging can be a bit costly.
Here are some options to make packaging cost-effective and eco-friendly.
Recyclable Packaging Materials
Most Recyclable Packaging Materials are mono-material (plastic, compostable, recyclable, biodegradable) which means they are made of one material. These are more cost-effective and eco-friendly as they are not made by combining different types of materials. In traditional packaging, some materials were mixed to make coffee pouches/bags.
There are a lot of long-term benefits of recyclable packaging materials that can introduce you to how to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging. These materials have a more straightforward recycling process, reduced landfill waste, and the potential for building brand value.
Bio-Based Plastics Materials
Bio-based plastics materials are commonly used for food packaging nowadays. These materials work the same as traditional plastic material but reduce carbon footprint. Although, these bio-based plastics materials are more expensive than traditional plastic packaging. But it increases the sustainability and quality of the product at the same time.
These bio-based plastic materials can save more money in the long term. These materials reduce carbon footprint. These will also attract the consumers who really care about sustainability and are willing to pay more for an eco-friendly option.
How to Choose the Best Coffee Packaging
Before going through the process, how do you choose the best coffee packaging? You must know about different types of packaging for various types of coffee beans. Four major types of packaging are considered options.
- Side-fold Bag
- Stand-up Pouch
- Flat-bottom Pouch
- Four-seal Bags
Each of these types of packaging has its specifications. To choose the best coffee packaging you must keep some major factors in mind. Your packaging must keep the coffee fresh and must have potential to build a strong perception about your product in the consumer’s mind.
Key-points:
- Sustainable and eco-friendly
- Cost effective yet sustainable
- Beware of trend
- Prioritize Freshness & Quality
Final Words
Coffee packaging plays an important role in keeping coffee beans fresh, enriched with flavor, and building a strong perception in the consumer’s mind. Choose what is the best packaging for your products. There are different types of packaging for different types of coffee beans. Use them accordingly to keep coffee fresh and sustainable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Balance Cost and Sustainability in Coffee Packaging?
The most common and effective way to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging is to use mono-material (plastic, compostable, recyclable, biodegradable). It will reduce costs but maintain the sustainability of your product.
How can coffee be made more sustainably?
Coffee can be made more sustainably by reducing the use of fossil-based plastic and using bio-based and mono-material packaging.
How can sustainability reduce costs?
Practicing good for a good environment can reduce sustainability costs. You will need fewer raw materials, energy, and other natural resources. It will minimize sustainability costs.
