According to a recent report by the United Nations (UN), the planet could accumulate almost 12 billion metric tons of plastic waste by unless consumption and waste management habits undergo rapid change. Therefore, it&#;s unsurprising that environmental concerns around product packaging, like coffee bags, have taken centre stage in consumers&#; minds.
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The specialty coffee industry is no stranger to modern consumer expectations. Notably, the sector has rapidly evolved with several new sustainability efforts, such as opting for eco-friendly materials in-store and beyond. Throughout this shift, the industry has become abuzz with discussions centring on the adoption of biodegradable coffee bags.
Biodegradable packaging has become a popular option among coffee roasters because of its sustainability, affordability, and overall durability. However, its benefits extend beyond mere sustainability.
Richard Ali from Tigray Coffee Co. and John Wilt of Maiden Coffee Roasters explain why their businesses invested in biodegradable coffee bags.
Biodegradable packaging is made from materials that eventually break down into smaller particles. The time it takes to degrade depends on the item and its environment. Factors such as light, water, oxygen levels, and temperature all affect the degradation process.
Technically, many products can be considered biodegradable, as the only prerequisite is that they degrade. However, to be officially labelled as biodegradable in accordance with ISO -1, 90% of a product must break down within six months. The biodegradable packaging market has grown rapidly over the past few years and was valued at $82 billion in . Many major brands (including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Nestle) have either moved to biodegradable products or pledged to use them more in the future.
&#;Biodegradable packaging is definitely becoming more popular in the coffee industry as time goes on,&#; says John, the owner of Maiden Coffee Roasters. &#;This is, in part, because consumers are becoming more involved in what they are ingesting and how it affects their bodies. Materials in plastic packaging often break down into microplastics.&#;
Microplastics are defined as fragments of any type of plastic less than 5mm in length, and concerns about their environmental impact have heightened in recent years. More than 42,000 tonnes of these small fragments are deposited into the environment each year, causing problems for wildlife and ecosystems around the world.
Studies show that traces of microplastics have been found in local crops and food sources in areas such as Nigeria. &#;Research indicates the presence of microplastics in foods, such as the popular ewedu (jute) leaves used to make a Nigerian soup,&#; explains Richard, the owner and founder of Tigray Coffee Co. &#;Non-biodegradable, single-use plastics present a major threat to the environment and public health in Nigeria.&#;
&#;Modern consumers are taking a deeper look into their eating habits and how hormone disruptors, such as microplastics, affect their overall well-being,&#; John says. &#;In my experience within the specialty coffee industry, trends that start here are usually the canary in the coal mine for what&#;s to follow in the general news sector.&#;
The environmental impact of investing in biodegradable coffee bags is substantial. As these bags reduce the use of traditional, non-biodegradable materials, they decrease the carbon footprint associated with a brand. Beyond this, they also help to conserve natural resources, as they&#;re made of renewable, sustainable materials, such as kraft paper and polylactic acid (PLA).
According to a sustainability briefing by solar panel manufacturer SolarCity&#;s sustainability briefing, 75% of consumers are more likely to buy a product or service if the company is making a concerted effort to be sustainable.
By switching to biodegradable materials, whether it&#;s kraft paper, rice paper or PLA, brands are, in effect, showcasing a commitment to environmental sustainability to consumers. It also demonstrates an ability to keep abreast of new trends, giving people confidence and trust in the quality of the product.
Tigray Coffee Co. uses high-barrier ziplock coffee bags made from kraft paper, making them both multi-use and biodegradable. Kraft paper is made using the kraft process, which involves the chemical conversion of wood into wood pulp. Once the lignin and cellulose fibres of the wood are separated, the cellulose pulp is strained and formed into kraft paper. It is a strong and environmentally friendly option.
Consumers need to be aware of how to dispose of biodegradable packaging correctly to maximise its benefits. This is vital to reducing waste and minimising the impact on the environment. It&#;s also why Tigray Coffee Co. has committed itself to supporting the development and further establishment of more appropriate plastic recycling initiatives.
&#;We understand the need to teach younger generations to become conscious citizens,&#; Richard says. Furthermore, he believes collaborating with other agents of socialisation, such as traditional institutions and women&#;s organisations, would benefit an entire community of citizens. He adds that further measures throughout the supply chain and day-to-day café activities would also need to become more widely exercised. &#;Certifications are always a good guide. In our industry, there are certifications such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) which guarantee the paper is sourced from sustainably grown forests.&#;
Richard and the team at Tigray Coffee Co. are steadily forming the foundation of sustainable packaging in places like Nigeria. At the same time, the brand is helping consumers and roasters understand the benefits of using sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable packaging and the long-term effects this will have on their environment and well-being.
Beyond this, studies indicate that spent coffee grounds (SCG) can be used to create biodegradable packaging materials. This means that eventually, brands may be able to use the organic waste produced from coffee to create their own packaging, reducing the costs of design and manufacturing.
MTPak Coffee&#;s biodegradable packaging goes a long way to providing a solution to this pressing issue. And, with 53% of European consumers stating that they are concerned about the current level of plastic waste, it should have widespread appeal to your customers.
Our biodegradable coffee bags are certified by Din Certco in complete compliance with the European certification standard (EN ). Our packaging also proudly carries the Seedling logo, a registered trademark owned by European Bioplastics. This logo communicates that a product is certified industrially compostable by their standards.
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Images courtesy of Tigray Coffee Co. and Maiden Coffee Roasters
Coffee packaging is an essential element for attracting consumer attention. Furthermore, it can have a powerful influence on buying habits. For instance, a recent report found that up to 70% of consumers consider it important for the products they buy to be in sustainable packaging. Therefore, investing in custom compostable coffee bags can boost revenue and customer loyalty.
Beyond this, custom printed coffee bags can increase brand awareness and mindshare. But what customisation techniques are best suited to compostable coffee bags? And how can coffee brands ensure their packaging does not contribute to the growing plastic waste crisis?
To learn more about custom compostable coffee bags, I spoke to Tom Saxon, Head of Coffee at Batch Coffee Club in the UK.
According to a report, over 80% of consumers say that poor environmental ethics are likely to dissuade them from making a purchase. One advantage to investing in compostable materials is that they break down into organic compounds that do not harm the environment.
In many instances, these compounds can even benefit the soil. Two out of five UK households either compost at home or have access to shared composting facilities. This allows people to use composting to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers, boosting sustainability and encouraging insects and birds to visit their gardens.
Compostable coffee bags are typically made from various natural materials, such as sugar cane, corn starch, potato starch, and wood pulp. Therefore, there are several benefits to investing, such as:
Batch Coffee Club offers subscription boxes that contain a selection of the best coffees around the UK. With over a decade of experience in specialty coffee, Tom shares his thoughts on the benefits of investing in compostable coffee packaging.
&#;As coffee roasters, we have a responsibility to try to reduce as much plastic use as possible,&#; he says. &#;Although many brands use recycled or recyclable plastic bags, I think, as a business, it&#;s important to lead by example.&#;
One way Batch Coffee is doing this is through compostable coffee packaging. &#;At first glance, it may be difficult to spot the difference between compostable coffee bags and those made from other materials,&#; Tom explains. &#;On closer inspection, you may find that compostable bags are slightly thinner. For me, there&#;s no difference in quality in terms of the material and print.&#;
An important thing to remember is that sustainability often goes beyond packaging materials. It must include adhesives and any inks used in printing. Environmentally friendly inks are made from renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable resources.
There are several main types of sustainable inks:
Several key factors must be considered when transitioning to compostable coffee bags to ensure sound integration. For example, variations in material composition, thickness, and oxygen barrier properties can impact the freshness and shelf life of the coffee. Conducting comprehensive testing helps identify the most suitable compostable materials that align with the business&#;s specific requirements and maintain product quality.
Certification and labelling properties also play a crucial role in establishing the credibility of compostable coffee bags. Brands must ensure that the bags maintain the integrity and freshness of the roast and communicate the environmental benefits with full transparency.
Last, effective communication with consumers is vital during the transition to sustainable packaging. Customers should be informed about why the change has been implemented, as well as the proper processes for disposal. Proactively educating consumers about any business changes and the benefits of compostable packaging, as well as providing clear instructions on proper disposal methods, helps alleviate concerns and garner support for sustainable initiatives.
Custom coffee bags are a powerful marketing tool, allowing you to showcase your brand identity, ethos, and story. Beyond this, custom packaging provides an opportunity to connect with consumers on a deeper level. Research shows that 72% of consumers are influenced by packaging design. Custom packaging is not only visually appealing but also communicates who you are as a brand at a glance.
At MTPak Coffee, our team of expert designers has decades of experience creating custom-printed coffee bags that reflect your brand identity. Our range of packaging options is made from renewable materials. Our coffee boxes are made using recycled cardboard, while our sustainable coffee bags are made using kraft paper, rice paper, or multilayer LDPE packaging with an environmentally friendly PLA lining.
Our coffee bags and coffee boxes can be customised to reflect your brand&#;s characteristics, as well as vital information about your product. MTPak Coffee offers a wide range of customisation techniques, including spot UV with a glossy, satin, or matte finish, embossing and debossing, as well as hot foil stamping in a variety of colours, to name a few. We also offer our clients low minimum order quantities (MOQs) for those looking to remain agile while showcasing a commitment to the environment.
Are you interested in learning more about compostable t shirt bags? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!