Though it&#;s often underemphasized, packaging for coffee is very important. Without it, delicate beans quickly lose their flavor notes and deep, roasted blends lose the richness and depth of flavor they&#;re known for. Even the highest quality coffee beans won&#;t stay that way for long without the right coffee packaging. In this post, we&#;ll cover the different types of coffee packaging, exploring what makes each one worth considering. No post is complete without examples, so we&#;ll close with a handful of coffee packaging designs from brands we think are doing it right.
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Why Coffee Packaging Matters
Americans love their coffee. In fact, according to a recent survey from the National Coffee Association, seven out of ten of us drink at least one cup of coffee per week, with 63% downing that amount or more daily. With so many coffee connoisseurs out there, choosing the right coffee packaging is essential.
In short, coffee packaging is the bag or carton that keeps coffee beans fresh. There are lots of environmental forces seeking to send fresh, high-quality beans into mediocrity. Light, oxygen, and moisture all conspire against freshly roasted coffee. Coffee bean packaging helps to keep beans fresher for longer, allowing your customers to experience your products the way you intended.
Types of Coffee Packaging
There are quite a few coffee bag designs out there, each with its own unique set of benefits. Here are the main types of coffee packaging and how they work.
Flat Bottom Bag
One of the most popular types of coffee packaging, the flat bottom bag is true to its name. The bottom of the bag is flat, allowing it to stand up by itself. This makes it easy to display. Also known as a side-fold pouch, this coffee bag design typically features a simple, sealed top that&#;s either pulled open or cut open by the consumer. A tin tie or tape closure makes the flat bottom bag easy to reseal between uses.
Quad Seal Bag
Visually similar to the flat bottom bag, the quad seal bag has a level bottom and is also able to stand upright while on display. But this design is different in some important ways. The quad seal bag features distinctive side seals that give it flattened, rather than rounded, sides. To many, this bag looks a bit higher-end than the flat bottom bag, and it has a price tag to match: in general, quad seal bags are more expensive than their flat-bottomed brethren. Quad seal bags usually close via a tin tie or tape closure.
Doypack
Doypacks are common in a number of food packaging applications. Chances are you have at least one of these in your pantry right now. These flat-topped, oval-bottomed packages seal on both sides, creating flat front and back panels. The top of the bag seals with zipper closure. Many consumers find Doypacks more convenient because they stand up easily and are simpler to close than other types of coffee packaging.
Pillow Bags
These are the most affordable of the coffee bag designs. Pillow bags are small bags sealed at the top and bottom. They lay flat, and are most often used in foodservice applications like corporate offices or restaurants. Pillow bags are usually packaged together in a bag-in-bag package, which is a commonly used foodservice packaging to combine multiple, smaller pillow bags for bulk service.
5 Things To Consider When Choosing Packaging for Coffee
Finding the right coffee bag design is just part of the equation. Here are other things to consider when settling on the best coffee bag design to house your beans.
Degassing Valves
Roasted coffee naturally emits carbon dioxide. Without a place to go, the quality of coffee can suffer. Coffee bags with a degassing valve provide an escape hatch for the CO2 while keeping oxygen from entering.
Gas Flushing
Oxygen is the arch-enemy of fresh coffee. Flushing the coffee package with an inert gas like nitrogen can displace most of the oxygen in the package, creating a largely oxygen-free environment that keeps it fresh for longer.
Top Seals
There are lots of ways to reseal coffee bags. The simplest, cheapest option is the tape closure. A tape closure is a sticky strip that vaguely resembles a robust piece of packaging tape. It&#;s designed to be stuck and unstuck multiple times, keeping the resealed bag from opening once it&#;s been crimped shut. A close second in terms of simplicity and cost is the trusty tin tie. These inexpensive, flexible strips are designed to be bent around the bag to keep the top flap sealed after the bag has been opened. Zipper tapes are more expensive, but provide a better seal and are easier for many consumers to close.
Environmental Sustainability
Used coffee packaging will live on for many generations in a landfill. If you&#;re targeting an eco-conscious demographic, the best coffee bag design may be one that won&#;t still be there when their great-great-great-grandchildren are drinking their favorite blends. Coffee bags made from biodegradable materials like husks or paper break down quickly, making them an earth-friendly packaging choice.
Check out these eco-friendly packaging design ideas.
Labels
Many coffee connoisseurs want the details on their drink, including what region the coffee is from, the name of the farm or micro-lot it was sourced from, and what tasting notes can be expected. Coffee labels are an ideal medium for displaying this important information. A well-designed coffee label can attract consumer attention and serve as valuable marketing collateral.
Learn more: Best Sizes and Materials for Coffee Bag Labels
4 Best Coffee Packaging Examples
When it comes to top-notch coffee bag design, we think these four brands have nailed it. From their choice of packaging to labels, each one has created a unique look tailored to what makes their target audiences tick.
Methodical Coffee
These beautifully printed Doypack coffee bags look more like artwork than disposable containers. Methodical Coffee uses custom labels to communicate the important stuff like the &#;roasted on&#; date and tasting notes.
Bridge City Coffee
Bridge City Coffee is on a mission to build hope and resilience, one employee at a time, and their bags are just as unique as their mission. Bold prints on Doypack bags make this coffee packaging fun to look at and convenient to use. Each label provides a complete list of must-know stats, including detailed producer information, elevation grown, roast strength, and detailed tasting notes.
Peaks Coffee Co.
A simple, elegant design printed on classic, quad seal bags makes offerings from Peaks Coffee Co. stand out. Their less-is-more design aesthetic translates from bag to label: a title and short, one-line tasting note description lines up well with their intentionally minimalist vibe.
Atomic Coffee Roasters
From cold brew to bagged coffee, Atomic Coffee Roasters&#; coffee packaging and labels are instantly recognizable across all their offerings. The front of their quad seal bags sports a large label with the kitchen sink&#;s worth of data on the contents, including region, varietal, processing method, roast, elevation, and tasting notes.
Pair Your Top-Notch Beans with Coffee Packaging Worthy of Your Efforts.
Creating world-class coffee isn&#;t easy. That&#;s why choosing the right type of coffee packaging to protect it is so important. But no coffee packaging is complete without a label. At Frontier, we work with coffee makers, as well as coffee retailers and wholesalers, to create the perfect coffee labels to highlight your products. We specialize in producing custom coffee labels using a wide range of label materials and have plenty of industry experience to pair the perfect label material with your custom design.
Want to learn more? If you have any questions about label selection or printing, don&#;t hesitate to contact the Customer Care Team by or Live Chat! Our team is ready to serve your business with care and excellence.
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Ah, coffee. Nothing beats that first sip of fresh coffee in the morning. The comforting aroma. The warmth of the mug. A taste that awakens your senses.
&#;&#;Just picture it: steam rising from a freshly poured cup. The rich smell fills the air. And then that first indulgent sip.
It's a cherished ritual for many. And an essential part of the day for countless Europeans. In fact, Europe is the world's largest coffee market. This coffee-loving continent made up 32% of global coffee consumption in .
But there's nothing worse than going in for that first sip of nirvana only for your coffee to taste old. Stale. Flavorless. Instantly your day is off to a bad start. And the aftermath? A disappointed customer who'll likely never buy from that same coffee brand again.
So how can you prevent the dreaded fate of stale coffee?
It all comes down to &#;proper coffee packaging. From harvest to first sip, you'll guarantee the best quality coffee encased in your branding.
In this article, you'll learn:
Factors that play a pivotal role in preserving coffee's freshness.
The best coffee packaging solutions on the market.
How to streamline the coffee delivery process.
Coffee bag design inspiration from top brands.
Coffee's distinctive edge: Why it's not just another food product
Shipping food is a complicated process. You must find the proper packaging to keep it fresh and preserve the flavour. But coffee takes this requirement to another level.
Think of it this way. You can package a loaf of bread in a clear plastic bag, add a twist tie and call it a day. Coffee, on the other hand is not that simple. If you walk down the coffee aisle, you'll see:
Opaque, vacuum-sealed bags
Whole bean vs. ground coffee
Degassing valves and seals
Airtight coffee tins
Why? At its core, coffee is a symphony of flavours and aromas. But what grants it its rich character and flavour profile makes it challenging to preserve.
Let's break down the main factors that keep coffee fresh.
Oxygen: The silent flavour thief
Freshly roasted coffee beans are a treasure trove of flavours. However, expose them to oxygen, and you'll witness a slow, heartbreaking fade of those intricate notes.
In other words, oxidation is coffee's natural enemy. It turns those flavourful beans stale, flat, and lifeless.
Moisture: The coffee bean's bane
Moisture and coffee have a love-hate relationship. While coffee beans require (a lot of) moisture in the growing process, it becomes an enemy immediately after roasting.
Moisture can compromise the bean's integrity. It leads to mould, off-flavours, and shorter shelf life.
Light: more foe than friend
Like our skin, coffee beans are sensitive to light. Prolonged exposure can break down the essential oils that give coffee its distinctive flavour.
Enter the unsung hero: coffee packaging.
Your packing is more than a vessel to hold the beans. Coffee packaging acts as a fortress. It shields your beloved brew from the elements. It guarantees that every sip resonates with the rich flavours and aromas that coffee aficionados cherish.
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The packaging might seem like one of the final steps in the &#;grand scheme of your coffee's journey from the farm to the cup. But this last line of defence determines whether your morning brew is a fresh revelation or a flat disappointment.
Remember, coffee isn't just another food product. It's an experience. It's a lifestyle. And preserving that experience demands respect, knowledge, and the right packaging.
Take note that another essential part of the importance of packaging is how customers feel when they see it. Once it reaches the last stage of becoming a coffee product, ensure that you have an effective coffee shop logo that expresses the quality of your efforts.
Packaging is also the perfect place to show off your brand's personality. More on that later.
The best coffee packaging solutions for fresh coffee
Here are the best coffee packing solutions to preserve your finest roast.
Good: doypacks with resealable zippers
Doypacks are a favourite for a reason. Their resealable zippers make accessing your coffee convenient once opened. And it provides a tight seal to keep out unwanted elements.
This straightforward solution is a popular choice for coffee brands. Especially recyclable paper doypacks are cost-effective and do a good job of keeping your coffee fresh. The flat bottoms are ideal for displaying coffee on retail store shelves or in your customers' pantry.
And that's also why you'll often find this packaging in most local coffee shops and roasteries.
Better: vacuum-sealed bags and tins
Want to extend your coffee's shelf life? Look no further than vacuum-sealed bags and tins.
By removing air from the equation, vacuum-sealed packaging helps maintain your coffee's freshness for longer periods. The result? A consistent flavour with each brew.
Tins and cans are a popular choice for craft roasteries. They're unique. They block out unwanted light. And they provide some of the best airtight seals. So if you want to stand out from the masses, a custom can design is a solid option.
Williams Sonoma, an American gourmet food and cookware brand, packages its coffee the same day it's roasted. Then it vacuum-packs the coffee beans in tins to ensure optimal freshness.
Better yet, this coffee bean packaging stands out from the rest of the bags on the shelves. And their beans are less likely to face damage during shipping.
Best: degassing valves
Freshly roasted coffee beans release carbon dioxide. Without an outlet, this could compromise the package and the bean quality.
Degassing valves solve this problem by letting the gas out without allowing external air inside the bag. And although this sounds like a wild machine, it's quite the opposite. It's so small that most people don't realize it's a core part of a coffee bag.
It looks like a small button. Sometimes, it's called an aroma valve or coffee valve because you can smell the coffee's unique aroma through the valve.
Hawaii is the most isolated population centre in the world. They know a thing or two about protecting the freshness of their 100% Kona coffee during transit.
Mountain Thunder Coffee Plantation says coffee lovers should never buy a bag of coffee without a degassing valve. Why? Degassing valves are the key components to preserving coffee flavours and freshness.
Whole coffee beans maintain their freshness for up to 12 months when stored in:
Nitrogen flushing swaps out oxygen in food packaging for nitrogen. This method preserves food quality, as nitrogen remains neutral. It doesn't affect texture, flavour, or taste. Nitrogen forms a protective barrier around products during transport and shelf storage.
Conversely, vacuum sealing simply extracts all the air from the package before sealing. It doesn't introduce any gasses. The takeaway? Nitrogen flushing is a superior method for packaging coffee over vacuum sealing.
Sustainable packaging: biodegradable and compostable bags
Today, customers are increasingly eco-conscious. They actively seek out retailers who align with their values. And recent data support this claim, with 82% of consumers willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.
Biodegradable and compostable bags are a quality sustainable packaging solution for an eco-conscious consumer base.
When you pick these eco-friendly options, you're preserving the quality of your product. And you build a brand image that resonates with consumers &#; protecting our planet.
A sustainable choice today can lead to increased customer loyalty tomorrow.
You will get efficient and thoughtful service from Hualei.
Keep this in mind as you navigate your coffee packaging decisions.
Consistent coffee packaging
When you piece together a hodge podge of various packaging solutions, chances are your branding is not going to be consistent.
That's why looking for a single coffee packaging supplier is worth going the extra mile. Whether you're a coffee subscription service or a basic coffee shop, you want your packaging to be uniform and representative.
In order to verify the quality of your supplier's packaging, order samples of your printed mailer boxes, resealable pouches, custom labels, or anything else you might need.
Try out the materials. Compare the vividness of the print. That's how you know all the pieces together create a cohesive whole.
Ordering a consistent coffee packaging set from a single supplier can:
Pro tip: Use mailer boxes for convenience and protection of your coffee pouches and cans. With sturdy exterior boxes to protect the beans, your coffee will reach its destination in optimal condition.
The result? The best cup of coffee. And happy customers.
Beans on the move: Optimising coffee delivery for peak freshness
With &#;proper packaging (and storage), you can increase the shelf life of your coffee. Here's a quick and fast guide:
- Ground coffee in an unopened bag:
2&#;4 months
- Roasted whole coffee beans in a vacuum-sealed bag:
3&#;5 months
- Whole coffee beans in an airtight container:
12 months
That's great, right? You have a decent amount of time to get your coffee into the hands of your consumers. But coffee enthusiasts want the best of the best. They want coffee a few days after it's roasted.
While the type of coffee packaging you choose is important, so is the shipping process. Let's dive into how to make that more efficient.
1. Streamline your entire supply chain process
From harvesting to shipping, there are many moving parts in the coffee supply chain. And any serious kinks can impact your ability to deliver the highest quality coffee.
Start by evaluating your current suppliers.
Invest in the proper supply chain analytics tools to help you uncover your problem areas. You can access real-time insights into inventory levels, on-time delivery metrics, and order costs.
For example, &#;asset tracking software allows you to check the location and condition of coffee shipments at any given moment.
That's right. You can trace coffee packages from origin to destination. These insights help identify potential issues or delays in real-time. That way, you can take prompt corrective actions as needed.
So wave goodbye to supply chain mishaps with increased transparency and hello to coffee that stays fresh and delicious. Oh, and don't forget about the potential cost savings.
2. Find the right delivery partner
Next, it's time to focus on logistics. The goal? Optimise routes for efficient deliveries. That way, the journey from your packing facility to the store shelves (or customer's doorstep) is as direct as possible.
Collaborate with transportation partners who prioritise punctuality and care in handling your products. Using an express courier service that offers same-day delivery reduces transit time. You can guarantee that your coffee is always fresh upon arrival.
And the best part?
According to research from GoPeople, 88% of customers are willing to pay for same-day delivery. It makes them more likely to shop online.
With the right delivery partner, your biggest coffee fans get the freshest batch every time. The higher price tag for same-day delivery doesn't dent your margins. And you build a competitive edge. It's a win-win.
Inspiration station: coffee brands crushing the packaging game
Packaging is an important part of your brand identity. Follow the leads of these coffee brands to learn how to step up your coffee packaging game.
1. Chamberlain Coffee
Started by YouTuber Emma Chamberlain, Chamberlain Coffee is an ode to passion and brand authenticity.
One of the first things you notice about Chamberlain Coffee's packaging is its chic, modern, and colourful aesthetic. It is perfectly complemented with a creative coffee logo.
The coffee bag design hits the nail on the head for their target market: Gen Z.
The designs often mirror Emma's personal style, featuring hand-drawn doodles and playful graphics. They also use compostable packaging, leading the charge in sustainable coffee packaging practices.
This is a seamless blend of sustainability, personalized charm, and contemporary design. It not only preserves the freshness of the coffee inside but also crafts a memorable unboxing experience for consumers.
Chamberlain Coffee has seen great success since its launch in . With $15 million in funding, a ready-to-drink product on Walmart shelves, the sky's the limit for this trendy coffee brand.
This is a seamless blend of sustainability, personalised charm, and contemporary design. It not only preserves the freshness of the coffee inside but also crafts a memorable unboxing experience for consumers.
Chamberlain Coffee has seen great success since its launch in . With $15 million in funding, a ready-to-drink product on Walmart shelves, the sky's the limit for this trendy coffee brand.
2. Dak Coffee Roasters
Inspired by the real Italian Espresso he first tasted in Milan, Louis-Philippe Boucher realised that coffee is a whole universe of flavours, roasts and brews. He founded Dak Coffee Roasters to celebrate the ritual and explore the experience of coffee drinking.
Dak Coffee Roasters are a company offering monthly subscriptions or one-time buys of the finest filter and espresso coffees from all over the world.
Their mission is to deliver the most amazing coffee experience to anyone who wants it. This means inclusive branding - and simple is the way to do it.
The white mailer box with a basic graphic and logo is a refreshing, minimalistic approach to coffee packaging. It stands out in the hot beverage industry, full of mouth-watering images and intense colours.
Dak Coffee Roasters communicate that for them, it's all about the coffee and the person drinking it, not fancy marketing tactics.
But you need high-quality print and packaging material to achieve such a message.
The company only sells coffee that's ethically sourced. They work sustainability into every aspect of their business - from fair wages to eco-conscious packaging. And this speaks through their unique, plain white box with eco print.
It's a masterclass in minimalistic elegance. Black and white. Devoid of distractions and frills. It is a testament to their philosophy: sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes.
3. Mother Tongue Coffee
In the growing industry of artisanal coffee, Mother Tongue Coffee has found itself a niche. It combines seasoned expertise with a deep commitment to ethics.
Jen Apodaca, the brain behind Mother Tongue, has been roasting since . Her unparalleled roasting skills have graced renowned names like Intelligentsia and Blue Bottle.
One glance at Mother Tongue's packaging has you captivated. It's funky. It's distinctive. And it has a flair that's hard to forget. The design ethos reflects Jen's journey and vision, blending quirkiness with authenticity.
Need inspiration? Check out these amazing food packaging designs
Mother Tongue believes in a sustainable business approach. Their mission is clear: coffee isn't a charity. It's a business. And for it to thrive, every stakeholder, from the farmer to the consumer, should benefit.
4. Ten Belles
At the heart of Ten Belles' roasting operations lies the Loring Falcon. It's a state-of-the-art roaster that perfectly embodies the brand's commitment to the environment. With minimal gas usage and emissions, it's a testament to Ten Belles' dedication to sustainable roasting.
Now, here's where Ten Belles truly shines: their packaging. Ten Belles offers a delightful deviation in an era saturated with single-use packages. They sell their beans in bulk across all their shops. The goal is to reduce packaging waste.
That leads to the crown jewel of their coffee packaging approach: a refillable tin. It allows customers to engage in an eco-friendly shopping experience.
They urge customers to either purchase their signature tins or come prepared with their own containers. It's a conscious move that reduces waste and brings a unique aesthetic appeal.
5. Morgon Coffee Roasters
&#;&#;In the vibrant heart of Gothenburg, during the summer of , a fresh coffee narrative began to percolate. Morgon Coffee Roasters is a recent entrant in the coffee industry. But the seasoned trio behind it bring nearly 40 years of combined coffee wisdom.
For Morgon, the journey from bean to cup is an enchanting one. And they want every customer to feel that same allure. Enter &#;their packaging &#; a harmonious blend of aesthetics and functionality.
Each bag, short and stocky, is a canvas. Abstract images splash across them. Every package looks like it belongs at an art museum. They've crafted a world where art, experience, and flavour intertwine effortlessly.
What's the best coffee packaging for me?
Deciding on the ideal coffee packaging requires introspection and market awareness. The right choice isn't just about aesthetics or functionality. It&#; reflects your brand's values and objectives.
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Ask yourself these questions:
Am I willing to invest in meticulous packaging techniques like nitrogen flushing?
Which takes precedence: flavour protection or branding appeal?
How important is sustainability to my brand's mission?
What are my financial constraints?
Your answers will guide you toward packaging solutions that align with your brand's ethos and logistical needs.
And if you need help along the way, connect with Packhelp. Our team can provide competitive quotes. And our seasoned packaging engineers are available around the clock. They're ready to share insights on what works best for the coffee industry.
What packaging options will you choose to make a mark in this growing industry?
Author Bio:
Kelly is a self-proclaimed coffee addict who might love her morning java more than most acquaintances. &#;&#;When she's not exploring every coffee shop in town, she's writing content for all the unsuspecting souls of the internet from her perch at Home & Jet. If you read something mediocre online, there's a decent chance Kelly had her caffeinated fingers in it.
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit OPP bag for packaging coffee beans.
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