How to choose the best Coffee packaging: a brief insight
To most coffee lovers, the perfect packaging of coffee is a basic requirement, as that will ensure those flavors are fresh all the time. Beyond locking the values of your brand, however, the right packaging should also be the reflection of such values in terms of sustainability, quality, and designs from the roaster to the consumer.
Are you a coffee roaster, retailer, or enthusiast who would like to get familiar with How to choose the best Coffee packaging? Well, if so, then take a look at the comprehensive guide about things that have to be taken into consideration when selecting the best coffee packaging.
Why Coffee Packaging?
Coffee is a very sensitive commodity and reacts very rapidly to oxygen, moisture, light, and foreign odours. Proper packaging does the following critical functions:
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Max Freshness
Packaging coffee should create a barrier which locks out oxygen and moisture simultaneously locking in the aromatics and flavors inside .
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Retainment of Quality
High-quality packaging protects coffee from direct/indirect light and physical contact which also leads to quality retention.
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Brand Identity
Packaging is also a brand element. The companies want to enable people to know about the company which they are on behalf of and be different at the shelves .
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Environmental Responsibility
With consumers gaining more environmental awareness, packaging options that have least damage to the environment can act as determinants of buying decisions.
Critical Criteria to Consider When Choosing Packaging for Coffee
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Barrier Properties
The primary objective of packaging coffee is to prevent beans from environmental contamination that would further degrade the quality. Of the below, the main constituents your packaging should conserve your coffee from:
– Oxygen
The most essential characteristic related to the freshness of the coffee is oxygen. Stale coffee in coffee arises due to oxidation because it comes into contact with oxygen. Therefore, the packaging has to be an effective barrier to prevent oxygen, especially from aluminum or multi-layer laminate materials.
– Water
The water sucked in by the beans leads to the development of mold and rotated flavors; therefore, there is the need for water and a tight seal in the packaging.
– Light
Sunlight and UV rays degrade the oils and flavors that are in the coffee. Opaque or UV-resistant materials do not allow the passage of light.
– Odors
Coffee beans soak up odors easily so they get used to the odors of their environment. You would want to identify materials that would bar odors from reaching the coffee.
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Packaging Material Types
– Material Selection
The materials applied for packaging purposes have a function and aesthetic value, making the package attractive. Materials commonly used in packaging coffee.
– Plastic films
Plastic films are very in use because they are flexible, low price and offer excellent barrier properties. Furthermore, most coffee makers discourage the use of plastics due to environmental issues.
– Kraft Paper
This is the best when one wants to have a natural look. It is also very sustainable. The major use of Kraft paper is to make improvement over its barrier properties mainly as a combination with other layers such as foil.
– Foil-Lined Bags
Aluminum foil is a good barrier to oxygen, moisture, and light. For this reason, it is preferably utilized in packaging for premium coffee as multi-layer packaging.
– Compostable and biodegradable materials
Biodegradable and compostable materials are the preference of most companies these days. Examples include PLA or polylactic acid or new plant-based composites. These will appeal to more “eco-friendly” consumers but shall not compromise on quality of protection.
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Types of Coffee Bags
There are different types for each coffee bag, and they serve different purposes. Here are the most common types, depending on the volume of packaging, branding, and functionality:
– Box Pouches
Box Pouches are also known as the flat-bottom bags. They have excellent shelf stability and are used for a premium look to which they have been applied to extreme reams. Loads of surface have been given to them to be branded and tagged.
– Stand-Up Pouch
Those pouches contain gusset at the bottom. It can stand upright because of that. It is mainly used for that reason too; it is much more practical and adaptable to the smaller quantities.
– Side Gusset Bag
Side gusset bag is one of the old traditional ways of packaging coffee. Side gusset bags comparatively inexpensive and may also be packed neatly.
– Quad-Seal Bag
A quad-seal bag has four corner seals so it pretty much ends up becoming boxy in shape, thus giving it a more stable shape. It becomes really useful in high volume packaging and also creates premium kind of impression.
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One-Way Degassing Valve
Fresh roasted coffee needs to be packed with an application of one-way degassing valve since the process of roasting of coffee beans involves releasing carbon dioxide gas. Without such a valve, that built-up carbon dioxide may cause packing to burst because it retains gas. The one-way valve enables the CO₂ to leave while preventing oxygen from entering and destroying the freshness of the coffee.
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Resealable Features
Other resealable features, such as ziplock seals, may also be added to the package to ensure that there is still freshness of the coffee even after it has been opened. Resealable options make work easy for the client and prolong the quality of the coffee.
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Size of Packaging
Size of packaging There should be only one size. The sizes that are commonly used are 8 oz, 12 oz and 1 lb bags. Size of the bag should be quantity a person normally bought, because bigger ones would be required for a regular buyer, while smaller ones may be packed as gift or sampler.
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Branding and Design
Of course, packaging is a marketing tool and may be reflective or communicative of your brand. Whatever color scheme you see, whether it features your logo, type, or artwork, it may help to project your brand message-consider the following:
– Custom Printing
Charge for it because custom printing may be the reason why packaging stands out, with high-class graphics to impart long-lasting impressions about your product to the consumers.
– Packaging Labels
it should contain information like roast date, origin, tasting notes, and how to brew it. If a company is transparent over the information that it puts on the packaging surely it will win consumers’ trust.
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Focus on Sustainability
Another issue facing the coffee world is sustainability. The majority of new consumers in present times seek a company that believes in sustainability. For instance, here’s a sustainable option:
Compostable and Biodegradable Packaging
Most switch over to biodegradable and compostable products. Materials have to meet the two sustainability criteria for packaging but retain all the desirable barrier properties.
Minimize the use of recyclable plastic or paper packaging material, thus reducing its negative environmental effects. Print the tag on the package with a clear description of recycling, so that customers know what to do with it as well.
Increase Reduced Material Usage
With the design of thinner layers or minimalist designs, go for less material without any degradation of the barrier properties.
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Packaging Cost
Price can range crazily depending on type, size, and customization and the quantity ordered. Quality and functionality have to be weighed against affordability. Whom is your target group? You may be selling an expensive top-quality package of coffee which will be worth it, but when you are selling something that costs less, it is just simple and not so expensive enough.
Conclusion with Summary of Steps to Choose the Best Packaging for Your Coffee
1- Watch Barrier Properties
Whether the packaging material protects against oxygen, moisture, light and odor.
2- Select Appropriate Packaging Material
You can have plastic or kraft paper or foil-lined or biodegradable according to your requirement
3- Select a Suitable Type of Bag
Choose whether your product will be packed in a flat bottom, stand-up, side gusset, or quad-seal bag.
4- In cylinder the One-way Degassing Valve
The one way valve has to be included in the package so that the CO² is released out for the freshness of the coffee
5- Provide Re-closable Packages
Make sure that the re-closable package ensures ease of opening and closing for the customers
6- Package Size
The right size of the package has to ensure that the amount your potential customers will buy will be aligned with a package size.
7- Branding Design
Design it nicely with the brand values and information about the product.
8- Sustainable for Environment
Stressed packaging materials that are the most innocuous to the quality of coffee.
9- Quality or Cost
Depends on the brand positioning-quality or cost, based on the positioning.
Conclusion
While choosing proper coffee packaging, many factors are on the top priority. At the top candidates are freshness, branding, convenience, and sustainability. The best coffee packaging provides protection of the beans against environmental influences, allows thoughtful attributes such as resealable flip-top or twist cap closures or vented degassing valves, and enables your brand’s message to speak clearly and effectively to the consumer. So with all that in mind, you’re confident your coffee is going to stand out in the shop and arrive at the customer’s doorstep in the best condition it is in to be enjoyed by them while driving value for your brand.
