Choosing an Eco Friendly Packaging Manufacturer for Your Coffee Brand

Coffee packaging has two roles to play, which must go hand-in-hand; to protect the product and to provide a credible commitment to the environment. An unnatural looking bag whose performance is not good during distribution creates problems. But also a structure that can be recycled but customers don't have a place to put it in a collection stream that is available.

So, for roasters and coffee companies, selecting an eco friendly packaging supplier begins with a basic one: can this supplier take your sustainability objectives and make a bag that is appropriate for your coffees, filling techniques, and sales markets?

Purchasing decisions are best made by a combination of material evidence and working samples, and repeatable production. That's how to establish that connection prior to order approval.

Determine your organization's definition of "Better Packaging"

Before going around asking for bids, determine what you truly are looking for. Maybe it's a structure that can be recycled, paper that is responsibly sourced, a reduction in unnecessary components, or smaller production runs that result in less unused packing that is important to you. The specifications are different for each of these aims.

Explain the disposal of flexible packaging by the customers and where the coffee will be sold. What is good for one market might not be good for another market as the collection and processing systems vary.

Afterwards, specify the operating conditions. There are varying protection and purchasing requirements for whole beans sold locally, ground coffee exported internationally and seasonal subscription releases. Provide potential manufacturers with your fill weight, how long you'll be storing the product, distribution conditions and how you will be filling the product. This provides a helpful basis for recommendations and helps to compare competing quotes.

Inquire the Listeners: What's the Complete bag Made Of?

Brown color top does not show the underlying structure. Paper coffee bags may contain protective layers, adhesives, closures and valves, all of which will impact the performance of the finished package and the post-consumer management.

Cyan Pak is a customized solution for paper coffee bags using kraft paper and providing various layers of protection and functions. The critical thing for the buyer to follow up on is that the structure proposed must be complete and not just the outside material.

Request that the manufacturer tell you what each layer is used for and what parts are used for environmental purposes. If possible, alternative constructions are proposed, then compare them to the same coffee and distribution requirements. Only a simpler structure is valuable if it still meets the application. Don't add further layers or embellishments without knowing what they add.

Select a Disposal Route Your Customers Can Use

Recyclable, biodegradable and compostable are properties of different types. They should not be confused with the different names given to one bag that can be used sustainably.

Cyan Pak offers a recyclable coffee bag, which is a starting point for brands interested in a film-based solution, using LDPE. Identify the specific construction that will take place (e.g., extra barriers, etc.) and if the final packaging product will be accepted by the appropriate collection system. Identifying the material does not insure local acceptance.

When compostability is a goal, request documentation on the provided construction and conditions needed. There are two paths to composting: industrial or home. Verify the instructions for accessories and if customers can have access to the desired service.

The goal of the purchase is a defensible relationship between the finalized bag, supporting evidence, and realistic disposal instructions. Choose the path prior to finalizing environmental wording on the artwork.

Evaluate suppliers for Freshness Protection.

An environmental improvement must be evaluated in conjunction with the coffee being protected. The apparent “attractiveness” of a packaging change can be compromised by factors such as oxygen and moisture exposure, seal quality and handling damage.

Have questions about the proposed bag for your product and ask the prospective manufacturers. If barrier data is available, ask for test conditions, and ensure that the figures refer to the construction in question. You should not extrapolate the results from one form of material to the other thickness or finished form.

This is because freshly roasted coffee will also emit carbon dioxide. Cyan Pak providesValve options designed to facilitate the process of degassing and compatibility with packaging materials. Verify that the chosen valve meets the product's performance requirements and that it can be disposed of in the designated way.

A zipper is used to reclose, and the first package seal is used for a different purpose. Test both – in real filling and handling tests.

Align Printing & Order Size to Sales Reality

Packaging waste may start even prior to the customer opening the packaging. When too much of printed stock is ordered, there is exposure when the seasonal coffees run out or the artwork changes or a new product doesn't sell as fast as anticipated.

Talk about individual quantities as well as order quantities. An appealing max-min by a manufacturer also may result in leftover bags for a smaller line of coffee.

Cyan Pak offers digital printing service, which can be used for customized coffee packaging, as well as lower minimum orders. Inquire about the types of materials, their size and the artwork options available for your project and get a quote with these items in hand.

Check print sample for colour, ability to read, surface and handling resistance. A digital proof can be used to evaluate the layout, but cannot convey the actual look and feel of the final substrate. Establish production schedule once specification and artwork is agreed upon.

Sample to assess proposed change

A sample must provide a Purchasing Answer. It could reveal if the pouch will hold the desired fill weight, if the zipper is user friendly or if the opening is compatible with your filling equipment.

Cyan Pak's coffee packaging samples feature material options that are eco-friendly and a variety of bag packages. Use these to reduce your preferences and then determine if a project specific sample is necessary prior to production approval.

Have coffee bags ready for you that have been shortlisted. Test sealing, shelf presentation, opening, and reclosure conditions under real-life conditions. If shipping is to be involved, specify outer carton and normal shipping sequence.

Make observations using the same criteria for all candidates. Even a good looking sample can need modifications of size or sealing conditions. Maintain an accepted reference and record any deviations from a sample to the final production specification.

Repeating a specification requires confirmation from you that it is appropriate.

The end result should provide a clear purchasing specification. Agree and document dimensions, construction, printing, closures, valve needs, packing, and quality criteria agreed upon.

Environmental documentation should be related to the product that is ordered. Don't assume that it's applicable, look at its scope instead, even if you're using a well known symbol in a presentation. Cyan Pak is a publisher of a sustainability certification page which buyers may use as a starting point to further document review.Cyan Pak is a publisher of a sustainability certification page for buyers to use as a starting point for further document review.

Also determine the communication of the changes. Substitute component or material adjustment should be reviewed prior to entering into production.

In comparing prices, take into account packaging that can be used and brought to your operation. Freight, bags that do not fit into the filling, filling interruptions, and obsolete stock can alter the apparent cost of a cheaper offer. A proper manufacturer is a factor that will help transform the approved sample to a regular reorder.

Conclusion

So when it comes to choosing the eco friendly packaging manufacturer, it's not just a sourcing decision, it's a specification decision. Begin with your coffee and sales market, set up a realistic disposal plan and experiment the construction you plan. If you are inquiring about a Cyan Pak, then discuss the requirements together to discuss material selection, customization and production planning as a single project.

FAQs

Q1. Are Kraft Paper coffee bags recyclable?

No. Their disposal method is dependent on the entire construction, linings and accessories. Test the completed bag for appropriate collection stream.

Q2. Are roasted coffees protected by the use of recyclable bags?

They will, if they are properly specified. Review barrier performance, sealing and valve suitability to your product and distribution requirements prior to approval.

Q3. If biodegradable, will this fit in my home compost?

No. Provide documentation of the conditions and construction to which it applies. Don't apply home-composting directions without documentation.

Q4. What should I send with a packaging enquiry?

Tell them what kind of coffee you need, the fill weight, the market you're filling, your anticipated fill quantities, artwork requirements, and filling method. Specify desired environmental goal, storage specifications.

Q5. Does the standard sample suffice to allow production to go ahead?

It facilitates a comparison of materials and formats. Check for any discrepancies from the ordered specification, and ask for more samples if discrepancies impact performance or appearance.