Coffee Packaging Trends in 2025: From Materials to Packaging Design
The Importance of Coffee Packaging
Regardless of whether you are a small coffee bean business or run a large operation, packaging your hot drink product correctly is integral to maintain the freshness, quality and taste of your coffee product.
Proper packaging not only protects the beans from external elements such as moisture, light, and air, but it also plays a crucial role in branding and consumer perception. Coffee companies are gradually making the push towards sustainable options as consumers become more eco-conscious, involving paper and biodegradable packaging.
Looking for Coffee Packaging?
Businesses can benefit from our bespoke packaging solutions.
Choose from a range of materials, designs and features to enhance your coffee packaging. With low minimum orders and a fast 14-day turnaround after artwork approval, our pouches are the ideal solution for your business.
Reach out to us for more information
Recyclable Materials
Sustainability should also be a key consideration in your packaging strategy. With increasing consumer awareness regarding environmental issues, opting for recyclable or biodegradable materials can set your brand apart and appeal to eco-conscious customers. Highlighting these sustainable practices on your packaging can further enhance your brand image and foster loyalty among consumers who prioritise environmentally friendly products.
Additionally, companies are prioritising reduced waste, trying to minimise non-recyclable packaging and improve on transparency with their customers.
Paper-based coffee packaging
YouGov conducted the UK survey "Which do you think is better for the environment ‑ paper bags or plastic bags?" in 2019. The survey found that:
"83% of 3083 adults agreed that paper bags are the most environmentally friendly option compared to plastic."
With more customers prioritising eco-friendly packaging, more companies too are keeping up with the times to move towards a sustainable solution. Additionally, as paper-based packaging is easier to recycle it makes it a more desirable material for customers to use.
At Pouches.co.uk, we supply paper-based coffee packaging, printed by our high-quality Xeikon printers, benefitting from a food-safe toner and varnish to maintain the quality and taste of your coffee beans, powder or sachets.
Biodegradable and Compostable coffee packaging
Like paper-based coffee packaging, biodegradable and compostable packaging are also great alternatives to traditional coffee bags, especially a compostable material which is ideal for individuals with a green thumb.
What is the difference between biodegradable and compostable packaging?
Although the terms biodegradable and compostable are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same. Biodegradable materials can decompose over time, but the rate and conditions under which this occurs can vary significantly. On the other hand, compostable materials break down into non-toxic components in a specific timeframe under the right conditions, typically in a composting environment. Both options are rivalling alternatives to traditional plastic packaging and are sustainable options to use for your coffee packaging.
Pouches.co.uk offers compostable coffee packaging, produced by our HP printers to produce a sustainable and food-safe solution for your brand.
Recommended Coffee Packaging Solutions for Fresh Beans
There are a range of packaging solutions that are ideal for maintaining the freshness of coffee beans.
Doypack Packaging with Resealable Design
When selecting packaging materials, consider options that provide an airtight seal, such as vacuum-sealed bags or resealable pouches. A doypack pouch is an ideal solution for your packaging needs, due to its food-safe barrier properties and resealable options. These materials help to preserve the natural oils and flavors of the coffee, extending its shelf life and ensuring that customers enjoy the full-bodied taste with every brew.
Additionally, the Doypack's flat bottoms are ideal for displaying coffee on supermarket shelves, allowing your product to be easily displayed for potential customers to see.
Coffee Degassing Valves
Another way to ensure coffee quality is to implement a coffee degassing valve function into the design of your coffee packaging.
How does a degassing valve work? Degassing valves allow the carbon dioxide, omitted from the freshly roasted coffee beans, to exit the bag while preventing any outside air from entering the bag.
Visually, these aroma valves are discreet and not typically noticeable, making it a practical design feature that doesn't clash with your packaging illustrations or branding. It is a must for your coffee bean packaging, prolonging the life and deliciousness of your coffee beans.
Protection from Light and Oxygen
Investing in packaging that has an oxygen-protective barrier is essential for maintaining the quality and taste of your coffee beans as once coffee is exposed to oxygen, its flavour and aroma can quickly degrade. Additionally. using opaque materials can shield the coffee from light degradation, which can lead to flavor loss over time due to the breaking down of coffee oils.
Moisture is another factor impacting coffee quality as it could result in the beans losing taste and developing mold.
Correct Labelling
Labeling is another important aspect of packaging. Clear, informative labels can help convey essential information such as roast date, origin, flavor notes, and brewing recommendations. This not only educates consumers but also enhances the overall experience, allowing them to make informed choices that align with their preferences and informing them of when the coffee will taste its best.
Product Design - Creating a Memorable Experience
Lastly, don't underestimate the impact of design. Eye-catching packaging can attract customers from the shelf and create a memorable brand identity. Collaborating with graphic designers to develop a visually appealing aesthetic, valued online and in-store that reflects your brand’s mission and values can lead to increased recognition and sales.
Tailor your packaging for who you are trying to target your coffee, which could be influenced by location, age and coffee preference. Would your target clientele prefer a minimal design, busy design or one that prioritises sustainability? Additiionally, implementing design features which provides a unique and memorable experience, perhaps by utilising QR codes or quirky jokes, can create a more memorable brand.
Other Coffee Packaging Options
There are other coffee packaging options you can choose from. However, they are less recommended methods.
Coffee Tins
Coffee tins are a good way to package your coffee beans, removing air from the packaging with its air-tight seal solution. As coffee bags are a more popular solution for packaging coffee beans, tins also may make your brand more memorable.
However, coffee tins are typically heavier, more difficult to store and take longer to degrade compared to sustainable packaging. Additionally, they are typically a more expensive alternative per unit compared to pouches or bags, so could be more suited to a premium blend with more budget for packaging
Packaging Free
Realistically, this can only be achieved by coffee businesses that have their own customer-facing store, giving customers the option to buy coffee beans. Although this eliminates packaging costs and is a completely renewable option for packaging coffee, the freshness of the beans may suffer due to it not being packaged, as it is exposed to oxygen and light.
Enhance your Coffee Packaging with Pouches.co.uk
At Pouches.co.uk, we aim to elevate brands by enhancing their packaging. From design to improving practicality, our professional team strives to meet the needs of your business goals.
Reach out to us for more information and a quote.