Why compostable packaging is better for our coffee and the environment
Compostable packaging is even better for our coffee. We are doing things that matter, not making money.
In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in sustainable living and environmentally friendly practices. One area where this concern is particularly prevalent is in the coffee industry, where both consumers and businesses are looking for greener packaging solutions.
Compostable packaging is growing in popularity as a more sustainable alternative to traditional packaging materials such as plastic and Styrofoam. This shift is not only good for the environment, but also for the quality and taste of our coffee. In this blog, we’ll explore why compostable packaging is better for our coffee and the environment.
Compostable packaging is made from organic materials such as plant-based plastics, natural fibers or biodegradable polymers. These materials break down into their natural elements when composted, leaving zero waste behind. This means that when you buy coffee in compostable packaging, you are making a conscious choice to reduce your impact on the environment.
One of the main benefits of using compostable packaging for coffee is that it helps reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans. Traditional plastic packaging can take hundreds of years to break down, leading to pollution and harm to wildlife. In contrast, compostable packaging breaks down quickly and leaves no harmful residue. This helps protect the earth and preserve its natural beauty for future generations.
Additionally, compostable packaging is better for our coffee as it helps preserve the quality and flavor of the coffee beans. When coffee is packaged in traditional plastic or Styrofoam containers, it can be exposed to air, light and moisture, which can reduce the flavor and freshness of the beans. Compostable packaging, on the other hand, provides a more airtight protective barrier, keeping coffee beans fresher longer. This means that when you open a bag of compostable coffee, you can expect a stronger, more flavorful cup.
In addition to maintaining the quality of your coffee, compostable packaging supports sustainable farming practices. Many coffee producers who use compostable packaging are committed to environmentally friendly farming methods, such as organic farming and fair trade practices. By choosing to support these producers, consumers can help promote a more sustainable coffee industry that benefits the environment and the livelihoods of coffee farmers.
Additionally, using coffee in compostable packaging can have a positive impact on our health. Traditional plastic packaging often contains harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates, which can leach into our food and drinks over time. By choosing compostable packaging, we can reduce our exposure to these harmful substances and enjoy a healthier cup of coffee.
It’s important to note that while compostable packaging has many advantages, it’s not a perfect solution. For example, some compostable packaging materials require specific conditions to decompose properly, such as high temperatures and moisture levels. In some cases, this may not be possible in a home composting system, resulting in packaging ending up in landfill where it fails to break down as intended. Additionally, the production and disposal of compostable packaging still has environmental impacts that should be considered.
All in all, compostable packaging is better for our coffee and the environment for a number of reasons. It reduces the amount of plastic waste, preserves the quality and flavor of coffee, supports sustainable agricultural practices, and promotes healthier living. While compostable packaging is not without its challenges, its potential to contribute to the sustainability of the coffee industry makes it a promising option for coffee lovers and environmentally conscious consumers. By switching to compostable packaging, we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable and responsible future for our coffee and our planet.
To date, we have shipped thousands of coffee orders. Our old packaging used aluminum-clad plastic bags that perfectly preserved the flavor of our coffee beans, but unfortunately they were not recyclable. Polluting the earth is not something we like to see, and I don’t want to put the responsibility on you, so we have been looking for several new solutions since 2019:
paper bag
Cheap and easily available, but not suitable. Paper lets air in, making your coffee stale and bitter. Dark roasts with oil on the surface also tend to absorb the flavor of the paper.
reusable containers
It's expensive for us to make and it needs to be kept clean after every use, and I'm sure you won't want to send it back. If we open a brick and mortar store one day, or maybe this is feasible.
biodegradable plastic
It turns out that they are not actually biodegradable, they turn into micro-particles that poison the ocean and humans. They also use fossil fuels to manufacture.
Compostable plastic.
Surprisingly, they are actually biodegradable! Those containers will naturally decompose and integrate into natural soil after 12 months, and they also use less fossil fuels to manufacture.
Compost bags for home use
Compostable plastics are made from substances called PLA and PBAT. PLA is made from plant and corn waste (YAY), which turns perfectly into dust but remains as hard as a board. PBAT is made of oil (BOO) but it can keep PLA soft and help degrade into non-toxic organic substances (YAY).
Can you recycle them? No. But just as we can't recycle old bags and make those types of bags release much less carbon dioxide. Plus if a bag escapes its trash cycle, it won't float in the ocean for thousands of years! The entire bag (including the breathable valve) is designed to degrade in the soil in the natural environment with zero microbead residue .
We tested them as compost bags and came up with some pros and cons. On the bright side, they work very well. The beans are degassed and the bag successfully protects the beans from the air. On the bad side, for dark roasts, they will leave a papery taste after several weeks. Another negative is that those bags are generally very expensive.
We are a manufacturer specializing in producing the coffee packaging bags for over 20 years. We have become one of the largest coffee bag manufacturers in China.
We use the best quality WIPF valves from Swiss to keep your coffee fresh.
We have developed the eco-friendly bags, such as the compostable bags and recyclable bags. They are the best options of replacing the conventional plastic bags.
Please send us the bag type, material, size and quantity you need. So we can quote you.
Post time: Feb-22-2024
