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Your coffee bean packaging not only holds your product but also protects it. If in the old days you can use a simple paper bag for your packaging, it is not the same today. Your coffee packaging decision is important in the overall success of your company. You should create an image that will differentiate your brand from others starting from your choice of packaging material to your logo and your color scheme.
Here, we will guide you in the creation of a unique and identifiable coffee package to help your brand stand out from the competition. Below are the factors that you should consider to help you achieve this goal.
Table of Contents
Different Types of Packaging Materials For Coffee
Understanding your packaging material choices is an essential part of your marketing plan. You are given the option of using either pouches, cans, or jars. Below are the most common types of coffee packages.
Doypacks/ Stand-Up Pouches
Doypacks are among the most common and convenient coffee packaging types. They have rounded bottoms like cans but have flat tops and have triangular shapes. They offer plenty of space for branding and have preformed feet that allow them to stand on the shelves.
Doypacks have a wide opening which makes it easier and more efficient to fill them. They are also often featured with resealable zippers to keep the coffee fresher for longer even if the bag has already been opened.
Source: Pinterest
Flat Bottom Bags
Flat bottom bags are the latest ground coffee packaging models in the industry. They have flat bottoms and their square appearance makes them look like boxes. This allows them to stand without any assistance, giving them a great shelf presence and a modern look.
Flat bottom bags can package more coffee in smaller bags so they are more efficient to transport and store. Their box style also gives you a lot of marketing possibilities when it comes to designs and sizes.
Source: Pinterest
Side Fold Bags/ Side-Gusset Bags
These are more traditional types of coffee packaging bags. They are strong, durable options perfect for larger coffee quantities. They tend to have flat bottoms so they can stand on their own even if they are not yet filled with coffee.
They have printable sides so they are easier to brand. Plus, they are more affordable compared to the other options. Instead of zippers, they have tin ties or adhesive tapes as closures.
Source: Pinterest
Quadro Seal Bags
Quadro seal bags have similar styles to side fold bags. The major difference is that the four corners of quadro seal bags are sealed which gives them a square look, making it possible to add zippers to them.
They can stand unassisted and their modular look grabs attention. They can support their shape well and can hold heavier coffee fills. But, they are more costly compared to other bag styles.
Source: Pinterest
Pillow Bags/ Flat Pouches
Although pillow bags can come in various sizes, the most common are single-serve ones. If you want to have small bags, such as for customer samples, you can choose these types of bags.
They have small sizes but you can print on their entire surface which offers good branding opportunities. The downside of pillow bags is they need support to stay upright.
Source: Pinterest
Metal Cans
Metal cans provide sturdy options for your coffee packaging. They are the best coffee packaging materials if you want to preserve the freshness of your coffee products.
Since they are made from tin-coated aluminum or steel, they can provide a strong barrier to light and oxygen to keep your coffee fresh. Moreover, you can recycle them, unlike typical single-use coffee bags.
Source: Pinterest
PET Jars
Aside from metal cans, you can also use PET jars. They are lightweight, flexible, and unbreakable. They are very fashionable and you will have more freedom in terms of design.
Source: Pinterest
Reclosability
For consumers who use their coffee straight from their package, they will prefer a coffee packaging with a reclosing component such as a zipper or tape to keep the coffee fresh. Even if the packaging will lose its airtight features once it has been opened, having a reclosable bag will have a big impact on the beans’ freshness.
Ziplocks
Zippers are among the most commonly used options for reclosable coffee bags and can effectively provide protection against staling because they can create airtight seals. They allow the consumer to reuse the coffee after opening.
Source: Pinterest
Ties or tapes
You can use either a tie or a tape or both depending on your coffee sealing machine and packaging machine. Although they do not provide an airtight packaging like zippers, they are easy to use and they can keep oxygen out.
Source: Alibaba
The Filling Process
How are you planning to fill your coffee packages? Whether you choose to fill manually or automatically, the types of packaging you will choose for your coffee will affect the speed of the process. For instance, coffee bags with larger openings (such as side fold bags) are easier to manually or semi-automatically fill. Cans and jars are even more convenient.
Also, take note that when you purchase a packaging machine for your coffee product, make sure that it can handle the type of packaging you want to use. For example, you cannot use a coffee can filling machine for coffee bags and vice versa. Make sure that you discuss your needs with your chosen coffee packaging company.
Sustainability/ Barrier Properties
Packaging coffee needs the utmost attention. You need to ensure that your coffee products will stay fresh until they reach your consumers. Coffee is sensitive to external influences like UV, oxygen, and moisture so you need to ensure that you seal them properly.
Modified atmosphere packaging is the most popular type of food preservation method that modifies the atmosphere inside the containers prior to sealing. For coffee bags, you can integrate them with degassing valves which will not allow light, moisture, or oxygen from entering the package. For coffee cans, nitrogen flush packaging would be your option. This method replaces the oxygen inside the cans with nitrogen.
For barriers, most coffee bags come with metalized or pure aluminum barriers. These are usually composed of 2-ply or 3-ply laminates.
Labels
Do not rush the labels of your coffee container design because they are crucial elements on the way you will communicate your product to your consumers. Take note of the following points when creating the labels:
- Include the origin, roast date, processing method and other details of your product
- It is recommended to include your company’s logo and details for stock coffee pouches
- For customized bags, use smaller and cleaner labels that communicate information about your coffee
- Match your label material with your packaging
- Use different font styles and colors to create a greater impact to your customers
Style
You need to distinguish your company from your competitors. The easiest way to do this is through your coffee can packaging. You can use attractive artwork to create your own style. Use neon or metallic colors, varnishes, shaped pouches, and other distinctive measurements for your coffee packaging design. Focusing on consumer friendliness is also a good move. For instance, you can use the laser perforation method to make a more convenient opening for coffee bags.
Trial-Sized Packages
Modern coffee consumers are not that loyal to brands compared before. So they would want to try your coffee product first before buying bulk packages. Make sure that you create trial-sized packages to allow them to explore their options.
Conclusion
Before consumers can taste, smell, or see your product they have to purchase it. Focus on your coffee packaging and make it attractive, informative, and alluring to get more consumers. Hopefully, this guide was able to help you in creating a coffee package design that will be able to present your product’s identity well.
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