Innovative, more sustainable coffee packaging: Meeting consumer demand and regulatory challenges

What packaging trends are most relevant to the coffee industry?

Giorgio Dini: The coffee industry has traditionally been slower to embrace emerging packaging trends. There is now a growing realization among consumers about the significance of sustainability. Coffee brands have rightfully focused their sustainability efforts on the coffee itself, but now the packaging is coming more into focus. Coffee brands are increasingly looking at how to make their coffee packaging more environmentally friendly. Consumers today are seeking brands with strong environmental and ethical narratives. In packaging, they look for features like recyclability, reusability, and waste reduction. In the coming year, we can expect to see a stronger preference for brands that align with these more sustainable packaging trends. The regulatory aspect will also influence the speed of the transition to circularity in packaging.

How are Amcor's coffee packaging solutions responding to both consumer and regulatory pressures?

Giorgio Dini: Our coffee experts have developed innovative packaging solutions that not only meet the needs of consumers but also contribute to reducing environmental impact. One notable example is our AmPrima® Plus Recycle-Ready range for roast and ground coffee. This range offers consumers a more sustainable packaging option for their daily cup and is designed to be easily recycled in existing streams in Europe. It is versatile, accommodating various coffee pack formats and sizes.

By adopting our AmPrima® Plus for Coffee solution, brands can replace over 200 non-recyclable coffee packaging specifications currently in the market. This shift brings environmental benefits, including up to a 73% reduction in carbon footprint and an 85% reduction in water consumption.* Our AmPrima® for Coffee solution aligns with circularity guidelines outlined by CEFLEX, and holds the cyclos-HTP certification for real-world recyclability. Through these advancements, we aim to meet the demands of eco-conscious consumers while adhering to evolving regulatory standards, ensuring a more sustainable future for the coffee industry.

Our recent collaboration with our customer, Löfbergs, a leading coffee brand in the Nordics, is a perfect example. Together, we are reshaping the future of coffee packaging, creating a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach that benefits both consumers and the planet.

What makes coffee packaging unique? Are there any specific attributes to ensure it's properly packaged?

Giorgio Dini: Coffee packaging has distinct requirements to ensure the best product experience for coffee drinkers. It needs to have high barrier properties to preserve freshness. Both lock/seal and peel options are necessary to protect the taste and aroma of the coffee. Easy openings are essential for consumer convenience. And, of course, all of these attributes must be achieved while ensuring sustainability and recyclability. Fortunately, our AmPrima® range excels in meeting these requirements. It provides excellent shelf-life, preserves the flavor and aroma of coffee, has visual appeal, and runs efficiently on customers' existing packaging lines. It's designed to run at the same machine speeds as non-recyclable packaging, ensuring seamless integration into customers' existing production processes.

What about the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) content in coffee packaging? Is it an option?

Giorgio Dini: Yes. Not only is our AmPrima® Plus range for coffee recycle-ready, through the use of advanced recycled materials, Amcor’s AmFiniti™ solutions offer food-contact grade packaging that incorporates recycled content.

As the usage of PCR is set to rise in the coming years, we are making significant progress towards our goal of achieving 30% recycled material across our global portfolio by 2030. This commitment aligns with our vision for a more circular economy.

Together with our customers, we can create a more sustainable future where great coffee and responsible packaging go hand in hand.

*Based on an ASSET life-cycle assessment, using Amcor’s life-cycle assessment tool certified by the Carbon Trust.