Fresh coffee through optimal storage
We are often asked why our packaging is made of (recyclable) plastic - here comes the answer and interesting information why this is currently the most sustainable solution.
It keeps fresh better and longer
Plastic packaging is a good way to keep coffee fresh for longer. We deliberately chose a solution with a valve on the back: this allows the freshly roasted coffee to degas, but retains its full flavour potential. In addition, we prevent the bag from bursting open.
We recommend that you always keep your coffee in its original packaging: Moving the coffee to another storage option is no guarantee that the coffee will not take on the smell of what was previously in the storage unit.
Cans with a valve
Fellow (and of course other suppliers) now have great storage tins that create a vacuum inside, keeping the coffee fresh for longer.
Tip: Don't store your coffee in the fridge - room temperature is perfectly fine. What does work, though, even if it may come as a surprise at first glance: coffee can be frozen! If you are interested in this topic, you can find more information on our blog!
One more hint, if you don't already have a coffee grinder to your left: For even more freshness and complexity in the flavour profile, we recommend buying whole coffee beans. Not only is the coffee fresher, you'll be blown away by the incredible coffee smell as you brew! Again, we already have a great blog article online where you can learn more about freshly ground coffee!
If you want to avoid plastic or paper altogether, you can of course just drop by one of our cafés and enjoy the freshly brewed coffee right on the spot - unbeatable freshness and quality guaranteed!
100% biodegradable or compostable packaging does not yet exist
A lot of money has been - and is being - invested in researching 100% degradable or compostable plastic packaging. Substances are being sought that can function as an alternative to petroleum and, in the best case, can be disposed of in organic waste.
Experiments are being conducted with various natural substances from corn starch, sugar cane, cellulose and wood pulp as well as various other forms of organic substances. Often, although the majority of the packaging can already be biodegraded, a small remainder consists of non-biodegradable layers or materials, such as degassing valves and closure systems, which must be removed and placed separately in the appropriate bin.
Bio-film is not derived from petroleum and is therefore definitely better than comparable other plastic films, but more research needs to be done on the decomposition process.
In the composting plant, "compostable" plastic does not become valuable compost. The decomposition process takes too long for that. According to the Euro standard, "compostable" plastic bags should have decomposed after twelve weeks. But only at least 90%. And in pieces smaller than two millimetres. After six months, 90 per cent of the bag must have completely disappeared.
The composting plant sells the finished compost after 4-5 weeks, but that is tightly calculated: Because most bio-plastics do not decompose into valuable humus - but into water and CO2. Even the Federal Environment Agency therefore recommends not composting compostable plastic bags (not even on the compost in your own garden) - but disposing of them in the residual waste. When incinerated in a combined heat and power plant, the bags at least still serve to generate energy.
Conclusion: Currently there is no solution that is 100% biodegradable, so all plastic bags must be disposed of in the residual waste. We look forward to the future!
Recycling as n in between solution
When looking for a solution, it is difficult to divide the materials used into black and white. In some cases composting may be the better option, in others recycling. This depends entirely on the composition of the components of the packaging.
Even brown kraft paper bags are usually coated with aluminium or plastic on the inside and only look sustainable from the outside, but due to the composite material they cannot be recycled and have to go into the residual waste.
Let's take a closer look at the plastic packaging we use for our coffees: The individual components of a coffee bag can be usefully reused in various industries through recycling. Another big advantage of plastic over paper is that this packaging is only half as heavy with the same tear strength and protects our brown gold better.
For the really big coffee drinkers among you: We also sell 1000g coffee bags for a reduction in packaging and increase in beans ;)