Aegg was recently asked to write an article aimed at cafe and coffee house retailers, providing advice on the sustainable packaging options available for these types of venues. Here is our article:
Packaging companies, such as Aegg Creative Packaging, are very aware of how sustainable their packaging needs to be. Consumers are increasingly seeking out brands that prioritise sustainability, driving the need for innovative packaging solutions that are both eco-friendly and functional.
In a July 2023 study of 2,000 UK adults aged 18+, compiled by Deloitte, a quarter of these consumers were prepared to pay more for sustainability. Plus, sustainable packaging and products, and reducing waste, were cited as the two practices consumers value the most. So, it makes sense from a business and ethical point of view to provide more sustainable packaging.
Not only is sustainable packaging important from your customer's point of view; but packaging also has a part to play in extending the shelf life of your products, such as sandwiches, thus helping to minimise food waste, as well as protecting the food.
So, what options are there for cafes or coffee houses to provide sustainable packaging? From offering reusable branded coffee cups to compostable sandwich packaging and recyclable salad boxes to dessert pots, there are a myriad of sustainable options to consider!
So, we have put together a checklist of items for cafes or coffee houses to consider when choosing sustainable packaging from your suppliers:
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Choose the Right Packaging Materials
Look at which materials have been used to create the packaging. For example, there are many types of plastic that can be used to create salad bowls; some are more recyclable than others. The most widely recycled plastic is PET, the material commonly used to create drink bottles, and can be made into new products once recycled. According to the British Plastics Federation, plastic food packaging is one of the most important contributors to protecting food from spoiling. Food waste has a significantly higher environmental impact, particularly in the form of its carbon footprint, than packaging waste.
PET heritage pot, from Aegg -
Recycled Food-Grade Packaging
Recycled (and recyclable!) food-grade plastic packaging is growing in demand, which can be found in salad bowls and individual serve dessert or starter pots. The UK Government introduced the Plastics Packaging Tax in 2022 (read our 2024 plastics packaging tax guide here), where a tax is applied to suppliers on packaging that does not contain at least 30% recycled plastic. Therefore, packaging including 30% or more recycled materials such as rPET and rPP are exempt from the tax. rPET can handle temperatures up to 55C and down to -20c, so can be used for ambient, chiller and even frozen foods.
Image: rPET tulip bowl from Aegg, made with food-grade recycled PET -
Right Weighted Packaging
Ask your supplier whether they supply ‘right weighted’ packaging, reducing the overall amount and weight of the packaging, without compromising the functionality. This can be applied to plastic items, reducing both the cost and tax liability. Glass packaging can also be right weighted, reducing the carbon footprint from the lighter loads when being transported as well as reducing the amount of material used when manufacturing the product.
Image: Lighter Yenice spirit bottle -
Glass Packaging
Glass is a good option for drinks, or food items such as single-serve desserts in glass ramekins. Glass is infinitely recyclable, as well as reusable and refillable – reducing waste and saving natural resources.
Image: glass ramekins from Aegg -
Sustainable Paperboard
Look for sandwich containers made from sustainable paperboard, where the window is made from compostable bioplastic. Paper or card sandwich packets can generally be recycled as long as they don’t have lots of food stuck to them. Ideally, the window should be removed before being put into recycling. -
Compostable Packaging
There are two types: Home compostable packaging, which can go in home compost heaps. This packaging is made of components and materials that fully decompose into the soil. Or industrially compostable plastics (for example, some food caddy liners) which need to go into a food caddy for composting – not everyone has this option, so it is best to check with your local authority. Compostable plastics should not be put in with the plastic recycling as they can’t be recycled in the same way. -
Bamboo Cutlery
For cutlery, bamboo is a good option, ideally FSC® Certified, as it is compostable and biodegradable, which means it doesn’t contribute to wider environmental degradation. It is worth noting that PLA cutlery is not home compostable and does not break down as effectively in landfills or the environment. -
Reusable Cups
Disposable or single-use coffee cups have a plastic liner, so they are not normally accepted in household recycling collection schemes. However, according to Recycle Now, they can be recycled in food and drink cartons banks at some Recycling Centres. You might also want to offer a discount to your customers for taking along their own reusable cups.
Richard Drayson, Sales & Marketing Director at Aegg Creative Packaging, a dedicated food and drink packaging supplier, added “the ideal packaging is where both sustainable and functional needs are met. There are so many options when choosing which sustainable packaging options are right for your café or coffee house. Do your research and speak to the supplier about the most appropriate options for your business – they will be able to give you specific advice.”
Summary for Cafe Packaging Options
In summary, there are a wide range of options to think about when choosing sustainable packaging, which can get complicated. However, you know your customers better than anyone else, so do your research, speak to suppliers and choose what is right for your business and your customers – it may be quite different to another coffee shop in the same high street, for example! Also, don’t forget to share your sustainable packaging credentials with your customers, whether that is through your café/ coffee shop signage, or on your socials – it may well be one of the deciding factors for your customers to buy from you, rather than from your competitors!
This article was compiled by Aegg Creative Packaging, packaging partners to food and drink manufacturers as well as food outlets across the UK.
Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your packaging requirements
