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Roastery storage
(pre-shipping or labeling)
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Whether you're launching a specialty coffee brand or upgrading your current packaging, choosing the right coffee pouch is essential. At EcoPackables, we offer high-performance, sustainable coffee pouches designed that protect freshness, communicate your brand, and reduce your environmental footprint.
This guide covers everything you need to know from barrier levels and degassing valves to compostable materials and customizable features so you can choose the right pouch for your beans and your business.
IN THIS GUIDE
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Why Use Coffee Pouches?
Coffee pouches are the preferred packaging format for roasters and brands looking to balance functionality, visual appeal, and sustainability. Compared to rigid containers or cans, pouches use less material and energy, and are easier to store and ship.
Benefits
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Preserve freshness
with oxygen and moisture barriers
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Reduce carbon footprint and cost
with lightweight, low-waste formats
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Customize your packaging
with matte/gloss finishes, windows, and add-ons
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Meet sustainability goals
with compostable and recyclable options
When Do You Need a Degassing Valve?
Degassing valves are a critical feature for freshly roasted coffee. Coffee beans naturally release CO₂ after roasting in a process called "off-gassing". If trapped, this gas can cause pouches to bloat or even burst.
What a Valve Does:
A one-way degassing valve allows CO₂ to escape without allowing oxygen in — preserving the coffee's flavor and aroma.
When to Use One:
✅ Freshly roasted whole beans — Always
⚠️ Ground coffee — If packed immediately post-roast
❌ Shelf-stabilized or stale coffee — Typically not needed
Understanding Barrier Levels
Protecting Coffee from Roast to Cup
Barrier levels determine how well your pouch protects against oxygen, moisture, and other environmental factors that degrade coffee. But barrier needs aren't just about how long a customer keeps the coffee. You need to protect your product through:
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Warehousing and fulfillment
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Transportation
(to retailers or consumers)
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Retail shelf life
(Which may range from days to months)
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Consumer storage after purchase
Each of these stages adds time and exposure risk. That's why choosing the right barrier is crucial — especially for specialty or high-end roasts where aroma and flavor are paramount.
Coffee Pouch Material Options
ReLaminate™ (Recyclable Laminate)
A mono-material laminate made from multiple layers of recycled and virgin polyethylene (PE), designed to be recyclable through store drop-off programs (where accepted).
- Mono-material structure allows for easier recycling
- Inner layer is virgin material to ensure direct food contact compliance
- Outer and barrier layers may include recycled PE content
- Good oxygen and moisture barrier, suitable for most shelf lives
BioLaminate™ (Post-Consumer Recycled)
BioLaminate™ is made from virgin, plant-based PE derived from renewable sugarcane feedstock — offering the performance of conventional plastic with a reduced carbon footprint.
- Chemically identical to fossil-based polyethylene
- Derived from renewable, bio-based resources (sugarcane)
- Mono-material structure is fully compatible with existing recycling streams
- Excellent barrier suitable for most shelf lives
Compostable Laminate
Made from renewable, plant-based materials like PLA and cellulose, this structure is certified compostable in commercial facilities.
- Compostable where industrial composting is available
- Medium to high barrier, depending on layering
- Naturally matte, kraft-like texture
- Perfect for shorter shelf-life or small-batch products with strong sustainability messaging
Features to Customize Your Coffee Pouch
Your pouch can be built around the user experience and visual presentation you want to offer. These add-ons can boost both function and appeal:
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One-Way Degassing Valve
Releases CO₂ without letting oxygen in
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Resealable Zipper
Extends freshness after opening
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Tin Tie
Classic coffee bag look; easy to reseal
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Transparent Window
Lets customers see the roast or grind
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Tear Notch
Clean and easy opening
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Hang Hole
Shelf-ready retail display option
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Matte / Gloss Finish
Customizable texture and brand feel
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Bottom or Side Gusset
Helps pouches stand up or expand for fill volume
Coffee Pouch Styles
We offer a variety of formats tailored to your filling system, display goals, and customer experience:
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Stand-Up Pouches
Most popular for retail and DTC. These feature a bottom gusset that allows them to stand upright and look great on shelves.
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Side-Gusseted Bags
A classic coffee format. These bags are narrow and tall, with side gussets that expand as the pouch fills.
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Flat Bottom Pouches
A premium, box-like pouch that offers excellent stability, with five printable panels for maximum branding.
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Rollstock Film
For brands with form-fill-seal machinery, we provide sustainable rollstock compatible with high-speed automation.
Choosing the Right Size
Here's a quick reference to help you select the right format based on your fill weight:
| Bag Size | Volume (ml) | Whole Bean Weight | Ground Coffee Weight | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 oz | 118 ml | ~100–120 g | ~85–100 g | Sample packs, trial sizes, gift boxes |
| 6 oz | 177 ml | ~150–170 g | ~130–150 g | Specialty microlots, subscriptions, seasonal blends |
| 8 oz | 236 ml | ~200–227 g | ~180–200 g | Mid-size bags, curated sets, half-pound offerings |
| 12 oz | 355 ml | ~300–340 g | ~250–300 g | Most common retail size for DTC and coffee shops |
| 16 oz (1 lb) | 473 ml | ~450–500 g | ~400–450 g | Standard 1 lb bags, grocery shelves, subscriptions |
| 2 lb | 907 ml | ~900–1000 g | ~850–950 g | Wholesale, foodservice, cafés and bulk buyers |
We also support custom sizing for exact weights and fill densities.
Ready to Elevate Your Coffee Packaging?
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