Millions of tons of plastic packaging waste is generated from the coffee industry and Alpaca Coffee is on a mission to decrease this staggering number as a 100% plastic-free coffee company. The company's plastic-free coffee bags are plant-based, made from completely renewable natural resources and fully compostable—including everything from the lining to the zipper closure. The material that Alpaca Coffee works with is called NatureFlex and it's made from wood pulp, which means it's heat sealable and permeable against moisture.
In its compostable, plastic-free bags, Alpaca Coffee shares single-origin South American coffees that are roasted in the UK. The company is currently crowdfunding on Kickstarter and sharing plastic-free perks with backers like limited-edition KeepCups.
Plastic-Free Coffee Companies
Alpaca Coffee Tackles the Industry's Plastic Pollution Problem
Trend Themes
1. Plastic-free Packaging - As the coffee industry faces increasing scrutiny on its contribution to plastic pollution, brands should invest in plastic-free packaging as a selling point and competitive advantage.
2. Sustainable Materials - Using renewable natural resources and sustainable materials like wood pulp can position coffee companies as leaders in environmentally-conscious innovation.
3. Crowdfunding for Sustainable Initiatives - Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter can be used to promote and support sustainable initiatives like Alpaca Coffee's plastic-free efforts.
Industry Implications
1. Coffee - The coffee industry can differentiate itself by investing in sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, as demonstrated by Alpaca Coffee.
2. Packaging - As more businesses seek out plastic-free and compostable packaging solutions, there is a disruptive opportunity for innovative materials and production methods to emerge.
3. Crowdfunding - The crowdfunding industry can become increasingly focused on promoting and supporting sustainable initiatives and products as consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly options grows.