The best design tips for decaf coffee packaging

The decaf coffee market is growing at a rapid rate, projected to be worth more than $30.14 billion by 2032. As a result, more coffee brands are launching decaf products. As they become more conscious of their caffeine intake, consumers are changing how they drink their coffee. Decaf coffee’s quality is increasing to accommodate that.

As the market grows, however, so does the competition. Roasters have to harness innovative decaf coffee packaging to help their product stand out against competitors.

To learn more, I spoke to Sam Pearce, Community Manager at Chimney Fire Coffee in Surrey, UK. He provided us with tips for designing decaf coffee packaging.

The importance of distinctive decaf coffee packaging

We know that decaf coffee is growing – but how can brands distinguish their non-caffeinated options from existing products? At Chimney Fire Coffee, Sam tells me they source sugarcane decaffeinated coffees.

This is where steamed green coffee is submerged in ethyl acetate, a compound found in sugarcane. It bonds with chlorogenic acid to separate caffeine from the coffee and is then filtered out. For Chimney Fire, it was important that consumers learn about this through its decaf coffee packaging.

“Of the four different packaging colours that denote different coffees in our range, our Natural Decaf Espresso is the only coffee that has one of its own,” Sam explains. “The burnt orange stands in contrast to the blue of our house espressos, helping customers and cafe clients understand that it is a distinctive coffee in its own right.”

Alongside other elements, such as a clear label indicating that the coffee is decaf alongside the roast date, colour can help to differentiate between products at a glance. It also directly influences visual perception, one of the sensory pathways through which consumers experience flavour. For decaf coffee, the challenge is to select colours that reflect brand identity but also resonate with the drink’s unique flavour profile.

As with all coffee consumers – especially millennials and Gen Z – decaf drinkers are also more likely to be loyal to brands that are transparent about their practices. Decaf coffee packaging, in particular, should be open about the coffee’s origin, flavour profile, and – most importantly – the decaffeination process.

“Certifications such as Swiss Water have helped to show that decaf doesn’t have to taste bad or be pumped full of nasty chemicals, “ Sam says. “Our decaf is from the EA/sugarcane process, so we are sure to provide as much explanation as possible about all the benefits of this method.”

Why is there a need for quality decaf coffee packaging?

The quality of decaf coffee products remains a key consideration for roasters. A 2023 study revealed that a drop in decaf revenue was in part due to lower-quality coffees on average across available products.

This is why high-quality decaf coffee packaging is crucial: it plays a key role in preserving its flavour, just as it does for caffeinated coffee. Decaf should be stored in airtight, opaque packages such as multilayer bags or Mylar. This protects it from external factors like oxygen, light, and moisture.

For Chimney Fire Coffee, this is essential for all of their packaging. “All our coffees are packaged using the same compostable materials – including our decaf – as there is very little difference between these beans and caffeinated ones,“ Sam says.

While Sam says Chimney Fire Coffee doesn’t roast differently for decaf, there are some roasters who adjust their profiles. In many cases, they degas them for slightly longer, to minimise astringency in the cup by allowing more CO2 to leave the coffee.

For that reason, decaf coffee packaging should always have one-way degassing valves for better results. These allow the CO2 to be safely released from the coffee without letting oxygen in. Resealable features like zippers also keep the coffee fresh for longer once it’s opened.

Interactive elements are also useful for decaf coffee packaging. Chimney Fire Coffee uses removable card inserts and QR codes on their bags. These encourage consumers to engage and learn about the story behind the coffee – as well as clearly communicate their sustainability efforts.

They did this “to reduce the need for design variations or single-use stickers, greatly reducing waste,” Sam says. With only four base design options to cover all ten of their regular coffees, plus special releases, the only new element to create for each is a business card-sized insert.

Making decaf coffee packaging appealing

One of the main objectives for decaf coffee is to attract as large an audience as possible. The proportion of decaf consumers aged 18 to 39 is increasing – so brands need to invest in packaging that appeals to younger demographics.

“We believe that decaffeinated coffee stands equal in flavour to our regular options,“ Sam explains. “Its packaging is designed to showcase this – featuring bold colours, large logos, and full tasting notes as with any other beans in our range.”

The packaging design process shouldn’t be limited to aesthetics only. More than ever, brand messaging around sustainability factors into consumers’ purchasing decisions. Chimney Fire Coffee has found what they believe to be the most sustainable option, which is industrially compostable packaging.

“This packaging blends ease of disposal where the majority of our customers live, with the strength to hold up to a kilogram of beans without the seams on the bags bursting,” Sam says. On the back of their packaging, they print instructions on how to dispose of the coffee bags. This puts sustainability and responsible disposal at the forefront of customers’ minds.

The creativity required to design engaging, sustainable decaf packaging is crucial for helping your products stand out. Our team at MTPak Coffee is always on hand to assist you in finding the perfect decaf packaging that aligns with your brand’s vision.

Our commitment to sustainability means we use eco-friendly materials, inks, and processes to create packaging that’s not only recyclable or compostable – but also effective in safeguarding the quality of your decaf coffee.

Get in touch with our team here to learn more.