In the US, Bequest Coffee Roasters has developed a method of reducing packaging waste in the coffee supply chain, while preserving the freshness of single-origin beans. Speaking to PackagingInsights about the packaging’s role in a more circular economy is William Ruiz, developer of the Connecticut-based artisanal roasting start-up’s “Close the Loop” system. 

When consumers are ready to return their empty plastic jars, they can request a prepaid shipping label and instructions on how to Close the Loop. The system converts their deposits (US$2.50 for one jar) into credits for their next purchase.

With retail bean sales higher as the global community continues to work from home, this method can make a significant impact, Ruiz notes.

“With the way we designed the business model, scaling up is very beneficial both for the business and for our environment,” he comments. “From the product side, the turnover in inventory keeps our beans fresh and keeps us at the roasters regularly.”

“From the packaging end, sending back our packaging at little to no cost to our customers keeps us from needing to buy more plastic jars.”

But one key potential challenge will be shipping costs, he concedes. “If these continue to rise, then it may force us to reposition our model.”

Selecting the right material
Landfill waste continues to pile up in the millions of tons, especially after supply chains disruptions due to COVID-19. Meanwhile, China’s decision to no longer be a dumping ground for plastic waste has placed additional pressure on waste management.Landfill waste continues to pie up in the millions of tons, particularly due to supply chain disruptions during COVID-19.

When selecting the right material for this reusable model, glass jars were initially considered. However, this format presented a major challenge with shipping, particularly considering how easily glass breaks.

“Being heavier, shipping costs of glass were through the roof,” says Ruiz. “The plastic jars are incredibly durable, and since coffee is a dry product, we dont need to worry about the plastics degrading.”

“We are using the fact that plastic takes hundreds of years to decompose as an asset rather than a liability to the environment,” he adds. “With shipping, we stick to paper bags for local deliveries and biodegradable shipping bags for shipped orders.”

“The corn-based shipping mailers are definitely more costly, but its our responsibility to deliver on our mission.”

Expanding single origin horizons
Bequest plans to expand its coffee single origins to a handful of more countries like Colombia, Indonesia and Peru.

“As for the Close the Loop system, we are working to automate sections of the process for efficiency,” details Ruiz.

“When it comes to growing geographically, I think shipping costs present the greatest challenge. To stay economically sustainable, we may arrive at a point wher we would like to establish hubs throughout the country to keep shipping costs and time down.”Bequest plans to expand its coffee single origins to a handful of more countries like Colombia, Indonesia and Peru.

“It doesn’t just end at sale”
Businesses are responsible for their products, and that includes packaging, Ruiz stresses. Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for packaging are widely regarded as crucial to combating increasing levels of waste and pollution.

“I’ve been following companies and the whole corporate social responsibility wave,” he remarks. “I think its amazing what certain companies are committing to out there.”

“But one of the most basic responsibilities as a company is the carbon footprint your products leave, and it doesn’t just end after the sale. After 100 years pass and a faded Coca-Cola bottle shows up at the local beach, who is liable?”

Ruiz believes companies can get creative by incentivizing their consumers. “Maybe its not the sexiest corporate social responsibility program, but it can be. As consumers, we have a choice of which kinds of companies we choose to support by purchasing a product over another.”

“There are many companies out there providing similar socially conscious added values to typical products like laundry detergent or bathroom products.”

Circularity and reusability are underlying targets of recently spearheaded initiatives by industry giants PepsiCo, Tesco and McDonalds.