CJ found that the phenomenon of excess packaging started in the early nineties, and is only recently being recognized as an environmental hazard. Biodegradable packaging, in particular, has become one of the most effective marketing tools. The continuing trend will be aimed at the use of flexible film, a unique, high performance product, made from renewable resources.

In the business of coffee, there is primary packaging – what the retailers see – and then there is secondary packaging – the crates, bags and pallets – that bring the raw material for processing to our roaster. Realizing the scope of the problem, Pistol&BURNES started with one pound bags of coffee. They are one of the few totally compostable bags on the coffee market. We researched very carefully and decided to go with NatureFlex.

It uses ‘waste to energy’, supporting the re-routeing of organic wastes from landfill.

In addition, coffee companies such as ours have a recycling routine to take away all excess plastics, bins, pallet wrap, foils and film, paper, wrapping, and secondary packaging. Green bean hemp bags are picked up and reused by suppliers of plumbing and machinery parts – they use them to store and carry large items instead of cardboard.

The landfill must be a final option – reduce waste first, then reuse whenever possible, and as a last resort, recycle.