Sudpack’s recyclable mono-material solutions for coffee packaging 

Sudpack, a manufacturer of high-performance films and packaging solutions for the food, non-food, and medical goods industries, has developed recyclable mono-material solutions for packaging coffee beans and ground coffee – offering an alternative to conventional PET/aluminum/PE composites. With professional LCA services and sustainable package printing, this family-owned company now offers a complete solution for coffee roasters.

The high-performance films, made from polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), are part of the Pure-Line product family and are true all-rounders. Whether processed into Flowpacks, stand-up pouches, or vacuum pouches, they meet the complex requirements that coffee roasters expect from a bespoke packaging concept: maximum protection, excellent processability, and, because of the ‘Made for Recycling’ certification, a sustainable alternative.

Superior product protection and performance

With their customized barrier properties and high opacity, Sudpack’s packaging solutions reliably protect premium coffee products – and their prized aromas – against UV radiation, oxygen, and water vapor, the company says. 

Due to Sudpack’s extensive expertise in co-extrusion technology and raw materials, these solutions meet the high expectations of this demanding customer group in terms of processing performance and packaging reliability: The films combine excellent sealing properties with high thermal resistance, good foldability, and strong puncture resistance. Mono-material valves based on PP or PE can be securely integrated via thermal or ultrasonic sealing using Sudpack’s proprietary sealing media. Sudpack’s mono-material solutions ensure stable and efficient performance on standard packaging machines – no loss of performance is expected when switching from conventional laminates. 

Holistic sustainability – without compromise

When developing its sustainable coffee packaging, Sudpack placed special emphasis on material efficiency and recyclability to offer a future-ready packaging concept that meets the requirements of the upcoming PPWR. The family-owned company – a member of the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) and holder of the rare Platinum status from EcoVadis – ranks among Germany’s most sustainable and innovative mid-sized enterprises. It is also a key driver of a functional circular economy in the films and packaging industry. 

Compared to a conventional PET/aluminum/PE packaging solution, a PP-based solution can reduce CO2e emissions by more than one-third, according to an internal screening LCA. Projections also indicate that, compared to a conventional packaging concept, material usage can be reduced by nearly 20% without compromising product protection. 

Additionally, according to internal calculations based on a scientifically defined evaluation method, a FlowPack PurePP can achieve approximately 90% recyclability, depending on the degree of printing. This means the material can be efficiently routed into recycling streams and reclaimed. Furthermore, switching the package printing process to Sudpack’s SPQ (Sustainable Print Quality) technology can further improve both the carbon footprint and recyclability in flexo and gravure printing processes. The standardized color palette minimizes color changes, ink waste, and solvent use – while at the same time boosting print quality and color brilliance.

Sudpack ensures the environmental compatibility of its solutions – from raw materials to end-of-life – through comprehensive life cycle assessments. This exclusive service is also available to Sudpack customers as a fact-based tool to support their decision-making.