For the first time, a coffee roaster has opted to start using Braskem’s I’m Green Polyethylene for its coffee packaging. The Dutch coffee refinery Peeze started replacing its fossil-based packaging with laminated packaging partially based on bio-polyethylene derived from sugar cane, in October 2016.
Peeze produces all its coffee on a CO2 neutral basis, and was the first to supply 100% certified coffee. The coffee roaster decided it was time to align its packaging strategy with its ideals of sustainable development, based on Braskem’s drop-in bio-PE, leading Braskem to “decide to serve this great coffee to its clients and visitors during K-2016 in Düsseldorf from October 19th until October 26 th at our booth (Hall 6/D27),” said Marco Jansen, Commercial Director Renewable Chemicals Europe & North America, Braskem Europe.
Peeze collaborated on the development and certification of the new packaging with biobased packaging expert Bio4Pack and packaging manufacturer Servo Artpack.
“Six years ago we started our search for a more sustainable way of packing our coffee beans. This was rather difficult because coffee is a sensitive product: for oxygen and moisture. Together with our partners, we can finally make a step with this bio-based foil. A step towards our ambition to have a circular business model” said Peeze managing director Timmo Terpstra.
Simply by replacing fossil-based PE with its sugar cane-derived counterpart significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the packaging, as well as the use of fossil resources. For every kg of I’m green Polyethylene Peeze uses, more than 4.5 kg of CO2 is saved.
Bio4Pack specializes in the development of sustainable packaging solutions “without compromising on quality compared to traditional packaging,” according to Patrick Gerritsen, CEO of Bio4Pack. Bio4Pack sees this kind of packaging as part of the playing an important role in the transition to a bio-based economy, and “a more sustainable world.”
