Our Coffee Bags are Special

Who makes them

These bags are made by the team at TricorBraun Flex (formally Pacific Bag PBi). They are committed to reducing waste and supporting companies in implementing environmentally sustainable practices, with a special focus on the coffee industry. TricorBraun Flex have invested (and continue to invest) a lot of time, money and research into making packaging that is good for the product and planet. In our view, they are currently the best in the coffee packaging business and committed to finding better solutions to pack coffee better without compromising the quality of the beans inside.

Breaking it down

We have invested in the very latest technology and best version of the bags currently available on the market. They are called “Biotre 2.0”. Currently 60% of the bag is compostable as per ASTM conditions – which means that 60% of the bag will break down within 90 days in a healthy compost. Given enough time, the entire bag will biodegrade. TricorBraun Flex are currently in the R&D stage of creating a bag that’s 100% biodegradable, including the valve and tie. Rest assured that as soon as this is an option, we will be using it.

Keeping it fresh

We spend our time sourcing the most delicious coffee we can find, building connections with the people who grow and process it, and carefully roasting it so it tastes delicious for our lovely customers. We care about the coffee at every stage of the process, and that includes its packaging and storage in our shops and your home. For this reason, we did a lot of testing with these bags before swiching to them, and have designed them with a a one-way valve and an airtight seal.

Disposing your empty bag

Here’s how to dispose of your Market Lane Coffee bag thoughtfully: 

1. Remove the tin tie.
   This is super easy to do! It can be reused as a tie for other loose objects or bags, or given to the kids to mould into fun shapes.
    
2. Remove the valve on the back of the bag. 
   We have this valve there, because, after roasting, coffee releases CO2. This valve acts to let air out (but not in!) ensuring that the bag does not blow up, and the beans stay fresh. This valve is made from 100% renewable materials but not biodegradable (...yet! TricorBraun Flex are working on it!)
    
3. Remove the label.
   We are still looking into stock options for a fully biodegradable bag label. When we launched these bags,  main supplier in Europe had halted supply due to production issues. We are continuing to trial different stocks, and as soon as it is viable, we will switch to a biodegradable label stock.Discard or compost the bag.
    
4. The remaining bag material is biodegradable. You can pop it in the bin, knowing that when it reaches the landfill, it will break down, or, even better, you can compost the bag. If you’re composting at home, be sure to remove and discard the remains of the bag’s inner lining once the outer bag has broken down.

Looking ahead

We are thrilled to be using these more environmentally friendly bags and partnering with TricoBraun Flex, who are currently in the R&D stage of creating a bag that’s 100% biodegradable, including the valve and tie. Rest assured that as soon as this is an option, we will be using it. 
 

Learn more about Market Lane and all our sustainability actions.