With every
purchase of Tiny Footprint Coffee,
the company of the same name makes a contribution toward the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation in
to plant trees that each remove up to 54lb of carbon from the environment. On
average, it takes 4 pounds of carbon to make 1 pound of coffee, so Tiny
Footprint calculates that each purchase tips the eco-balance 50lb toward the
positive side of the carbon scale.
The brand is
leveraging that aspect prominently on-package. The graphics design from Pocket Hercules clearly communicates
the Tiny Footprint story and its connection
to the coffee drinker -- how each purchase and each cup of Tiny Footprint allows the coffee drinker to help the environment
and the Mindo Cloud Forest.
The bag’s
three-ply, 5.6-mil, structure comprises kraft paper/foil/linear low-density
polyethylene. The package structure provides an oxygen barrier, while a one-way
valve protects the freshness and flavor.
The packaging
materials, from Pack Plus Converting
came about after the company had considered, tested, and subsequently ruled out
structures using polylactic acid (PLA) and glassine as not meeting the company’s
requirements to maintain product quality.
The company
looks ahead to further package development. “Our long-term goal is to use the
most enviro-friendly packaging, as it is developed, that meets our criteria,” said
company spokesperson Stephen Dupont.
The products
officially debuted in April after the company secured a distribution agreement
with Amazon.com. It is now seeking
to market the product in upscale grocery store retailers, organic food
retailers, food co-ops, and through food/beverage services serving businesses, Dupont
added.
Tiny Footprint Coffee is sold in
one-pound and three-pound bags, in whole beans and ground, at the company’s
site or at Amazon.com. Even the selection of the 16oz size is a sustainable
consideration compared to the industry standard 12oz bag. “Ultimately this will
cut down on waste for repeat users, and reduces the carbon footprint from the
production side,” Dupont explained.
