5 creative ways to make your coffee packaging stand out

5 creative ways to make your coffee packaging stand out

In cafés and roasteries, there's no shortage of choice. Your coffee packaging bags need to stand out at a glance and stop customers in their tracks. Smart design and thoughtful details can turn casual shoppers into loyal buyers. Here are five ways to make sure your packaging holds its own.

1. Get bold with colour and design

Colour psychology is powerful. Deep earthy tones whisper "authentic and grounded," while bright, saturated hues shout "modern and energetic." Whichever direction you choose, make it intentional and consistent with your brand identity.

Box-bottom coffee packaging bags with bold colour blocking can make your range instantly recognisable on crowded shelves. Or, if your brand identity leans eco-friendly, consider kraft-style or recycled-look finishes with matte textures, such as those used on our eco-friendly Earth bags.

Typography deserves attention, too. Serif fonts suggest tradition and craft, while sans-serif fonts give a modern, minimal look. We offer custom printing options and can handle design services to help shape your brand appearance and product messaging.

2. Bring your values to the surface

Shoppers want to know what's behind the brand. If your business is built on community, sustainability, or artisan craft, let that shine through in your packaging choices.

We offer a range of eco-friendly products, including soft plastic recyclable, compostable, and other earth-conscious packaging that align with brand values. When your packaging feels authentic, it builds trust. And when the values show through, customers feel like they're part of something bigger than just a bag of coffee.

3. Use photography

Strong photography doesn't just show your product, it creates a lifestyle around it. Think shots of your bags in a café setting, beans being ground, or the perfect pour into a mug. These images are gold for your website and social media because they tap into the comfort, energy, and ritual people associate with coffee. The right photos can make customers want to be part of that moment.

4. Add smart features

Looks may draw customers in, but performance is what keeps them coming back. Coffee needs freshness, and the right features make all the difference.

Consider these upgrades:

  • Resealable zippers to lock in aroma after the first scoop
  • Degassing valves to release natural CO₂ without letting oxygen sneak in
  • Box-bottom bases so bags stand tall and display well
  • Hang holes for retailers who prefer vertical display

Think beyond storage, too. Smaller pack sizes can attract trial buyers, while larger bulk options keep serious coffee drinkers stocked. Limited-edition runs or seasonal blends can be given special packaging treatments to make them feel collectible. These details may seem small, but to the customer juggling bags in a pantry, they signal quality and care.

5. Learn from your competition

The coffee market in Australia is as crowded as ever. One of the simplest (and most overlooked) strategies is to actually study the competition.

Check the basics first:

  • What sizes and weights do they offer?
  • How are they priced compared to you?
  • What features are standard versus premium?

But don't stop there. Pay attention to design trends. Are shelves dominated by dark, moody bags? Are others pushing origin stories? Maybe your point of difference is convenience or lifestyle. Once you know the lay of the land, you can position your coffee packaging bags in Australia more strategically.

Get involved

The best packaging doesn't just sit on a shelf; it earns its place in a customer's home.

For coffee packaging bags, that means combining design with function in a way that feels authentic, practical, and distinctly yours. Contact us online today to enquire about our custom printing options and start creating packaging that's made for your brand.

Got an idea for custom packaging that you'd like us to bring to life?

Enquire now