# Plastic-Free Coffee Companies Alpaca Coffee Tackles the Industry's Plastic Pollution Problem By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-04-17 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plastic-free-coffee References: [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/alpacacoffee/alpaca-coffee-100-plastic-free-coffee?ref=section-food-craft-explore-module-drinks) Millions of tons of plastic packaging waste is generated from the coffee industry and Alpaca Coffee is on a mission to decrease this staggering number as a 100% plastic-free coffee company. The company's plastic-free coffee bags are plant-based, made from completely renewable natural resources and fully compostable—including everything from the lining to the zipper closure. The material that Alpaca Coffee works with is called [NatureFlex](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vikings-goddesses-pie-company) and it's made from wood pulp, which means it's heat sealable and permeable against moisture. In its [compostable, plastic-free bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/echo-pads), Alpaca Coffee shares single-origin South American coffees that are roasted in the UK. The company is currently crowdfunding on [Kickstarter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coffee-carriers) and sharing plastic-free perks with backers like limited-edition KeepCups. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.3/10 - Popularity: 78% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Plastic-free Packaging:** As the coffee industry faces increasing scrutiny on its contribution to plastic pollution, brands should invest in plastic-free packaging as a selling point and competitive advantage. - **Sustainable Materials:** Using renewable natural resources and sustainable materials like wood pulp can position coffee companies as leaders in environmentally-conscious innovation. - **Crowdfunding for Sustainable Initiatives:** Crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter can be used to promote and support sustainable initiatives like Alpaca Coffee's plastic-free efforts. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Coffee:** The coffee industry can differentiate itself by investing in sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices, as demonstrated by Alpaca Coffee. - **Packaging:** As more businesses seek out plastic-free and compostable packaging solutions, there is a disruptive opportunity for innovative materials and production methods to emerge. - **Crowdfunding:** The crowdfunding industry can become increasingly focused on promoting and supporting sustainable initiatives and products as consumer awareness and demand for eco-friendly options grows. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Compostable Instant Coffee Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natureworks.md) - [Recyclable Coffee Packagings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tanuii-coffee.md) - [Recyclable Aluminum Coffee Pods](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recyclable-aluminum-coffee-pods.md) - [Sustainable Product Packaging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paperbased-solution.md) - [Compostable Single-Serve Coffee Packs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-singleserve-coffee.md) - [Refillable Coffee Pouches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nescafe.md) - [Sustainable Coffee Product Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-coffee1.md) - [Sustainable Coffee Lid Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zume.md) - [Regenerative Coffee Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holistic-roaster.md)