Top 10 sustainable RTD coffee brands by packaging and sourcing

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Written by Robert Gultig

10 May 2025

Introduction

Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee has become a popular choice for consumers looking for convenience and a quick caffeine fix on the go. However, as sustainability becomes a growing concern in today’s world, more and more coffee brands are focusing on eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing practices. In this report, we will explore the top 10 sustainable RTD coffee brands based on their packaging and sourcing efforts.

1. Starbucks

Packaging:

Starbucks has been a leader in sustainable packaging practices, with a goal to make its cups recyclable or compostable by 2022. The company also offers a range of RTD coffee products in recyclable glass bottles and aluminum cans, which are widely accepted for recycling.

Sourcing:

Starbucks is committed to ethically sourcing its coffee beans through its Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices program. This ensures that farmers are paid fair wages and work in safe conditions, while also promoting environmental sustainability.

2. Blue Bottle Coffee

Packaging:

Blue Bottle Coffee is known for its minimalist and sustainable packaging, using compostable materials for its RTD coffee products. The company also encourages customers to bring their own reusable cups to reduce waste.

Sourcing:

Blue Bottle Coffee sources its beans from sustainable and environmentally conscious farms, supporting small-scale farmers and promoting biodiversity in coffee-growing regions.

3. Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Packaging:

Stumptown Coffee Roasters offers RTD coffee in recyclable glass bottles and cans, with a focus on reducing plastic waste. The company also uses eco-friendly packaging materials for shipping its products.

Sourcing:

Stumptown Coffee Roasters is dedicated to sourcing high-quality beans from sustainable farms, supporting fair trade practices and environmental stewardship in the coffee industry.

4. La Colombe Coffee Roasters

Packaging:

La Colombe Coffee Roasters uses recyclable Tetra Pak cartons for its RTD coffee products, which are made from renewable materials and are easily recyclable. The company also offers a subscription service to encourage customers to return and recycle their cartons.

Sourcing:

La Colombe Coffee Roasters sources its beans from sustainable farms around the world, investing in social impact projects and promoting transparency in its supply chain.

5. RISE Brewing Co.

Packaging:

RISE Brewing Co. uses recyclable aluminum cans for its nitro cold brew coffee products, which are lightweight and easily recyclable. The company also offers a refill program for customers to return and reuse their cans.

Sourcing:

RISE Brewing Co. sources organic and fair trade beans for its cold brew coffee, supporting sustainable farming practices and ethical labor standards in the coffee industry.

6. Kohana Coffee

Packaging:

Kohana Coffee offers RTD coffee in glass bottles, which are recyclable and reusable. The company also uses minimal packaging to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Sourcing:

Kohana Coffee sources its beans from organic and fair trade farms, ensuring that farmers are paid fair prices and that environmental standards are met in the coffee supply chain.

7. Califia Farms

Packaging:

Califia Farms uses plant-based plastic bottles for its RTD coffee products, which are made from renewable resources and are fully recyclable. The company also offers bulk packaging options to reduce single-use plastic waste.

Sourcing:

Califia Farms sources its beans from sustainable and Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, supporting environmental conservation and social responsibility in the coffee industry.

8. High Brew Coffee

Packaging:

High Brew Coffee offers RTD coffee in recyclable aluminum cans, which are lightweight and easily recyclable. The company also uses eco-friendly packaging materials for shipping its products.

Sourcing:

High Brew Coffee sources its beans from Rainforest Alliance Certified farms, supporting sustainable farming practices and ethical labor standards in the coffee supply chain.

9. Copper Cow Coffee

Packaging:

Copper Cow Coffee offers RTD Vietnamese coffee in compostable packaging, made from plant-based materials that break down easily in the environment. The company also offers a subscription service to encourage customers to return and recycle their packaging.

Sourcing:

Copper Cow Coffee sources its beans from sustainable farms in Vietnam, supporting local communities and promoting biodiversity in coffee-growing regions.

10. JoeFroyo

Packaging:

JoeFroyo offers RTD coffee in recyclable plastic bottles, which are widely accepted for recycling. The company also uses eco-friendly packaging materials for shipping its products.

Sourcing:

JoeFroyo sources its beans from sustainable and fair trade farms, supporting ethical labor practices and environmental sustainability in the coffee industry.
In conclusion, these top 10 sustainable RTD coffee brands are leading the way in eco-friendly packaging and responsible sourcing practices, setting a positive example for the coffee industry as a whole. By choosing these brands, consumers can enjoy their favorite coffee beverages while knowing that they are supporting companies that care about the planet and the people who produce their coffee.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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