The Case for Bringing Back Metal Coffee Cans

Allen Glines
2 min readJan 28, 2024

In recent years, the coffee industry has largely shifted to using plastic containers or composite materials for packaging. However, there’s a growing movement advocating for the return of metal coffee cans. These classic containers, once a staple in households, offer several benefits that modern packaging solutions can’t match.

Durability and Protection

Metal coffee cans are renowned for their durability. Unlike plastic, they are less prone to cracking or damage. This robustness ensures that the coffee inside is well-protected from external elements like air, moisture, and light, which can degrade the quality of the coffee.

Sustainability and Recycling

One of the most compelling arguments for metal cans is their sustainability. Metal is far more recyclable than most plastics. In fact, steel, commonly used for coffee cans, is one of the most recycled materials on the planet. By reverting to metal packaging, the coffee industry can significantly reduce its environmental footprint.

Aesthetic and Nostalgia

There’s an undeniable aesthetic appeal to metal coffee cans. They evoke a sense of nostalgia and tradition, harking back to a time when packaging was both functional and attractive. For many consumers, the classic design of a metal coffee can…

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