Chloe Zhang
In 2004, Folgers switched from using metal coffee cans to plastic canisters, marking an end to the use of metal cans that had been a staple for over 150 years. The switch was made to improve the consumer experience, with plastic containers offering a built-in handle, no need for a can opener, and a flavor-saving seal in the lid to preserve freshness. The new plastic canisters, known as \AromaSeal\, first hit the shelves in the fall of 2003 in a three-pound size, with other sizes following in the spring. The move towards plastic packaging was not without criticism, with some consumers expressing their preference for the traditional metal cans and concerns raised about the recyclability of the new plastic containers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of switch | 2003-2004 |
| Previous packaging | Metal coffee cans |
| Reason for switch | To provide a better experience for the consumer |
| New packaging | Plastic canisters with a seal in the lid |
| Plastic type | HDPE |
| Design features | Built-in handle, no need for a can opener, flavour-saving seal, easy-grip handle, stackable |
| Other benefits | Reusable, no sharp edges, preserves freshness and aroma |
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What You'll Learn
Folgers' switch to plastic in 2004
In 2004, Folgers switched from using metal coffee cans to plastic canisters. The switch marked the end of over 150 years of the brand's use of metal cans, which dated back to 1890 when James A Folger II began distributing coffee in large sacks, drums, and cans.
The new plastic AromaSeal canisters were introduced in the fall of 2003 in a three-pound size, with other sizes following in the spring. The canisters featured four panels divided by vertical "grooves", with an easy-grip handle, making the container easy to carry. Decoration on two of the panels included Folgers' sun and mountains graphic, with the words "AromaSeal canister helps keep it fresh". The third panel included a barcode and instructions for coffee makers, while the fourth panel featured a black low-density polyethylene overcap.
The switch to plastic was made for several reasons. Firstly, the plastic canisters had a built-in handle, meaning they were easier to carry and did not require a can opener. Secondly, the plastic containers featured a "flavor-saving" seal in the lid, preserving the freshness and aroma of the coffee. Lastly, the new canisters were stackable, making them easier to store and transport.
The switch to plastic by Folgers, a major coffee producer, was predicted to prompt a similar switch by other coffee makers. However, some consumers expressed ambivalence or dislike for the new plastic canisters, with some sharing stories about their families' uses for empty metal coffee cans.
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Plastic canisters' advantages
In 2004, Folgers switched from using metal coffee cans to plastic canisters, bringing an end to the use of the former which had been in place for over 150 years. The switch to plastic canisters brought about several advantages, including:
Ease of Handling
The plastic canisters are easier to handle than their metal counterparts. They are lightweight and have an easy-grip handle, making them convenient to pick up and carry. The absence of sharp edges further enhances their ease of use.
No Need for a Can Opener
Unlike metal cans, the plastic canisters do not require a can opener. Consumers can simply pull off the polyethylene overcap, eliminating the risk of sharp edges and providing a more convenient opening experience.
Built-in Handle
The plastic canisters feature a built-in handle, making them easier to hold and carry, especially when compared to metal cans without handles.
Flavor-Saving Seal
The plastic canisters are designed with a "flavor-saving" seal in the lid, also known as the AromaSeal. This seal helps preserve the freshness and aroma of the coffee by preventing oxygen from entering while allowing excess gas from the degassing process to escape.
Stackability
The plastic canisters are stackable, which helps save space during storage and transportation. This feature also contributes to a neater and more organized appearance on store shelves and in consumers' pantries.
Reusable and Multipurpose
While the primary purpose of the canisters is to store and sell coffee, they can also be reused by consumers for various activities and storage needs in their homes. This reusability aspect adds value and versatility to the product.
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Metal coffee cans' disadvantages
In 2003, after more than 150 years, Folgers announced it would be phasing out its metal coffee cans in favour of plastic canisters. The company completed the transition in 2004. The new "AromaSeal" canisters had several advantages over the metal cans, including a built-in handle, no need for a can opener, and a "flavour-saving" seal in the lid to preserve freshness and aroma.
While metal coffee cans have their benefits, they also have some disadvantages. Firstly, metal tins are more expensive to manufacture, transport, and store than plastic. They are also heavier than plastic, which can increase shipping costs and make them more difficult to handle for consumers. Additionally, if the lid of a metal coffee can becomes dented or corroded, it may no longer be airtight, allowing air to penetrate and reducing the quality and shelf life of the coffee.
Metal coffee cans also have limited design options compared to plastic. They cannot be moulded into various shapes and sizes in the same way as plastic, which may be more appealing to consumers. Plastic canisters can be designed with features such as easy-grip handles and stackable shapes, making them more convenient for consumers to carry, store, and reuse.
Another disadvantage of metal coffee cans is the potential for sharp edges, which can be a safety hazard. Plastic canisters, on the other hand, can be designed without sharp edges, making them safer and more comfortable for consumers to handle. Furthermore, the switch to plastic canisters eliminates the need for a can opener, providing added convenience and reducing the risk of injuries associated with sharp metal edges.
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Plastic containers' recyclability
In 2004, after more than 150 years, Folgers switched from metal coffee cans to plastic canisters. The new AromaSeal canisters were introduced in the fall of 2003 in the three-pound size, with other sizes following in the spring. The plastic canisters were designed to be easier to open, with no need for a can opener, and featured a built-in handle and a flavor-saving seal to preserve freshness and aroma.
While the switch to plastic by Folgers may have offered convenience and ease of handling to consumers, it is important to consider the environmental implications of plastic containers and their recyclability. Plastic containers can be made from various types of plastic, and their recyclability depends on several factors.
Firstly, different localities have different recycling programs, and not all types of plastic are accepted everywhere. It is essential to check with your local recycling program to understand what specific types of plastic they accept. For example, very few localities accept styrofoam in curbside recycling, and plastic utensils are generally not recyclable. Additionally, food debris on containers can render them unrecyclable, so it is crucial to rinse or scrape off any food residue before attempting to recycle plastic containers.
Another factor that affects recyclability is the type of plastic and the number of different plastics used in a single container. There are seven different types of plastic used worldwide, and not all of them are recyclable in all locations. Some plastics are easier to recycle than others, such as PET, which is the most widely recycled plastic globally. However, even if a type of plastic is technically recyclable, economic and technical barriers may prevent it from being recycled in practice. For example, some plastics may be too costly or difficult to separate and process, especially when they are mixed with other materials or contaminated by food.
To determine if a plastic container is recyclable, you can look for symbols or resin codes on the product's packaging. These codes indicate the type of plastic used and can help you check if your local recycling program accepts that particular type. Retail and grocery stores often accept certain materials for recycling, even if they are not suitable for household recycling bins.
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Coffee packaging innovations
Coffee packaging has come a long way, with innovations that enhance the coffee experience in terms of convenience, sustainability, and sensory enjoyment. In 2003, Folgers, a prominent coffee brand, made headlines by transitioning from metal cans to plastic canisters, marking a significant shift in the industry. This move sparked mixed reactions, with some consumers appreciating the new design, while others expressed their attachment to the traditional metal cans.
Folgers' Transition to Plastic:
Folgers, a longstanding coffee brand, made a notable change to their packaging in 2003, later completing the transition in 2004. They switched from using metal coffee cans, which had been their signature for over 150 years, to plastic canisters. This change brought about several advantages, including enhanced ease of use. The new plastic canisters featured built-in handles, eliminating the need for a can opener and reducing the risk of sharp edges. Additionally, the canisters incorporated a "flavor-saving" seal in the lid, designed to preserve the freshness and aroma of the coffee.
Innovation in Coffee Packaging:
The evolution of coffee packaging goes beyond the Folgers story. The coffee industry has embraced innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technology to enhance the coffee experience. One notable trend is the advent of smart packaging, which offers a multitude of benefits. Smart packaging aims to enhance functionality, improve consumer engagement, and extend product shelf life. This can include features such as colour-changing indicators of freshness, QR codes for traceability, and embedded sensors that monitor temperature and oxygen exposure, crucial factors in maintaining coffee quality.
Coffee packaging companies like MTPak Coffee are investing in digital printing technology, sustainable inks and dyes, and recyclable options. They offer custom printed coffee packaging, recognising that attractive design and convenience are key drivers of consumer purchase decisions. MTPak Coffee's PureLock® hermetic coffee packaging line is designed to protect roasted coffee beans from moisture, oxygen, direct light, heat, and other degrading factors, ensuring maximum protection and freshness.
Innovations in processing techniques, such as mechanical processors, have improved the efficiency and consistency of coffee bean processing, contributing to enhanced coffee quality. Ultrasonic processing, utilising ultrasonic waves, enhances flavour development and reduces processing time. Additionally, modern processing setups incorporate recirculating aqua systems and water treatment plants, minimising water wastage and promoting sustainability.
As the global demand for high-quality coffee continues to grow, these packaging and processing innovations play a pivotal role in meeting consumer expectations for freshness, convenience, and sustainability. The journey from bean to cup is constantly being refined, creating a brighter future for coffee enthusiasts and producers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Folgers switched to plastic in 2004.
Folgers switched to plastic after using metal cans for over 150 years. The company cited several advantages of the new plastic canisters, including ease of handling, built-in handles, no need for a can opener, and a "flavor-saving" seal in the lid to preserve freshness and aroma.
The new plastic canister is called the AromaSeal canister. It features a one-way valve that allows excess gas to escape while preventing oxygen from entering, thus preserving the freshness of the coffee.
Reactions to the switch were mixed. Some consumers liked the new design, citing ease of opening and the perception that it would keep the coffee fresher for longer. Others were ambivalent, while some expressed disappointment and a preference for the traditional metal cans.
