Japan paper firms launches high function barrier paper packaging

Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. has partnered with packaging specialist GeoPack Co., Ltd. to supply paper-based coffee packaging for Tokyo-based coffee brand BERTH COFFEE. Their “FutureBio Bag” uses a high-barrier functional paper substrate to replace conventional plastic foil laminates while incorporating biodegradable materials for end-of-life composting.

The new packaging incorporates Nippon Paper’s SHIELDPLUS®, a 100 per cent wood-derived paper substrate treated with a water-based coating that provides protection against oxygen degradation and flavour loss. To maintain bean freshness without relying on synthetic plastic foils, the bag pairs this functional paper outer layer with a biodegradable resin inner lining and zipper closure. The self-standing, flat-bottom structure is engineered to remain under three centimetres in thickness when packed, enabling postal delivery via Click Post dispatch services and streamlining handling for online retail orders.

To reflect the natural landscapes of coffee-producing regions, GeoPack applies water-based inkjet digital printing to produce four distinct abstract designs depicting mountain sunlight and river streams. BERTH COFFEE selected the packaging to as part of its ethical efforts. The coffee retailer also reinvests 6 per cent of its sales from El Salvador coffee into local farm equipment. Thay have even eliminated single-use plastic straws and lids across its cafes.

On the challenges of household organic waste processing, BERTH COFFEE is establishing a take-back mechanism that allows customers to return used coffee bags directly to its roastery for centralised composting. Integrating wood-derived renewable substrates, low-impact digital printing, and a dedicated collection route allows them to put raw material supply, packaging design, consumer use, and post-consumption resource recovery into a closed loop.

Preserving roasted coffee beans as always been a challenge for sustainable packaging due to strict oxygen and moisture barrier requirements. Usually multi-layer plastic and foil laminates are required to meet these requirements. The adoption of SHIELDPLUS® can help overcome that barrier.

The FutureBio Bag has been adopted for BERTH COFFEE’s specialty coffee beans since September 2026.