Sponsored: Why use carton packaging for RTD coffee?
Credit: Tetra Pak
The ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee market is set for strong growth in the coming years, driven by younger, lifestyle-focused consumers who prioritise convenience, sustainability, and quality. 1,2
In this competitive landscape, packaging is no longer just a container; it’s a strategic tool that influences purchasing decisions, builds brand loyalty and safeguards product quality.
For you as a brand owner, this category offers exciting opportunities, but also serious challenges. The supermarket shelves are already crowded, making it harder than ever to stand out. That’s why packaging has become a decisive factor in differentiation, helping you capture attention while delivering the convenience younger consumers crave.
Find out how Tetra Pak® can power your growth in the RTD coffee category.
Convenience that matches modern lifestyles
For Gen Z and Millennials, convenience is non-negotiable. They live busy, on-the-go lives and want products that slot seamlessly into their daily routines. RTD coffee already delivers the quick energy boost they seek, but packaging also plays a critical role in how easily they can access it.
Our cartons are safe, lightweight, and easy to carry. Perfect for commuters, students, and professionals, they offer stress-free enjoyment wherever life takes your consumers. With resealable caps, they prevent leaks or spills, making coffee both portable and reliable.
Convenience also extends to e-commerce, one of the fastest-growing channels. With online beverage sales expanding at a 16% CAGR (2021–2028), packaging must be tough enough to withstand shipping while remaining lightweight to keep costs down.1 Our cartons deliver robustness without weight or bulk, ensuring your beverages arrive in good condition.
Sustainability – a key consideration for modern consumers
Adopting sustainable packaging is no longer just about reducing environmental impact; it’s about building trust with consumers who actively demand responsible products. Research shows that 64% of today’s consumers are willing to pay more for RTD coffee featuring sustainable production claims, while 44% prioritise eco-friendly packaging in their purchasing decisions. 2,3
Made primarily from paperboard and available with bio-based caps, our cartons contain a high share of renewable materials. They are recyclable wherever facilities exist, and in 2020, Tetra Pak began incorporating certified recycled polymers to further improve package circularity.
By choosing Tetra Pak® carton packaging, your brand can align with consumer values and strengthen loyalty.
Preserving quality
RTD coffee consumers are increasingly discerning. Whether buying a budget-friendly latte or a premium cold brew, they expect the aroma, flavour, and quality of the coffee to remain intact. 1
Our aseptic cartons deliver on this promise. 100% airtight and with an alu-foil barrier, they lock in freshness and aroma without preservatives or refrigeration. This ensures your coffee tastes exactly as intended: smooth, aromatic, and free from off-flavours.
For chilled products, options like Tetra Top® and Tetra Rex® offer extended shelf life of up to one month with ESL (extended shelf life) production, while maintaining safety and flavour. Whether you choose aseptic or chilled distribution, our cartons provide the flexibility and product protection your business needs.
Shapes and sizes for all occasions
The RTD coffee market is far from uniform. From quick energy boosts to family-sized favourites, you need packaging that’s tailored to different occasions. Our portfolio has it all!
- Single-serve cartons – ideal for grab-and-go consumption, the fastest-growing RTD coffee format. Compact and portable, they meet the demand for instant, mobile caffeine.
- Mini cartons – 20 ml espresso shots are gaining traction among coffee innovators. Poured over ice, they deliver refreshing energy in seconds.
- Family packs – larger formats designed for at-home or office consumption, offering value while keeping favourite brews close at hand.
By offering multiple formats and designs, you can extend your reach across diverse consumer groups and occasions.
A powerful branding canvas
In today’s cluttered retail environment, packaging often serves as your brand’s first—and most lasting—touchpoint. Tetra Pak® cartons offer a 360° printable surface, providing a blank canvas for storytelling and bold design.
From minimalist elegance to eye-catching textures, advanced printing techniques allow you to create distinctive packaging that stands out on-shelf and resonates with consumers on social media. This flexibility ensures your packaging doesn’t just protect your coffee, but also promotes your brand identity wherever its sold.
Smart packaging for a growing market
The RTD coffee market is growing fast, fuelled by younger consumers who value convenience, sustainability, and premium quality. In this competitive arena, packaging is more than just protection; it is a strategic growth driver.
Our cartons deliver a unique mix of consumer appeal, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility. They are lightweight, robust, and recyclable; they preserve taste and aroma; and they provide versatile formats that empower your brand to differentiate and grow.
Find out more about the consumer trends behind the growth in RTD coffee >
Sources:
- IPSOS FACTO
- Mintel report
- 5Tetra Pak® Sustainable Packaging Research 2023, Tetra Pak® Environment Research 2021 and 2019
