Matt finish or glossy finish for custom coffee bags?

You’ve chosen the perfect material, size, and zipper—but now the big question: matt or glossy?

Matt finish gives coffee bags a soft, premium feel; glossy finish¹ offers sharp colors and high shine.

Last year, I showed a client two sample coffee bags—same size, same design, but one matt and one glossy. He picked the matt instantly. “It feels more expensive,” he said. But is it always the better choice?

What is the difference between matt and glossy packaging?

The finish affects more than appearance—it influences brand perception² and print behavior.

Matt finish is soft, non-reflective, and elegant; glossy finish¹ is shiny, vibrant, and eye-catching.

Matt vs glossy comparison

Dive deeper: which is right for your coffee brand?

• Choose matt if your brand focuses on artisan, specialty, or sustainable coffee. It gives a premium and handcrafted look.
• Choose glossy if you want bold graphics, bright colors, and supermarket shelf impact.

Some of our clients even combine both using spot UV³—glossy logo on a matt bag—for a layered look.

What is the suitable material for coffee packaging?

The right finish means nothing without the right material underneath.

Coffee packaging materials must protect aroma, block moisture, and support sealing.

Common materials used in coffee bags

Dive deeper: how material affects finish

Matt and glossy are not just surface treatments—they depend on the base film and lamination method.

• Glossy finish is often laminated with BOPP or glossy PET.
• Matt finish uses matt BOPP or matt PET on the outer layer.

At IMIPAK, we offer both finishes across most structures. If you're exporting or targeting premium markets, we recommend PET/AL/PE with a matt finish⁴ for best balance between protection and branding.

What is matt finish⁴ and glossy finish¹?

Let’s get more technical. What actually creates the finish?

Matt and glossy finish¹es are created by the outer film layer and lamination process during pouch production.

Technical breakdown

Matt films are treated to scatter light. This reduces reflection and gives that “velvety” feel.

Glossy films remain smooth and reflect light directly—perfect for deep blacks and metallic accents.

Dive deeper: durability and touch⁵

• Matt bags resist fingerprints better.
• Glossy bags can show scratches or creases easily.
• Matt bags feel more tactile, almost paper-like.
• Glossy bags can feel thinner, even if they’re not.

This sensory element is important. Especially for specialty coffee brands that sell online—touch matters when customers unbox.

How to seal paper coffee bags?

Paper coffee bags often use kraft film—but they still need barrier and sealing.

Paper coffee bags are sealed using heat sealers above the zipper, even though the outer layer is kraft paper.

Heat sealing kraft bags

Even if the bag looks “paper,” the inner layer is heat-sealable PE or CPP. The kraft is decorative.

Dive deeper: sealing tips for kraft-style bags

• Always seal above the zipper to ensure tamper evidence.
• Use temperature-controlled sealers (170–200°C depending on material).
• Don’t use iron or hand press—it weakens the kraft surface.
• For matte paper finishes, use Teflon-coated sealing bars to prevent marking.

At IMIPAK, we test every kraft bag for sealing temperature, sealing strength, and valve air flow. We also print matt kraft finishes with white ink to make sure your design stands out.

Conclusion

Matt feels premium. Glossy looks bold. The right choice depends on your coffee brand.