What’s the best packaging for green coffee beans?

Green coffee packaging isn’t just about looks—it’s about preserving freshness during long shipping and storage. One mistake can ruin months of effort.

The best green coffee packaging¹ balances breathability², moisture control³, and durability. That’s why burlap bags⁴, often with plastic inner liners, are the global standard.

I’ve worked with coffee bean importers and producers for years. One thing I’ve learned? Raw coffee behaves very differently from roasted beans. Let’s dive into what that means for packaging.

Why is green coffee packaging¹ critical to product quality?

Green coffee may seem stable, but it’s actually very sensitive to environment changes.

Improper packaging can lead to mold, moisture damage, or flavor loss—ruining the final roast quality.

Dive Deeper: What makes green coffee so tricky?

Unlike roasted coffee, green beans don’t need oxygen-blocking bags or one-way valves. What they do need is:

1. Humidity control

Green beans typically contain 10–12% internal moisture. If they absorb too much moisture from the environment, they risk mold. If they lose too much, they become brittle and roast unevenly.

✅ Solution: Use breathable packaging like jute or burlap, sometimes with a polyethylene liner to control humidity absorption.

2. Breathability

Green beans release and absorb gases over time. Sealing them airtight may trap unwanted moisture and heat.

✅ Tip: Let your beans breathe. Fully sealed foil bags may work for roasted beans, but they suffocate green ones.

3. Strength for long transport

Green beans are heavy—60kg per bag is common. Weak packaging can break under pressure or puncture during stacking.

✅ Common practice: Use heavy-duty natural fiber bags reinforced with strong stitching.

How to choose the right type of bags for green coffee beans?

Not all bags are made equal. It depends on where and how your beans are shipped or stored.

Burlap sack or jute bags⁵ are most common, but using an inner liner like GrainPro⁶ or PE can offer better protection during long-haul shipments.

Dive Deeper: Compare popular green coffee packaging¹ options

Let’s look at the pros and cons of each packaging solution:

Best for tropical shipping: GrainPro⁶ + Jute

If your beans will travel across hot, humid climates, this combo gives the best protection.

Best for short storage: Plain Burlap

If the beans stay local and are used quickly, burlap offers enough airflow without extra cost.

Best balance: Jute with PE liner

This is what many of my clients use. It gives basic moisture protection and maintains breathability² without high cost.

How does green coffee packaging¹ impact final roast quality?

Roast quality starts at the farm—but it can be lost in shipping.

Even small moisture shifts during storage can cause uneven roasting, off flavors, or sourness. Packaging protects the bean’s potential.

Dive Deeper: From bean to cup

I once worked with a client in the U.S. who sourced high-grade green coffee from Central America. But their first batch arrived musty. The cause? Plastic sacks without breathability². The beans “sweated” during the three-week voyage. After switching to jute with liners, the problem disappeared.

Key takeaway: Always think about transit time and climate when choosing bags.

How long is too long?

For top-quality green beans, shelf life⁷ is 6–12 months. Beyond that, the flavor potential drops fast. With good packaging, some can hold for 18+ months in stable conditions.

Additional considerations for green coffee storage

There’s more to it than just the bag.

Storage Conditions Matter

☕ Tip: Use pallets to keep bags off the floor, and avoid direct sunlight or damp walls.

Labeling and traceability

Each bag should be clearly labeled with:

• Origin
• Harvest date
• Moisture content
• Lot number
• Bag weight

This helps with inventory control and quality tracking.

Conclusion

Green coffee needs breathable, moisture-aware packaging like jute bags⁵ with liners.