Burlap sack or woven PP bag, which is better for heavy roasted coffee beans?

Roasted coffee beans are fragile. Poor packaging leads to flavor loss and short shelf life¹. Choosing the right bag protects your product and your brand.

Woven PP bags are better for packaging heavy roasted coffee beans. They protect flavor, block moisture, and keep odors out. Burlap sacks, while breathable, fail to preserve freshness.

I used to think burlap sacks² looked authentic. But after a client returned several pallets due to musty-smelling beans, I changed my mind. Now, I only recommend woven PP bags³ for roasted beans.

Why isn’t burlap sack ideal for roasted coffee beans?

Burlap sacks seem traditional and eco-friendly. But roasted beans need protection that burlap simply can’t offer.

Burlap sacks are breathable and moisture-absorbent, which causes roasted beans to lose aroma and absorb surrounding odors.

Burlap sacks work best for green beans

Roasted beans are done releasing gas. Green beans, however, need to breathe during storage.

Why burlap can't protect roasted beans

Roasted coffee is delicate. It’s hygroscopic—meaning it absorbs moisture. Burlap fibers, which are loose and porous, let in air, water vapor, and even smells from nearby products like spices or detergent. This ruins the coffee's aroma.

Mold risks are higher in burlap sacks²

Humidity in storage or shipping? Burlap traps it. The lack of barrier means condensation can develop inside, especially during ocean freight. This creates the perfect condition for mold—especially if the roasted beans sit for weeks.

What makes woven PP bags³ better for roasted coffee?

More and more roasters switch to woven PP bags³ for roasted beans. There are good reasons why.

Woven polypropylene bags block oxygen, moisture, and odor. This keeps roasted coffee beans fresher for longer.

These bags combine durability with functional barrier properties, offering serious protection for bulk coffee shipments.

Woven PP bags seal in the aroma

Roasted beans are valuable not just for taste, but for smell. That smell comes from volatile oils on the bean surface. Once exposed to air, these oils degrade.

Woven PP bags can be laminated or lined with aluminum foil or PE film. This multi-layered barrier keeps oxygen out and locks in aroma.

Helps with shelf life¹ and brand image

One of my U.S. clients, a roasted bean distributor, switched to woven PP bags³ last year. Previously, with burlap, they received complaints about stale beans. After switching, returns dropped by 70%. The reason? Better shelf life¹ and better perception of quality.

Easier to customize for B2B branding

Unlike burlap, woven PP bags³ can easily carry printed logos and info. Whether you want to stand out at trade shows or ensure brand consistency in warehouses, these bags give you options.

Is there any situation where burlap is better?

Yes—but only for green coffee beans⁴.

Burlap sacks work best for storing green beans that still release CO₂. They reduce mold risk and allow airflow.

But for roasted beans, they create more problems than they solve.

Packaging roasted vs. green beans

It all comes down to what’s inside. Green beans need to breathe. Roasted beans need to be sealed.

Conclusion

For roasted coffee beans, woven PP bags³ are the smarter choice.