Coffee-Roasting Side Streams Provide Colour For Packaging Ink
A Finnish research and industry collaboration has developed a water-based printing ink using colourants obtained from coffee-roasting side streams. In August 2026, the partners successfully used the bio-based ink to print paper cross-bottom bags under industrial production conditions.
Led by Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), the project explores how industrial by-products can replace some of the fossil-based and synthetic pigments used in packaging inks. The collaboration includes Natural Indigo Finland, coffee producer Meira, ink manufacturer Siegwerk and packaging producer Hornung Verpackungen.
From Side Stream To Colourant
Meira supplies the coffee-production side streams used to make the colourants. Previously destined for energy recovery, this residual material can instead become a renewable raw material with a higher-value application.
Natural Indigo Finland processes the side streams using its BioInk technology. Siegwerk then formulates the resulting colourants into water-based printing inks suitable for industrial use. According to the partners, the ink produces no volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. It also uses a technical varnish with a high proportion of bio-renewable content as its binder.
The project began two years ago as laboratory research into colourants derived from industrial side streams. In 2025, the team tested the coffee-based colourants in flexographic printing on fibre-based shopping bags. Since then, TAMK’s Biocolores research group and its partners have worked to improve colour strength and technical performance.
Testing Under Industrial Conditions
The latest trial involved printing paper cross-bottom bags at commercial scale. According to the project team, the ink achieved suitable print quality, process compatibility and performance during production. The test therefore provides a further indication that the material could be scaled for use in packaging.
The colourant addresses a part of ink formulation that has received less attention in the shift towards renewable materials. While previous developments have often focused on replacing fossil-based binders, pigments and colourants may still rely on synthetic or non-renewable sources.
Potential For Circular Packaging
For packaging designers and manufacturers, the project demonstrates how two material strategies can be combined. Fibre-based packaging provides the substrate, while an industrial organic side stream supplies colour for the printed surface.
The development has already received recognition in several packaging and material innovation competitions. Its longer-term impact, however, will depend on factors such as consistent raw-material quality, production capacity and performance across different printing applications. The successful paper-bag trial represents a step from pilot research towards possible commercial adoption.
Source & photo: Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK)