A Finnish collaboration has pioneered a new material innovation that could transform the packaging industry. Natural Indigo Finland, Tampere University of Applied Sciences (TAMK), and coffee producer Meira Oy have developed a water-based ink derived from coffee waste. This breakthrough offers packaging and product designers a renewable, bio-based alternative to synthetic pigments traditionally used in printing inks.

From Coffee Waste to Bio-Based Pigment

Each year, coffee production generates significant amounts of waste, much of which goes unused or is converted into low-value products like biogas. However, this project has taken a circular approach by transforming roasted coffee side streams into a natural pigment. Natural Indigo Finland extracted the colourant, which was then formulated into a water-based ink in collaboration with TAMK’s research team. This ink replaces fossil-based pigments, offering a more sustainable and circular solution for the packaging industry.

The innovative ink was successfully tested by Finnish printer Cabassi Oy using flexographic printing on Paptic, a durable, fibre-based material designed to replace plastic in packaging. The result is a high-quality paper bag, coloured entirely by pigment sourced from coffee waste. This achievement shows how a by-product from one industry can become a valuable material for another, supporting a more circular economy.

From Lab to Industry: Proving the Concept

What makes this project stand out is its swift progress from research to industrial testing. In just 12 months, the team moved from lab-scale development to commercial production trials. Cabassi Oy’s flexographic printing tests confirmed that the coffee-based ink performs reliably in real-world manufacturing conditions. This demonstrates the material’s scalability and its potential to become a viable alternative to conventional inks.

Looking ahead, the partners are forming an international consortium of ten companies and academic institutions to scale up the technology. They aim to secure €9.5 million in funding to develop the bio-based ink further and expand its use worldwide. The goal is clear: to replace synthetic pigments with 100% bio-based colourants derived from natural and waste materials, creating a truly circular solution for the packaging and printing sectors.

Why This Matters for Designers

For packaging designers, this innovation opens up new possibilities for sustainable materials that meet both regulatory demands and consumer expectations. Using an ink made from coffee waste not only reduces reliance on fossil resources but also gives brands a powerful sustainability story. By incorporating bio-based pigments into packaging designs, designers can contribute to lower carbon emissions and waste reduction, while supporting the transition to a circular economy.

For product designers, this development highlights the importance of exploring unconventional materials and collaborations. It shows how waste from one industry can fuel innovation in another, offering a model for future projects that prioritise material reuse and environmental responsibility.

A Step Towards a Circular Future

The coffee waste ink is more than a research project—it is a scalable, commercially viable solution that aligns with the principles of circular design. As the project moves forward, it invites brands and designers alike to adopt sustainable, bio-based materials that reduce environmental impact while maintaining quality and performance.

By embracing innovations like this, the design community can help drive a more sustainable future for the packaging sector—and beyond.

Source: Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Photo: Kai Lankinen