At Timely, we’re constantly looking for ways to improve how we do things. Whether it’s the coffee we roast or the packaging we use, every decision is guided by our commitment to generosity and responsibility. Sustainability has always been at the heart of what we do, and we’ve been on a journey to ensure our practices reflect those values.

When the REDcycle soft plastics recycling program collapsed in 2022, it was a wake-up call for us and the entire industry. Like many, we were shocked to learn that the soft plastic bags we sent our coffee out in across Australia weren’t being recycled as promised. It was a hard fact to face, and it motivated us to take a closer look at the life cycle of our packaging.

Finding a sustainable alternative hasn’t been easy. Coffee packaging has specific needs — it requires an oxygen barrier to keep beans from going stale, it needs to be durable enough for transit, and it should be easy to dispose of responsibly. If you've been following us for a while, then you'll know that we've experimented with many options over the years — from home compostable bags to custom-cut boxes to (allegedly at the time) recyclable soft plastics. Each came with its own challenges and compromises.

In 2023, we were thrilled to discover that Ecobarista, a long-time packaging partner, released 100% kerbside recyclable paper coffee bags. Made from heavy-duty kraft paper, they can be recycled through nearly every kerbside recycling program in Australia. Accessibility is important, and this packaging ensures that more people can dispose of it responsibly with ease.

We're excited to announce that as of January 1, 2025, our coffee will be packaged and sent out in these bags. Switching to paper bags is a step forward for us as we continue to work towards minimising our environmental impact. While no solution is perfect, we’re proud to offer a coffee bag that aligns more closely with our values — and we’re excited to share it with you.

For us, sustainability is a journey, not a destination. The lessons from REDcycle remind us that staying true to our values means being adaptable, learning from challenges, and constantly seeking better solutions. Drink your coffee proudly knowing that you're contributing to a better future for all of us.

Love Timely xx