Coffee has always had its way of establishing, strengthening, and sustaining a community. Not only is it revered for its taste, versatility, and endless flavor possibilities, but coffee is also a passion, a livelihood, and a culture—one that for generations has been explored, enjoyed, and preserved all over the world. That is the beauty of coffee.

*The exterior of Aldea Coffee’s Grand Haven café*

Aldea Coffee, like many passionate coffee shops, roasteries, and enthusiasts worldwide, understands this. What started as a non-profit organization that directly supports, coordinates with, and educates coffee farmers in Honduras has now expanded into a sustainable specialty coffee shop and roastery based in Michigan.

For this brand feature, we spoke with the creative director for Aldea Coffee, Elle Kuyt, about all things packaging—from the beautifully illustrated designs derived from elements that represent Honduras, Michigan, and Aldea itself to their selection of noissue sustainable coffee packaging for both their cafes and online store. Read on to find out more about Aldea Coffee!

*The interior of Aldea Coffee’s Grand Haven café*

Tell us a bit about your brand!

"Aldea", which is Spanish for "village" or "community", began as a nonprofit called Aldea Development in 2009. Our organization began with a focus on supporting small-scale farmers through microfinancing in La Unión, Lempira, Honduras. After settling in the community of La Unión, we took on a few hundred microloan clients—primarily coffee, corn, and bean farmers. We listened and learned about the obstacles farmers faced to find sustainable growth and stability in that community, and it soon became clear that coffee—the primary cash crop of Honduras—was the key to best supporting them.

*Aldea Coffee’s Coffee Farmer Partners in Honduras*

We soon discovered that many farmers in La Unión were already producing incredible specialty-grade coffee. To support and empower them, we built a beneficio (coffee processing facility), began offering specialty coffee processing training, and launched infrastructure projects to strengthen the community (such as latrines, water access projects, and clean-burning stoves). This work naturally led to the creation of Aldea Coffee in 2015, providing farmers with a consistent market for their harvests. Nearly a decade later, with two cafés, a solar-powered roastery, and B Corp Certification, Aldea Coffee has become the primary outlet for the specialty coffee of La Unión.

Unlike typical direct-trade buyers, we import our coffee ourselves through our nonprofit, Aldea Development, and maintain long-term relationships with the same farmers—some for nearly 15 years now! Our full-time team lives and works in the community year-round, ensuring financial stability and a deeper commitment beyond just coffee transactions.

*Aldea Coffee’s Coffee Farmer Partner, Servelio Sanchez*

Tell us about the design for your packaging and how you’re using them?

The pattern that you see on our new packaging is inspired by three foundational words from our mission statement: Explore, Enjoy, and Preserve. These words have guided us for years, and for years I have wanted to find a way to visually capture the unique feelings and energy they embody. Since a single image couldn’t hold it all, I decided to create a collection of illustrations that reflect the ways we explore, enjoy, and preserve the world around us.

*noissue* *Custom Bakery Bags, designed by* *@aldeacoffee*

Each element in the design tells part of this story—from coffee brewing tools to symbols that connect me to both Honduras and Michigan. You’ll find a white pine branch, Petoskey stone, and cherry blossom, all native to Michigan and representing our state tree, rock, and flower. You’ll also see Lencan pottery, a traditional Honduran art form proudly displayed on the shelves at both of our cafes, and an Aeropress brewer—perfect for outdoor adventures, as it's compact and durable. Together, these symbols capture the essence of Aldea and the community we’re building.

*noissue* *Custom Takeout Bags, designed by* *@aldeacoffee*

This new pattern has become a powerful introduction to Aldea’s culture, and incorporating it into our new noissue packaging has deepened the way people connect with our brand. The packaging—especially for our online orders—has truly elevated the experience of receiving coffee, which we believe should honor the incredible work of the coffee producers.

What made noissue a good fit for your packaging?

Working with noissue was a very natural fit for us. As a Certified B Corporation, we thoroughly evaluate all of our sourcing and partnerships, so knowing that noissue is committed to environmental responsibility allows us to feel confident about switching the vast majority of our packaging needs to them!

*noissue* *Custom Container Shipping Boxes, designed by* *@aldeacoffee*

Additionally, the lower minimums and ability to order everything from one supplier allowed us to order smaller quantities and reduce our packaging costs in some places, all while seriously upgrading the look of everything. It was a win-win all around.

Where are you finding inspiration for Aldea Coffee and in life at the moment?

My design projects at Aldea are inspired by the community—both here in West Michigan and in La Unión—and by the earth itself.

I’m moved by the moments that make me tear up: the regulars who have become dear friends, whose children we get to watch grow up. The coffee farmers who share their dreams with me when I ask about their craft. Our staff, who—bias aside—I truly believe are some of the greatest humans ever, inspiring me daily with their creativity, kindness, and passion. Aldea literally means community, so that is where the majority of my inspiration comes from.

*noissue* *Custom Kraft Mailers, designed by* *@aldeacoffee*

And then, of course, there’s nature. I’m constantly drawn to the native plants and scenery of West Michigan, sketching them often—something you can see reflected in our packaging design.

In my personal life lately I've been finding inspiration in the glimpses of sunlight that peek through the cloudy Michigan skies, and the movie Perfect Days—both bringing a much-needed wash of light and color, reminding me to appreciate the beauty of everyday life.

*noissue* *Custom Tissue Paper, designed by* *@aldeacoffee*

Aldea Coffee’s featured products: