The love between humans and coffee has been brewing for centuries. But in recent years, the coffee industry has experienced an unprecedented boom, with specialty coffees, gourmet blends, and unique flavours coming to market weekly. As the demand for quality coffee continues to rise, so does the need for innovative packaging solutions to maintain freshness and flavour.
Behind the scenes, there’s an unsung hero that ensures your coffee remains fresh and flavorful (and that your packaging doesn’t burst open) — the one-way degassing valve. Let’s dive into the world of coffee pouches and explore why these valves are essential and how our recent implementation of an in-line valving system is revolutionizing our manufacturing process and reducing manual labour costs. Without further ado, we’re ready to spill the beans.
During the roasting process, and for some time afterwards, coffee beans release gases, which are trapped within the bean’s cellular structure. If these gases, primarily carbon dioxide, were to stay confined, they would transform your coffee pouch into a tiny pressure cooker which would likely cause your pouch to burst at the seams.
One-way degassing valves release gases from inside the package while preventing oxygen and other external elements from sneaking into the pouch – oxygen is coffee’s nemesis, as it can lead to oxidation and stale flavours.
Our one-way degassing valve is certified for food contact and classified as recyclable under code #7. Our equipment applies the valve using ultrasonic technology, which means no adhesive is required.
But how do these valves work their magic? The valve is designed to let gas escape the bag but not re-enter it. It consists of a small round piece with a tiny slit or membrane that acts as a one-way door for gases. As the beans release carbon dioxide, the pressure inside the bag increases, pushing the gas against the valve. When the pressure exceeds a certain threshold, the valve opens up just enough to let the gas escape while maintaining a barrier against the outside world.
The presence of one-way degassing valves in coffee pouches significantly extends the shelf life of freshly-roasted coffee beans. Without these valves, the trapped CO2 would create an airtight environment, accelerating the degradation process and reducing the overall quality of the beans. With the valves, the release of CO2 gas ensures a controlled and prolonged freshness, allowing you to enjoy the best-tasting coffee for as long as possible.
Aside from preserving the quality of coffee beans, one-way degassing valves offer added convenience. They eliminate the need for manual degassing, allowing you to pack the coffee immediately after roasting without worrying about CO2 gas buildup. Additionally, these valves help maintain a consistent packaging appearance by preventing the bag from bloating or bursting at the seams.
Rootree’s in-line valving seamlessly integrates the valve application during the pouch manufacturing process, saving time and ensuring consistent and reliable valve placement, reducing costs, and enhancing the freshness of your favourite brew.
Coffee pouches equipped with one-way degassing valves have become an essential part of the coffee industry, preserving the rich flavours and aromas that make our morning rituals so enjoyable. So, the next time you savour that freshly brewed cup of joe, remember the tiny valve that made it possible. Cheers to innovation (and great coffee)!