Packaging for whole-bean coffee hasn’t always been the most sustainable. With multiple layers of differing materials and that little plastic degassing valve, the bags are often not sustainable and are destined for the landfill after use.
While mono-material bags are starting to emerge in the market, the degassing valve remains problematic.
Until now.
While I was at Pack Expo Las Vegas, I came across an interesting new concept from FlexPak Services, that just happened to combine several of my favorite things: coffee, sustainability and lasers.
The company has developed a new method for venting coffee bags for roasted whole beans. The process is essential because after roasting, the beans release gases (mainly CO2) for some time, which need to be allowed to escape from the package without allowing the ambient air to enter.
The new PrimeVent solution utilizes a pressure-sensitive vent, rather than traditional welded ones, which are made using laser technology that allows CO2 to escape the bag while preventing oxygen ingress.
The image is a sample coffee bag with PrimeVent that I was able to check out at Pack Expo.
The company claims the new vent system is more sustainable, using 96% less plastic than conventional valves.
It can be purchased pre-applied to the rolls of film used for the bagging operation.
Apparently, the new system enables coffee beans to be filled and sealed into bags immediately after roasting, thereby saving time in the coffee production process.
In addition, the new vent is said to maintain the coffee’s quality for longer than conventional vent valves.
FlexPak made a comparison video that compares the quality of roasted beans after about 10 weeks, using their PrimeVent and conventional venting with the same coffee:
Want More Information?
You can download the product brochure here: PrimeVent Brochure
