why do coffee bags have vents？
Packaging in the current competitive coffee market is not just a container as it is very important in the maintenance of the flavor, aroma, and quality of the products. The degassing valve is one of the greatest inventions in the contemporary coffee packaging because it is very minor but highly effective in the freshness of coffee.
Have you ever looked at a small round valve on a coffee bag and then wondered: What does it do? And better still, is it necessary?
We are going to discuss all you need to know about the degassing valves and how they operate and when to apply them in your coffee packaging strategy.
What Is a Degassing Valve?
The degassing valve, also referred to as a one-way valve is a small element incorporated into the coffee bags that permits gases to escape (primarily carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) inside but prohibits outside air entrance into the package.
During the process of roasting coffee beans, they emit CO 2 on their own days or even weeks. This is termed as degassing. Although it is part of the flavor profile of the coffee, it may cause an issue when it is trapped in the sealed packaging.
The solution to this problem is the degassing valve which is a one-way vent:
· Discharges internal gas pressure.
· Seals oxygen, water and dirt.
· Ensures integrity of products.
Why Coffee Beans Gasp?
Coffee beans during roasting go through complicated chemical reactions, which result in gases, which are mainly carbon dioxide.
Majority of this gas is emitted during the initial few days of roasting though minute quantities may still escape weeks later.
This presents a distinct challenge:
· Gas is immediately trapped by sealing coffee and this causes pressure to accumulate.
· Excessive time affects freshness and aroma.
Degassing valves give roasters the ability to pack the coffee at the time without affecting the quality.
The Working Process of Degassing Valves.
The working principle of Degassing valves is a simple pressure mechanism.
Within the valve, there is a flexible diaphragm that is opened as a result of accumulating internal pressure, to release CO 2. When the pressure becomes equal, the valve will close so as to avoid the entry of outside air.
This single way system guarantees:
· The gas is released safely out of the package.
· Oxygen is not able to enter and oxidize.
The outcome is a controlled environment that safeguards the production to consumption of the coffee.
The main advantages of Degassing Valves used in packing coffee.
1. Maintains Fresher and tastier.
One of the largest enemies of coffee is Oxygen. Exposing coffee to air causes the oxidation of coffee resulting into stale coffee flavor and loss of aroma.
Degassing valves ensure the absence of oxygen that can come inside and the release of gases ensuring maximum freshness is preserved.
2. Protection against Packaging Damage.
Trapped CO 2 may result in coffee bags:
· Inflate
· Deform
· Burst open
Degassing valves get rid of pressure and help preserve the integrity of the packaging.
3. Faster Packaging Enables.
Conventionally, to seal coffee, roasters had to wait to degas the coffee. Such lagging decelerates manufacturing.
Coffee could also be packaged right after roasting with the use of degassing valves which enhances efficiency in the operation process and shortens the turn around time.
4. Sustains Shelf Life.
Degassing valves increase the shelf life of coffee products and particularly retail and distribution by minimizing the exposure of coffee products to oxygen and by a controlled internal environment.
Do All Coffee Packaging need Degassing Valves?
Although the benefits of the use of degassing valves are evident, not all of them are necessary.
When Degassing Valves are to be used.
Degassing valves are necessary in:
· Whole bean coffee which is roasted fresh.
· Medium-to-large packages of ground coffee.
· Coffee offered by retail or lengthy chain of supply.
· Shipments: export and e-commerce.
Keeping the package fresh and avoiding damage to packages is very important in such instances.
In Cases of Non-Necessity.
No degassing valves could be required in:
· Coffee in single-serves.
· Instant Coffee Products.
· Limited amounts eaten at a fast rate.
It is common to use these products prior to exposure to oxygen that results in a considerable impact on quality.
Degassing Valves, Reason to be an Industry Standard.
Since their inception in the 1960s, coffee packaging has changed with the introduction of the degassing valves.
They have become common in the coffee industry today due to the fact that they:
· Enhance stability of products.
· Towards worldwide distribution.
· Improve customer service.
Degassing valves are no longer a luxury, it is a minimum requirement in case of specialty coffee brands.
Degassing Valves and Coffee Quality: What the Consumers See.
As a customer, there are minor, yet significant advantages of degassing valves:
· Lotter aroma upon opening of the bag.
· Enhanced consistency of taste.
· Appearance (no distended wrapping)
Indeed, a large number of consumers relate the valve-based packaging with better-quality coffee.
Selection of Best Coffee Packaging Solution.
Although it is important to have the use of the degassing valves, they are not the sole aspect of a good packaging strategy. They are to be used in combination with:
· Oxygen and moisture blockage film is high-barrier.
· Convenience resealable zipper.
· Transportation Durable Materials.
All these factors are combined in a well designed coffee bag to maintain the freshness between roasting and brewing.
Last Impression: Do Degassing Valves Pay?
The response is yes in the majority of instances.
One of the most significant problems in coffee packaging is the ability to control the release of gases and avoid oxidation at the same time, which is best solved by using the concept of Degassing valves as a simple and yet very effective conceptual solution.
They help:
· conserve flavor and aroma
· Avoid packaging failure.
· Enhance efficiency in operations.
· Increase shelf life.
Although not mandatory when it comes to any type of products, they are fundamental to any brand that aims at providing the high-quality coffee that is fresh at scale.
