A FEW DEFINITIONS
The process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. The recovery of energy from waste materials is often included in this concept. The recyclability of a material depends on its ability to reacquire the properties it had in its original state. It is an alternative to “conventional” waste disposal that can save material and help lower greenhouse gas emissions. It can also prevent the waste of potentially useful materials and reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, reducing energy use, air pollution (from ) and water pollution (from land fills.
Includes any organic matter in waste which can be broken down into carbon dioxide, water, methane or simple organic molecules by micro-organisms and other living things by composting, aerobic digestion, anaerobic digestion or similar processes. In waste management, it also includes some inorganic materials which can be decomposed by bacteria. Such materials include gypsum and its products such as plasterboard and other simple organic sulfates which can decompose to yield hydrogen sulfide in anaerobic land-fill conditions.
Compostable is used to describe a product that can disintegrate into non-toxic, natural elements. It also does so at a rate consistent with similar organic materials. Compostable products require microorganisms, humidity, and heat to yield a finished compost product (CO2, water, inorganic compounds, and biomass).
Source: Good Start Packaging
We seek the highest grade packaging for our coffee that keeps the coffee fresh without harming our planet. Our package uses a material composed of multiple, laminated layers. The outer layers consist of cellulose from wood pulp. The materials make up 60% of the material by weight and have been shown to break down into healthy compost in 12 weeks when tested according to a test method called ASTM D6400.
The interior layer is made with an additive that makes it “oxo-degrade”. This additive has been shown to allow plastic to break into microscopic pieces under specific conditions over 5-10 years vs. the estimated 1,000 years needed for normal plastic.
The interior layer consists of 100% plant-based, renewable resources, i.e. sugar cane. This is a non-biodegradable layer made from renewable resources.
Standard Specification for Labeling of Plastics Designed to be Aerobically Composted in Municipal or Industrial Facilities
This specification covers plastics and products made from plastics that are designed to be composted in municipal and industrial aerobic composting facilities. The properties in this specification are those required to determine if plastics and products made from plastics will compost satisfactorily, including biodegrading at a rate comparable to known compostable materials. The purpose of this specification is to establish standards for identifying products and materials that will compost satisfactorily in commercial and municipal composting facilities.
Degassing valves are an important part of coffee packaging. They are necessary for keeping your coffee fresh and flavorful.
What is a Degassing Valve?
A degassing valve is a one-way vent that allows coffee beans and ground coffee to slowly release carbon dioxide (CO2) and other volatile gases from the bag, without coming into contact with the air outside.
When coffee is roasted, a number of chemical reactions take place. Volatile gases, mainly CO2, are formed inside the beans. These gases actually add flavor to the coffee, but the problem is that they will continue to emit for some time. After roasting, the built-up CO2 begins to slowly seep out (most of it within a few days). But it can take weeks for it to all disappear.
What do you do with all this gas?
The valve has two vital objectives: allow CO2 to release and keep oxygen out. This process prevents oxidation and prolongs shelf life.
The Importance of Degassing Valves For Coffee Packaging
Now, let’s dive into the three main reasons why degassing valves are so important.
Maintain Package Shape
The degassing valve helps the coffee package maintain its shape by allowing gases to escape. Gases are emitted after roasting and continue to emit even after the coffee is packaged. If the gases are trapped inside the package, this can cause the bag or pouch to inflate or bloat. This not only looks bad, but it can eventually cause the package to burst open or leak. The degassing valve gives the gas a place to go, namely outside the bag.
The degassing valve helps keep the coffee fresh by allowing volatile gases to escape the bag, while also keeping other gases from entering the package. The main one? Oxygen. When coffee encounters oxygen for an extended period of time, the coffee can become stale, reducing its shelf life and negatively impacting the flavor. So, the valve works to keep oxygen out.
Increase Packaging Efficiency
Using degassing valves increases the efficiency of the packaging line by allowing brands to package their coffee quickly instead of waiting for all the gases to be released. This way coffee can be packaged immediately with the knowledge that the degassing valve will allow all of the gases to escape in a way that won’t harm the package or coffee itself.