Most coffee consumers know that high-quality coffee often comes in specialized packaging, but do not understand the function of a degassing valve on coffee packaging. Here are three reasons why decision makers at coffee companies should choose degassing valves for custom coffee packaging and discerning coffee drinkers should support brands that package products with degassing valves.
Allowing Gasses To Escape
Roasting coffee gives off an alluring aroma, but also off-gasses carbon dioxide. This gas accumulates in packages of roasted coffee beans or ground coffee that do not have degassing valves and alters the flavor and scent of these products in unpredictable ways.
In addition to permitting the release of carbon dioxide, degassing valves prevent the intrusion of oxygen. Coffee products in packages without degassing valves are exposed to higher levels of both carbon dioxide and oxygen, which cause the quality of these products to deteriorate faster.
To preserve the quality of products for longer, coffee brands should work with flexible packaging companies to select barrier films and design packaging with degassing valves. These design choices help to maintain product quality and meet consumer expectations.
Extending Flavor and Freshness
Most whole coffee beans have a shelf life of up to a year in a sealed package or one week to one month after opening. Packages of ground coffee have a shorter shelf life of several months when sealed or about a week once the package has been opened. Degassing valves enable coffee packaging to retain fresh from the roaster quality for longer.
Coffee sold in packaging with degassing valves has a longer shelf life, on average, than coffee sold in packaging without this feature. Consumers can prolong the freshness of coffee products by storing packages in a cool, dry place.
Companies that sell coffee should work with packaging providers to design custom printed stand up pouches that provide customers with all of the information they need to make informed decisions about purchasing and storing coffee. Informed consumers are more likely to keep coffee in packages with degassing valves, which prolongs the period of time in which they can look at packaging designs and become more familiar with a brand.
Increasing Consumer Confidence
Consumers are more likely to trust coffee companies that make branding and package design decisions that align with their priorities. A coffee company that uses degassing valves in packaging sends the message that they want customers to have the best experience brewing and drinking coffee. This perception can make these brands more desirable for first-time and repeat purchasers.
A growing number of consumers also want to know more about where the coffee they drink is sourced and how it is processed. Smart packaging design options, such as including Quick Response or QR codes on packaging that link to a company website, can further raise the confidence of consumers and promote brand loyalty.
Degassing valves can preserve the freshness and flavor of roasted whole or ground coffee beans. Consumers should seek out coffee packaged with a degassing valve to maintain product quality and coffee brands should include these valves on custom packaging to increase customer satisfaction.
