Degassing valves and how to add them to coffee bag design

Degassing valves have become an essential component in the world of coffee packaging. These small, one-way valves help release carbon dioxide (CO2) from freshly roasted coffee once it has been packaged. They work uniquely, allowing CO2 to escape the bag without allowing oxygen to enter.

Without these valves, it is likely coffee beans will lose their flavour and aromatics over time. As such, the vast majority of roasters have incorporated them into their coffee bag design without having to sacrifice creativity or sustainability.

Roasters can make degassing valves part of their coffee packaging design by being imaginative with bag graphics and investing in sustainable packaging materials. By creating a completely recyclable bag for consumers, roasters can boost their brand’s credentials and appeal to a growing number of eco-conscious consumers.

Read on to learn how to elevate coffee bag design while ensuring the freshness and quality of the beans inside.

The importance of one-way valves in coffee packaging

Degassing valves play a critical role in maintaining the quality and freshness of coffee beans. Without a valve, the packaged coffee beans would continue to release carbon dioxide after roasting. This may lead to a buildup of pressure inside the bag, which may cause it to burst and ruin the contents.

The importance of coffee freshness cannot be overstated. Fresh coffee beans contain volatile compounds that give them unique flavours and aromas. Over time, these compounds break down, leading to stale coffee that lacks any characteristics. Coffee drinkers can easily detect the difference between fresh and stale coffee, making freshness a critical factor in customer satisfaction.

In addition to maintaining freshness, degassing valves help protect coffee beans against moisture and other external factors that can affect their quality. Moisture is one of the primary enemies of coffee freshness, as it can lead to mould and other forms of contamination. These valves can help to prevent moisture buildup inside the bag, ensuring that the coffee beans remain dry and fresh.

Using degassing valves in packaging can help ensure customers enjoy the best possible cup of coffee. Furthermore, by investing in sustainable valves alongside compostable or biodegradable bags, roasters can offer a completely recyclable product. This can help boost brand credentials and appeal to a growing number of eco-conscious consumers.

An image of Rave Coffee's packaging that features the degassing valve as part of the design in an article about coffee packaging design and using degassing valves in coffee bag design

How to make valves part of your coffee bag design

Many roasters and coffee shops have successfully integrated valves into their coffee bag designs, making them a prominent feature that enhances the overall appearance of the package. One such example is Rave Coffee, a UK-based roaster that includes degassing valves as part of its bag’s personality. Attention is drawn to the valve with bright arrows and text encouraging consumers to ‘wake up and smell the coffee’. This approach is useful if the roaster wants to encourage customers to smell the product, further emphasising the valve’s function.

Another way to incorporate degassing valves into coffee bag design is to make them part of the overall look. For instance, some roasters use illustrations of coffee beans, cups, or other coffee-related images that incorporate the valve into the design. Similarly, they highlight the valve as a polka dot of colour, or as a sun in an illustration.

Additionally, the typeface and colours used on coffee packaging can also make the valve stand out. For example, incorporating complementary colours can make the valve pop out, especially if the colours contrast with the packaging’s background.

Incorporating degassing valves into the coffee bag design is an effective way to ensure the coffee stays fresh while making it an interesting feature on the packaging. Roasters and coffee shops can make the valve a prominent feature or integrate it into the design subtly. Either way, with the right design elements, a valve can be an aesthetically pleasing addition to a coffee bag that enhances its overall look and functionality.

An image of a coffee consumer smelling freshly roasted coffee from the degassing valve in the coffee bag in an article about coffee packaging design and using degassing valves in coffee bag design

The rise of sustainable alternatives

While incorporating valves into coffee bag designs is important, sustainability is a crucial consideration for roasters. Notably, sustainable degassing valves are available and can be used alongside compostable or biodegradable bags to create completely recyclable coffee bags for eco-conscious consumers.

Investing in sustainable valves is better for the environment and can be a highly effective way to boost a brand’s eco-credentials. As recyclable degassing valves are made using renewable materials, they are both compostable and biodegradable, which makes them appealing to a number of consumers who prioritise sustainability.

These valves can be easily integrated into compostable or biodegradable coffee bags, creating a completely eco-friendly product. In addition, sustainable valves have the same functionality as traditional valves, ensuring that the coffee remains fresh and flavourful.

By investing in sustainable degassing valves, coffee roasters and shops can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. In this way, the incorporation of valves into coffee bag design and sustainability practices can work together to create an excellent product with a positive impact on the environment.

MTPak Coffee offers roasters the opportunity to equip their coffee bags with fully recyclable, BPA-free degassing valves that are versatile, lightweight, and affordable. Furthermore, they can also be paired with our entire range of sustainable coffee packaging.

You can choose from a variety of renewable materials like kraft paper, rice paper, or multilayer LDPE packaging with an eco-friendly PLA lining that reduces waste and promotes a circular economy. Our design team is always ready to assist you in creating the perfect coffee packaging that fits your brand.

We also use cutting-edge digital printing technology that enables us to produce custom-printed coffee bags with a quick turnaround time of 40 hours and a 24-hour shipping time. Additionally, MTPak Coffee offers low minimum order quantities (MOQs) that cater to micro-roasters who want to remain nimble while showcasing their brand’s identity and commitment to sustainability.