Gothenburg, Sweden – At Scanpack 2015, Bosch Packaging Technology and Kafeko, the company’s long-standing partner in Scandinavia, will present the V55 external coffee protection valve. First debuted at Pack Expo International in 2014, the V55 valve is now officially launched in Europe. To meet the growing demand for high quality coffee the solution is applied on coffee packaging to prevent product deterioration. Smaller in size than the previous generation, the new valve enhances product protection while offering material, logistics, and storage space savings as well as a changeover time reduction. Coupled with proven applicator technology from Bosch that equips soft bags or cans with reliable external valves, coffee manufacturers can now apply up to 150 valves per minute.

Fresh coffee for longer
One thousand grams of roasted coffee beans emit around six liters CO₂ within five weeks. Product protection valves allow the roasting gas to escape without allowing oxygen and external odors to enter the bag or can, which could affect the aroma of the premium product inside. It also prevents the bag from bloating, ensuring an inviting shelf presentation and safeguarding brand loyalty. With more than 50 years of experience developing technologies that enhance product protection, Bosch offers both internal and external valves as well as valve application technology.

According to the European Coffee Federation, Europe has the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world with consumption of 2.5 million tons coffee per year, which equates to 4 kilograms of roasted coffee per EU inhabitant per year.¹ “To capitalize on this consumer trend, European manufacturers are seeking packaging solutions that deliver high operational efficiency without compromising quality,” said Julian Kaetzlmeier, sales and business development manager valves, Bosch Packaging Technology. “By providing both applicator and valve technology, we offer our customers an integrated solution to meet production targets while also satisfying consumer expectations.”

Compact design enables savings
Thanks to its small size (only 12.5 x 12.5 x 0.35 millimeters), with the new V55 the number of valves per reel is now doubled to 12,000 in comparison with previous generations. This reduces storage space requirements and transportation costs for coffee manufacturers. In addition, reels do not need to be changed as often as before, enabling operators to use their time more effectively. The compact design of the V55 valves requires 62 percent less paper film, contributing to material savings. This reduction also significantly decreases paper waste and supports sustainability efforts.

Integrated solution for enhanced efficiency
To complement external valves, Bosch offers European coffee producers a valve applicator that works in line with Bosch’s vertical baggers and package makers. At the same time, the stand-alone execution of the applicator can be retrofitted into third party packaging machinery. Designed to offer rigorous product protection, the valve applicator CVA V55 is equipped with a number of sensors to detect that bag perforation is correct, the amount of fluid in the valve is accurate and the valve is precisely placed even at high speeds. By partnering with a single-source supplier like Bosch, coffee producers benefit from integrated solutions operated via a combined Human Machine Interface (HMI), which enhances operational efficiency and offers consistently high product quality. Focusing on our customers’ needs, several service hubs ensure quick support.

Bosch’s new V55 valve as well as the valve applicator CVA V55 will be on display at Kafeko’s booth at Scanpack in Gothenburg, October 20 to 23 in hall B7, booth 60.