Some time ago we virtually opened the doors of our factory in Romano D'Ezzelino, where Packstyle's flexible packaging takes life. (see How was Packstyle’s packaging born?)
We are indeed very proud to produce our pouches entirely in Italy, thanks to the help of innovative machinery and above all the human contribution of our employees, but our packaging does not stop there: it travels, it goes around the world with the aim of protecting its contents and presenting them professionally to the customer.
Coffee
Some products are more delicate than others and preserving them as freshly made is our challenge. For example, coffee has special requirements that we have learnt about through experience and know how to meet fully.
We know that coffee fears oxygen and so we have created packaging suitable for vacuum storage. We know that coffee releases internal gases that could cause the packaging to burst, which is why we propose adding a degassing valve to the packaging. We know that light is the enemy of coffee because it changes the surface oils and affects the aroma and that is why our packaging is equipped with a total barrier.
All these precautions have been improved as a result of the studies and research we are constantly conducting, but the proof of the excellent quality of our packaging were two experiments we recently supported in collaboration with IEI, the Italian Espresso Institute.
In December 2021 we proudly became a member of IEI, we were the first flexible packaging company to subject its packs to IEI tests. (see Anche Packstyle aderisce all’Istituto Espresso Italiano (IEI)).
Our close association with IEI encouraged us to take on two real challenges by subjecting our packaging to two different types of stress.
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First test: heat stress
The first test was conducted in March 2022. Using the Trialtest, a methodology frequently used by the Italian Espresso Institute (IEI), an evaluation was conducted on a form containing objective descriptors and hedonic descriptors used according to the criteria of the International Institute of Coffee Tasters (Iiac).
The tasting judges evaluated coffee from a 100% Arabica blend contained in two different Packstyle packages equipped with degassing valves: one package in Aluminium Paper and the other in Aluminium with a glossy finish.
The coffee, which was offered in the cup, had been subjected to accelerated ageing because it had been kept at different storage temperatures, starting from 30°C up to 70°C. Even under high stress conditions, the positive evaluations proved that the Packstyle packs are able to guarantee optimal coffee preservation according to IEI standards.
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Second test: transport stress
The second test was carried out in December 2022. Once again the Trialtest was used, but in this case to evaluate coffee from a blend stored in Packstyle packaging after being subjected to a journey of over 18,000 km.
The blend examined is a high quality product, but at the same time also very delicate and susceptible to changes in fragrance if in contact with external agents. The choice was made to store it in three different Packstyle packages: Aluminium Paper Package, Matt Aluminium and in the new PP-based barrier metallised material with soft touch finish, which we will soon launch to our customers.
One part of the samples remained in a warehouse in Italy, while the other was loaded onto a flight to Korea, from where it was shipped back to Italy. The travelling sample was then subjected to different temperatures and pressure levels due to the flight. The purpose of dividing the sample into two parts was to detect any discrepancies between products stored differently. Once again, the tasting judges found that the coffee obtained from the blend stored in the different Packstyle packaging, and under different conditions, complied with the IEI quality profile levels. The sensory profiles of the coffee en route were found to be highly aligned with the profiles of the coffees that remained in storage.
Conclusions
For us at Packstyle, it is a matter of great pride to have been able to carry out the two tests and, above all, to have received excellent ratings from the tasting judges. We can guarantee that our packaging is not only suitable for preserving coffee, but also for protecting it from exceptional external agents such as high temperatures or extreme travel. The new PP-based barrier metallised material, the potential of which we have not yet told you about, also stood the test very well, testifying to our ongoing research into ever more sustainable products with excellent performance.
Together with IEI, we are working on a logo to summarise the Institute's approval and to make it clear that Packstyle's packaging is scientifically tested and can be trusted!
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