Cómo Sellar Bolsas de Café: Equipos y Técnicas según el Tipo de Bolsa

How to Seal Coffee Bags: Equipment and Techniques by Bag Type

Introduction: When it comes to coffee, packaging plays a crucial role in preserving its freshness and flavor. Proper sealing is essential to protect coffee from oxygen, moisture, and light, which can compromise its quality. In this blog, we will explain the different methods and devices available for sealing coffee bags, and how to choose the best option depending on the type of bag you use.

1. Importance of a good seal in coffee

Before we talk about equipment and methods, it is important to understand why proper sealing is so important for coffee. Roasted coffee is a sensitive product that can lose its aromatic and flavor properties if exposed to oxygen. Therefore, hermetic sealing helps prolong the freshness of coffee and keep its quality intact for longer.

2. Types of coffee bags and how they are sealed

When choosing a sealing method, it is essential to consider the type of bag you are using. Here we detail the main types of coffee bags and the most suitable methods for sealing them:

Kraft paper bags with inner lining:

  • These bags are often lined with materials such as PE (polyethylene) or aluminum, which act as protective barriers. They are popular with artisan roasters due to their natural and eco-friendly aesthetic.
  • Sealing method: Although they can be folded and closed with labels or clips, to ensure a more professional and airtight seal, the use of manual or clamp heat sealers is recommended.

Plastic bags with and without valve:

  • Plastic bags, especially those with a degassing valve, are common among roasters looking to maintain freshness and allow CO₂ to escape while keeping oxygen out.
  • Sealing method: These bags are usually sealed with heat sealers, either manual or automatic. Heat bar sealers are a versatile and easy-to-use option for sealing this type of material.

Aluminum or metallized bags:

  • These bags offer an excellent barrier against oxygen, light and moisture, making them one of the most popular options for high-quality coffees that are stored for long periods.
  • Sealing method: To seal this type of bags, the most common way is to use thermal impulse sealers , since they apply strong and precise heat to the sealing area, ensuring that the properties of the material remain intact.

Self-sealing (zipper) bags:

  • These bags allow the customer to open and close the bag without losing the freshness of the product. They are popular with consumers looking for convenience.
  • Sealing Method: Although zip lock bags can be manually sealed after opening, it is essential to initially seal them with a heat sealer to maintain freshness before first use.

3. Coffee bag sealing equipment

Once you've decided on the type of bag you're going to use, the next step is to choose the right equipment to seal them. There are several types of coffee bag sealing devices, which vary in size, price and functionality. Here are the most commonly used ones:

1. Manual heat sealers:

They are ideal for small productions or for those who are starting out in the coffee business. They work by applying heat to the mouth of the bag, sealing it quickly and efficiently.

  • Advantages: They are economical, easy to use and suitable for various types of bags (Kraft paper, plastic, aluminum).
  • Example of use: Perfect for small runs or specialty shops that hand-pack smaller batches.

2. Impulse sealers:

These machines apply intense but momentary heat (hence the "impulse") through a bar that presses against the mouth of the bag, sealing it hermetically. They are very versatile and are used on different materials.

  • Advantages: They offer a strong and professional seal. Suitable for thicker bags such as aluminium or plastic bags with valves.
  • Example of use: Artisanal roasters that handle medium productions.

3. Vacuum sealers with chamber:

Although not as common in specialty coffee, vacuum sealers can be used to remove all air from the bag before sealing, thus extending the shelf life of the product.

  • Advantages: They keep coffee fresh longer by removing almost all of the air from the bag.
  • Example of use: Most common in commercial coffee or products that require longer storage.

4. High production automatic sealers:

If your business is scaling and you need to seal many bags in a short time, automatic or continuous band sealers are the best option. These machines allow you to seal bags quickly and efficiently, without having to do each seal manually.

  • Advantages: High productivity, uniformity in sealing, ideal for large volumes of bags.
  • Example of use: Coffee companies with mass production.

4. What is the best team for you?

The choice of equipment to seal your coffee bags will depend on the scale of your business, the type of bag you use and the budget you have available.

  • Small Business or Craft Roasters : A manual or impulse heat sealer is ideal for small to medium batches.
  • Higher volume production companies : Consider investing in an automatic band sealer or vacuum sealer to ensure freshness and fast sealing.

Conclusion:

Properly sealing coffee bags is essential to ensure that the product maintains its freshness and quality until it reaches the hands of the consumer. Whether you opt for Kraft paper, plastic or aluminum bags, or whether you work with small or large productions, at coffebags.com we have the perfect bags to accompany your coffee, and with the right seal, you will ensure an excellent experience for your customers.

Back to blog