Fres-co Introduces Two New Degassing Valves to Advance Sustainable Coffee Packaging

Building on decades of degassing valve innovation, we’re proud to announce two new valve offerings designed to solve one of the coffee packaging industry’s most persistent challenges: how to offer more sustainable packaging solutions without compromising the freshness, quality, and performance brands depend on.

The two new valves, EcoValve and EcoValve Ultra, are engineered to reduce packaging weight, all while matching the venting performance of Fres-co’s standard degassing valve. Together, they give coffee brands a way to meet rising sustainability and regulatory expectations without sacrificing the package integrity their products rely on.

Meeting a Growing Industry Challenge: Recyclability Without Compromise

Coffee brands are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, active in seven U.S. states including California, Oregon, Colorado, Minnesota, Maine, Maryland, and Washington require companies to first reduce packaging material, then work toward recyclability. California’s requirements are the most significant driver in the market, with the first compliance deadline arriving in 2027.

Historically, brands have faced a difficult trade-off: lighter, more recyclable packaging often meant compromising on barrier protection, seal integrity, or shelf life. Fres-co’s two new valve offerings are built to close that gap. Both are 22–27% lighter than our standard degassing valve, yet deliver the same top-tier venting performance. This gives brands a way to meet sustainability goals without compromising the product protection. Both valves are being offered as additional options rather than replacements, so brands not yet ready to shift can continue using Fres-co’s standard degassing valve.

EcoValve: A Lightweight, Drop-In Solution

EcoValve gives coffee brands an immediate, low-friction path to lighter packaging. It’s manufactured on the same equipment as Fres-co’s standard degassing valve and requires no changes to existing production lines. This makes it one of the most accessible ways for roasters to start reducing packaging weight.

This innovative valve offers:

• Extra-lightweight construction with no compromise in venting performance
• Drop-in compatibility with Fres-co’s current packaging machines already in the field. Minimal equipment modification required.
• Ideal for roasters making under 50 packages per minute who are seeking a fast, low-friction path to reduced packaging weight
• Supports progress toward 2027 California EPR compliance requirements

EcoValve Ultra: Engineered for Mono-Material Packaging with Ultrasonic Sealing

EcoValve Ultra takes sustainable packaging further, purpose-built for mono-material (all-polyethylene) film — the direction the industry is moving in pursuit of better recyclability. Mono-material laminations are notoriously difficult to heat-seal at high speed, often resulting in adhesion issues, discoloration, or puckering. EcoValve Ultra solves this challenge through ultrasonic sealing, delivering a clean, consistent seal even at high production speeds.

• Shares the same lightweight properties as EcoValve
• Sealed via ultrasonic sealing, purpose-built for mono-material film
• Delivers consistent, high-quality seals at high production speeds
• Designed for roasters utilizing high-speed packaging machines 
• Requires an ultrasonic valve sealer, which can be retrofitted onto some existing lines or included with new equipment

A Sustainability Story Backed by How2Recycle® Pre-Qualification

Sustainability claims only carry weight when backed by a credible, independent standard. How2Recycle is a standardized on-pack labeling system that helps consumers understand how to responsibly dispose of packaging, using designations like Widely Recyclable, Check Locally, and Store Drop-off. Since launching publicly in 2012 as a project of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and its parent nonprofit GreenBlue, it has become the most widely recognized packaging disposal labeling system in the U.S. and Canada, backed by more than 800 member brands and retailers.

Both of Fres-co’s new valves, EcoValve and EcoValve Ultra, have recently received How2Recycle pre-qualification when paired together with our non-metalized, mono-material coffee packaging film. This provides coffee brands another credible way to tell their own sustainability story, without compromising the protection their product needs.

See Both New Degassing Valves at PACK EXPO 2026

Fres-co will debut EcoValve and EcoValve Ultra at PACK EXPO 2026, taking place October 18–21 at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL. Attendees can see both valves up close and speak with the Fres-co team at Booth S-3947.

We will also showcase NEXTPAK™ Sustainable Coffee Packaging, our high-barrier, all-polyethylene gusseted coffee bag that’s recycle-ready and certified through the NexTrex® Program, giving coffee brands strong barrier protection without compromising sustainability goals.

PACK EXPO 2026 registration is free using code 29R42. Be sure to stop by and see us at the show to learn more about our more sustainable coffee packaging solutions.

For more than 40 years, Fres-co System USA, Inc., a Goglio Group Company, has manufactured high-performance flexible packaging systems and invented dozens of innovative breakthroughs including degassing valves, modified atmosphere technologies, and reclosure systems.

Topics: Coffee Packaging, degassing valve, Sustainability, Sustainable Practices

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