Austria’s Greiner Packaging International (GPI, Kremsmünster; www.greiner-gpi.com) has developed a new production process for coffee capsules using multi-barrier technology. The system has been created in partnership with an undisclosed international player in the coffee industry.

The capsules are made from PP incorporating a layer of ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) that gives a higher oxygen barrier in the packaging, protecting the coffee from external effects. This substantially increases the shelf-life and protection of the aroma, said GPI, ensuring that the best coffee quality can be maintained over a long period.

The company said the capsule’s precise, fully automated production process also sets new standards in sustainability. Computer tomography is used to guarantee the measurement of the capsules, keeping rejects to a minimum. However, any capsule reject is ground up and fed back into the production process.

Kenneth Boldog, sales director for K Europe, a division of GPI, said the tailored system had defined a new level of quality for coffee capsules and set new market standards.