T&C's 
 ORDER 
 LINKS 
 SITE 
 
   
PRODUCTS
 

News

 
     
 

 
March 2009

Abbeychart "How to" guide -
Coffee Filter Papers and Rolls
 
The first in a series of useful technical guides and tutorials.


There are many considerations involved in bulk buying coffee filter papers. We hope the information provided below will help you to buy the correct filter paper to suit your needs without compromise.

Why use coffee filter papers?
They are the most convenient method of coffee preparation; at the end of the brewing cycle, the operator simply disposes of the paper with coffee grounds inside and the machine is ready for the next brew.

There’s no washing up and no chance of coffee grounds blocking the drains. Filters and coffee can be composted.

Permanent filters are usually not as thorough as filter papers, often leaving residual coffee grains in the brew.

Ecologically sound; filter papers are made from sustainable resources – softwood trees. Permanent filters are made of plastic and metal and need regular cleaning, using chemicals which are released into the environment.

What TYPE of coffee filter do you need?
Domestic filter = household cone type. Bleached orunbleached paper can be manufactured to suit machine.

Catering/cafés/bars = basket filters are best.

Commercial catering = Urn filters fit larger 5 to 70 litre coffee brewers.


Which size?
Size is important to ensure the filter functions correctly – the perfect size will prevent coffee grains blocking the machine.


To measure basket filters, flatten filter and measure overall diameter of the circle (say 250mm) and the diameter of the inner base circle (say 84mm). Therefore the filter size is 250-84.

To measure a coil filter roll measure the width and diameter of an unused roll in millimetres. Popular sizes are stocked by Abbeychart including 89mm, 100mm and 110mm wide rolls.

To measure household cone filters, flatten the filter and measure the narrow base of the filter (say 50mm) and the length of the side of the
filter (say 148mm).





What effect does paper weight have on filtration?
Paper weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm). Weight is important in preventing the filter bursting under the weight of liquid during filtration. Filters distributed by Abbeychart are made to European standards and compatible when used with almost every standard European coffee grounds.

Paper weight is also important with larger sizes to prevent breaking when filter is lifted out of machine.


What is the impact of filter papers on the environment and can they be recycled?
Konos manufactures its own paper at its wholly owned paper mill in Switzerland. The paper is made to the highest Swiss environmental standards and to ISO9000. Pulp used is manufactured using sustainable softwood from North America and Europe.
Under European food contact regulations, it is not permitted to use third party recycled paper in manufacture of food contact papers. However, Konos, who own and operate the mill, can use off-cuts produced from manufacturing their papers, which are sent back to the mill for re-pulping, significantly cutting its carbon footprint and the need to use only virgin material.

  Bleached or unbleached?
Previously, bleached papers have been surrounded by environmental concerns and health related issues. The process formerly used chlorine agents producing dioxins.

It is a common misconception that bleached filters will taint your brew. No evidence has been found that they will affect the taste or quality of the brew. Now, all white filter papers are whitened by an oxygen-bleaching
process that is completely non-toxic, non-hazardous and removes all taste – except that of the coffee itself.

Changing a filter with every brew ensures consistent taste, free from washing chemicals that may remain on permanent filters. Also, it ensures that no contamination from a previous batch of coffee enters your brew.



Can I have filters packed to match my own brand?
Yes! We provide bespoke packaging solutions for retail and catering filter markets. Whether it be basket filters in specific counts or cone filters in private label packaging. Exact packaging to your needs can be discussed.


 
Information from the Abbeychart/Kunos document 'How to Buy Filter Papers'.
 
Click to download 'How to Buy
Filter Papers' for saving/printing

ABBEYCHART LIMITED
Unit 1b White Horse Business Park, Stanford in the Vale, Faringdon, Oxon, SN7 8NY, UK
T: +44 (0)1367 711900 E: sales@abbeychart.co.uk