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'.
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
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.
