Coffee Equipment Archives

How to Balance Cost and Sustainability in Coffee Packaging

February 26, 2025

Though the rising demand for sustainable products is a positive step for the well-being of the environment, it does pose a challenge to some businesses. Those in the coffee industry, in particular, face an increasing challenge to balance eco-friendly packaging with cost efficiency. Eco-friendly packaging is a significant factor in lessening the environmental footprint of a business, something that will benefit the larger society. Meanwhile, affordability is a crucial factor in staying competitive and keeping your business alive. Balancing these is a big challenge, but it can be done. If you are trying to balance cost and sustainability in coffee packaging and beverage systems, here are some strategies you can try without compromising product quality and brand identity.

How to Balance Cost and Sustainability in Coffee Packaging

To understand how to balance cost and sustainability, you must first have a decent understanding of sustainable coffee packaging. Sustainable coffee packaging refers to materials and designs with the minimum environmental impact. Talk about biodegradable, compostable, recyclable, and reusable options. The entire life cycle of the materials—from sourcing to production to disposal—is also taken into consideration.

Common Eco-Friendly Materials:

Kraft Paper: These are recyclable and degrade within a few weeks.

Compostable Films: These are made from renewable materials like sugarcane, cornstarch, and cassava.

Recyclable Plastics: These are plastics that can be recycled and made into new products multiple times.

Reusable Containers: These are metal tins and glass jars that customers can use to refill their coffee products.

Challenges of Sustainable Packaging

Because of the increasing awareness of the problems caused by environmental degradation and climate change, it should not be hard to convince people to choose sustainable practices. However, many coffee businesses are faced with challenges.

Higher Material Cost: Eco-friendly materials are usually more expensive than conventional plastic materials.

Durability Issues: Some biodegradable materials may not be able to give the same level of protection as plastics to keep coffee fresh.

Limited Availability: The sourcing of sustainable packaging is sometimes challenging and can lead to supply chain issues.

Lack of Consumer Knowledge: Not all customers know how to properly dispose of sustainable packaging. When it comes to sustainable packaging, businesses should balance cost and sustainable goals. Here are strategies to do that.

Cost-Effective Strategies for Sustainable Coffee Packaging:

Choose the Right Materials

Look at your budget and sustainability goals, and then, with these in mind, choose the best materials.

Mix Materials

You can mix recycled content with traditional packaging. This practice can bring down costs and still improve sustainability.

Use Lightweight Options

Lighter materials can bring down shipping costs and reduce your business’s carbon footprint.

Look for Local Sources

Local sources may offer better pricing options, cost less to ship, and reduce transportation emissions.

Optimize Packaging Design

Efficient packaging design can lower the cost.

Reduce Excess Packaging

Complicated designs may result in unnecessary layers and bulk. Make sure that your packaging design is attractive yet uncomplicated.

Right Size Packaging

Minimize waste by ensuring that your packaging is just the right size for the amount of product it will hold.

Multi-Use Design

Consider how else your customers can use the packaging. Design your packaging wisely. Make it attractive and functional so that customers will choose to keep and repurpose it. In a world that is concerned with sustainability, more and more customers support brands that are taking steps towards this goal. This can help improve brand loyalty while reducing waste.

Bulk Purchasing and Supplier Partnership

Buy in bulk to lower your cost per unit. Consider partnering with suppliers who are also focused on sustainability. They may be able to give you better pricing, which can result in long-term savings.

Implement Refill and Return Programs

Encourage your customers to return or refill their packaging through a deposit-refund system and discounts for refilling coffee bags or jars.

Level Up Your Customer’s Coffee-Drinking Experience

Through creativity and innovation, coffee retailers can balance cost and sustainability practices in their packaging. If you are in the coffee business and would like to level up your customer’s coffee-drinking experience, contact us about our coffee equipment so you can get that perfect piping cup of hot coffee every time. After all, no matter how well-thought-out the packaging is, it is still that delicious coffee inside the cup that matters.

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What Should You Do with Old Coffee Beans?

January 2, 2025

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More than 70% of people drink coffee every day in the United States. From homebrewing coffee equipment to visiting coffee shops, one of America’s favorite beverages is coffee. No matter how you get your coffee, the expectation is that it is always fresh. However, as coffee beans age, they inevitably lose their freshness and flavor. The fragrant aroma they had prior is not what it once was. This can impact the flavor and quality of your morning cup of joe. So, what should you do with old coffee beans?

What Should You Do with Old Coffee Beans?

If you notice that your coffee beans have lost their luster, avoid throwing them out. There are so many different ways you can repurpose them and avoid waste. Consider the following ideas you can do with your old coffee beans.

Combine Your Beans

If your coffee beans haven’t expired, you can blend them with new beans. Mix old and new beans at a 1:2 ratio. Doubling the amount of new beans ensures that your coffee still tastes great. It also allows you to use the beans without having to deal with stale coffee. The new beans will provide enough freshness to ensure your coffee still tastes great. Usually, new beans with added flavor components are the best option. Another alternative is to use old beans in cold brew. This brewing method works fine with older beans.

Add To Your Compost Bin

If you are a gardener, old coffee beans are a great addition to your compost. Even old coffee beans are high in nitrogen. This is a key nutrient for healthy soil that can work wonders in your garden. Avoid throwing old beans into the compost, as they should be prepared beforehand. Grind your coffee beans and mix them with other materials in your compost for balance. This is a great eco-friendly solution that offers so many benefits.

Make Coffee-Infused Foods

Adding coffee to other foods can add so much flavor and dimension. This is true even if your coffee beans are old and lackluster. Old coffee beans are a great addition to so many different baked goods. Cake, muffins, and other types of pastries are easily elevated with the deep flavor coffee beans provide. However, they can also be used to create coffee–infused syrups for desserts or drinks. They can even be used in alcohol to make tasty liquors.

Create Air Fresheners

Even old coffee beans offer aromatic freshness. The oils in coffee beans can freshen the air in any space. You can easily make sachets filled with coffee beans. These can be placed in drawers or closets to freshen up stale areas. Some people even add the sachets to their shoes to combat foot odor. Another great place for old coffee beans is the refrigerator. If you have a large family or work in an office, deodorizing the kitchen is a must. This is a great way to repurpose old coffee beans and avoid harsh chemicals in regular air fresheners.

Create Skincare Products

Old coffee beans still have properties that are beneficial. Repurposing them into skincare products is a great way to avoid waste. You can easily make exfoliating scrubs for your body. The antioxidant and exfoliating properties make old coffee beans a great skincare product. You can mix them with coconut oil or honey. It will leave your skin so much smoother. Some even report that it reduces the appearance of cellulite.

Beverage Systems

If you are considering adding coffee equipment or other beverage systems to your restaurant, contact the team at SC Beverage today for more information!

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5 Most Popular Coffee Brewing Methods

October 17, 2024

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There are many ways to consume coffee, and not all of them are created equal. At least, that’s what the trends in coffee consumption can help inform you about.

Coffee is the world’s most popular and widely consumed beverage after water and has existed for millennia as a brewed beverage. Over time, humanity’s fascination with this delicious drink has led it to refining the delivery method for this precious source of caffeine.

5 Most Popular Coffee Brewing Methods

If you’re a coffee fan and would like to stay up-to-date on some of the most popular brewing methods for this tasty beverage, take a look at this overview of the various commercial coffee makers available.

Coffee: The World’s Most Variable Beverage

One of the reasons that there are so many delivery methods for coffee is that the drink itself is highly versatile and adaptable. In addition, preparing coffee using different methods can result in a wildly different experience in terms of how the drink tastes and feels. This is one of the reasons that the drink is so popular. Some of the world’s most popular methods for preparing coffee are outlined below:

1. Pour-Over

The pour-over coffee method has gained quite a bit of popularity over recent years due to its ability to consistently deliver fantastic flavor. Pour-over coffee involves grinding fresh beans and placing them in a filter that lies on top of a porcelain or metal pour-over mechanism. Hot water is then poured over the grounds slowly, sometimes using a specialized kettle with an elongated spout. The coffee then seeps through the filter into one’s cup.

2. French Press

The French Press is another very popular method of consuming coffee. French Presses are great for groups of people or for parties. The concept underlying a French Press is relatively simple. Coffee is placed at the bottom of a glass cylinder, followed by boiling water. After the water is poured into the container, the coffee is left to steep for a few minutes. After this, a mesh press is clamped down, which presses the coffee grounds to the bottom of the beaker, leaving only the fresh brew to enjoy.

3. Standard Drip

Standard drip machines have been largely sidelined in recent years due to the plethora of other methods that have become available in recent years. That being said, their utility and commonality have ensured that the standard drip machine has a place in society’s heart.

A staple piece of diners and coffee shops, drip machines like the iconic Mr. Coffee electrically boil a large amount of water and run it through a filter, filling a large pot that can deliver many different cups of coffee.

4. Espresso

In many ways, espresso needs no introduction. Pound for pound, espresso may be the world’s most popular method of coffee delivery. Part of this is due to the fact that this remains the most popular – and sometimes only – method of drinking coffee in certain parts of the world, such as Latin America and Europe.

Espresso is also the most complex method of preparing coffee, and properly constitutes a culinary art in itself. Developed in Italy in the early 20th century, espresso utilizes specialty espresso blends of coffee packed into a highly complex rigging of machinery. Espresso machines have many moving pieces, but generally utilize boiling water and steam to create a variety of different beverages.

5. Aeropress

The Aeropress is a relatively new source of coffee preparation, albeit one that is gaining traction as a popular choice. An Aeropress utilizes a simple yet sophisticated contraption that presses a tasty cup of coffee for interested parties. In addition, the Aeropress has developed into a convenient coffee brewing method for those who tend to travel frequently. Even individuals who are camping or backpacking can easily pack a durable Aeropress into their pack and enjoy high-quality coffee wherever they go.

Which Type is Right for Me?

The type of brewing equipment that you decide to go with will oftentimes be somewhat dependent on your mission in terms of preparing coffee. Most commercial spaces will opt for brewing methods that are effective at delivering high volumes of coffee to large numbers of people, such as espresso machines or drip coffee. If you just have a personal setup, an Aeropress or pour-over might be most appropriate.

Southern California’s Beverage King

SC Beverage is a regionally trusted coffee equipment supplier for all things beverage. If you’re interested in updating the equipment of your restaurant or are simply an at-home enthusiast or entrepreneur, contact us today to discuss whether or not we have what you need to get the ball rolling on your ideas.

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How to Repair a Commercial Coffee Machine: Troubleshooting Guide

August 22, 2023

concept of repairing a commercial coffee machine

Owning and operating a bustling café or food service establishment comes with its fair share of challenges. Among the most crucial pieces of equipment in this type of business setting is the commercial coffee machine. A steady flow of delicious coffee keeps your customers satisfied, and a well-functioning coffee machine is the heart of your beverage service.

How to Repair a Commercial Coffee Machine: Troubleshooting Guide

However, just like any other mechanical equipment, commercial coffee machines can encounter issues from time to time. It is better to address these issues right away rather than wait for the machines to completely break down. In this article by SC Beverage, your local beverage equipment supplier, we’ll walk you through how to repair a commercial coffee machine with this troubleshooting guide.

Learn the Basics of Your Machine

Before delving into troubleshooting, it’s essential to have a firm grasp of how your commercial coffee machine works. This knowledge will help you more quickly identify issues and invest in better repairs to avoid issues in the future.

Refer to the manufacturer’s manual – if your machine included one – and familiarize yourself with the components, functions, and maintenance requirements of your machine. You may even want to consult with your professional commercial machine supplier to see if there are local repair experts who can walk you through the basics of your coffee maker if you aren’t sure what the source of the damage is.

Diagnose Common Coffee Machine Issues

When it comes to physical equipment, a lot can go wrong. Take note of these common issues and invest in the proper fix as soon as you can:

A Lack of Flowing Water:

If your coffee machine is not dispensing water or coffee as expected, there could be a water flow issue. Check the water reservoir, hoses, and filters for any blockages or leaks. Clean or replace any clogged filters and ensure proper water connectivity before restarting the machine.

Hot or Cold Temperatures:

Inconsistent temperature levels can lead to uneven coffee dispensing, making the beverage taste bad or turn up too cold in the customer’s cup. An easy way to test this is to put a thermometer inside the machine where the water heats up. If the temperature is too high or too low, the heating element or thermostat may need replacement.

Weak Coffee:

If your coffee tastes weak or watery, it might be due to having the wrong amount of water pressure. Adjust your hose according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and your desired coffee strength, and get in touch with repair experts if the problem still continues.

Machine Not Turning On:

If the machine doesn’t power up, check the power source and check to see if the machine is properly plugged in. If it still won’t turn on, examine the power switch, circuit breaker, or power cord for any damage.

Sometimes, you may not be able to identify and troubleshoot coffee machine issues on your own. In that case, getting in touch with one of our beverage experts is recommended so you can properly diagnose the issues within your commercial machine.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

Routine cleaning and maintenance are integral to preventing coffee machine issues. Just as a well-maintained engine keeps the whole car running smoothly, a clean coffee machine brews better coffee. For any major restaurant or beverage company, daily cleaning is an absolute necessity. Clean removable parts such as the portafilter, drip tray, and steam wand after each use to prevent residue buildup. Regularly empty and clean the tray so you do not have old liquid overflowing, which also avoids constant phone calls to your local repair service.

Perform a deeper cleaning once a week by backflushing the group head and cleaning the shower screen. Use a group head brush and a cleaning solution designed for coffee machines. Replace water filters and descale the machine’s internal components at least once a month to prevent mineral buildup. You can always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper descaling procedures.

Update Your Commercial Coffee Machines with SC Beverage

A well-maintained commercial coffee machine ensures that your coffee service runs smoothly, keeping your customers satisfied and your business thriving. By understanding the basics, diagnosing issues, and practicing regular cleaning and maintenance, you can ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your commercial coffee machine. Browse our selection of brand-new commercial coffee equipment when you visit us online or get in touch with us ASAP.

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Top 3 Reasons People Drink Coffee

February 24, 2023

Did you know that coffee is the second most popular beverage in the entire world, coming in just under tea? There are plenty of reasons why this dark and hot drink continues to be so popular. Many people like it because it helps them wake up in the morning, while others find it comforting to drink something warm on a cool day. But what is it about coffee in particular that keeps us coming back for more? Let’s see the top 3 reasons people drink coffee.

Top 3 Reasons People Drink Coffee

At your local California beverage company, our experts are wondering the same thing. What makes coffee so special? Today, we are going to share our research and talk about the top 3 reasons people drink coffee on, what is for most of us, a daily basis.

Coffee is a Familiar Routine

Most of us like to grab a hot cup of joe when we first wake up and brush our teeth. Not only do we see coffee as a big source of energy (thanks to the high levels of caffeine that are found in all non-decaf roasts), but we also find it to be something comforting that we can wake up with during the earlier hours of the day. If it’s too warm outside to brew a piping hot drink, you can always pour your coffee over ice, as it is almost as popular iced as it is hot.

Coffee is a Social Thing

Many cultures around the world view drinking alcohol as a cultural event, using social activities as a reason for good beers and tasty brews. Similarly, people view coffee as a sign of socialization. With a number of locally-owned and brand-name coffee shops on any given city street, these cozy corners have become social hubs for all different types of activities. Many people choose to attend business meetings or even go on romantic dates at the coffee shop.

Social coffee drinking is so popular that articles have even been written in defense of why coffee is the best first date idea. It’s a versatile drink that can be made in so many different ways and combined with so many different ingredients, so there is bound to be something at a coffee shop for everyone to enjoy.

Coffee is Good for You

This might come as a surprise, but coffee actually has quite a few positive health benefits. Everybody knows that caffeine can offer a boost of energy to get you through your day, but doesn’t it also cause a crash? How can coffee also be healthy?

Coffee beans themselves end up packed with vitamins and nutrients that you consume when you sip on the brewed coffee drink. The average coffee bean has great substances like potassium, magnesium, and riboflavin, which are all known to reduce symptoms of diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Parkinson’s Disease. Not to mention, these vitamins also help to reduce the risk of cancer by strengthening the body’s energy levels.

Get Top-Notch Brewing Systems for Your Restaurant Today

Coffee remains the lifeblood of many. And it stays a staple to have at just about any place that serves food and drinks. If you find yourself looking to set up shop and establish a reputation as the next best cozy coffee corner in town, you will want to get your hands on a few of the best commercial coffee makers and equipment. Without a reliable source of coffee, your menu may fall short. Coffee is too important to too many people to risk not having any available for your customers.

Have more questions about selling coffee and using commercial brewing equipment? Our SC Bev experts are here to help. Get in touch with our pros online or visit us in person to learn more about your commercial brewing options ASAP.

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