PRESS RELEASE

NAGASE to Introduce TiMELESS® Plastic-Free Degassing Technology to North America at World of Coffee 2026 (Booth 615)

March 10, 2026

TiMELESS at World of Coffee San Diego 2026

Patented valve-free innovation eliminates single-use plastic components in coffee packaging, streamlining production and enhancing sustainability.

NAGASE & Co., Ltd., a global leader in specialty chemicals and advanced materials, today announced the North American debut of TiMELESS® at World of Coffee 2026. Taking place April 10–12 in San Diego, the exhibition will showcase NAGASE’s plastic-free degassing technology designed to replace traditional one-way valves in coffee packaging.

“Introducing TiMELESS® to North America represents an important step in expanding sustainable packaging solutions for the coffee industry,” said  TiMELESS® R&D Team. “With demonstrated commercial success in Japan, we look forward to engaging North American roasters and packaging professionals in evaluating a valve-free alternative.”

Developed jointly with MIB Co., Ltd. (Tokyo), TiMELESS® replaces conventional single-use plastic one-way degassing valves with an integrated micro-channel sealing structure formed directly within the package seal. The design allows CO₂ produced by freshly roasted coffee to escape naturally while blocking oxygen ingress, with zero added plastic components.

Introducing TiMELESS to North America represents an important step in expanding sustainable packaging solutions for the coffee industry.
—TiMELESS R&D Team

Addressing a Widespread Packaging Challenge

Plastic one-way degassing valves are a near-universal feature of specialty coffee packaging, serving the critical function of releasing carbon dioxide from freshly roasted beans while preventing oxygen from entering the bag. However, they introduce both environmental and operational considerations.

Industry data estimates that approximately 6.47 billion plastic degassing valves are used globally each year, including 1.85 billion in North America alone—most of which are not recyclable. That figure is projected to reach 8.6 billion units globally by 2028.

Beyond their environmental impact, conventional valves introduce operational complexity: they must be separately procured, inventoried, and mechanically applied to each bag, adding cost and supply chain fragility at every step of production.


Experience TiMELESS at Booth 615

Attendees at World of Coffee 2026 will have the opportunity to:
 

  • Witness a live TiMELESS® demonstration, including a direct comparison between TiMELESS® and conventional valve-sealed packaging.
  • Sample TiMELESS® bags across multiple packaging formats (available to qualifying visitors).
  • Meet the NAGASE Specialists for private technical consultations on integration with specific production formats and line. 

About TiMELESS®

TiMELESS® is a patented packaging technology developed by MIB Co., Ltd. and distributed globally by the NAGASE Group. The solution replaces single-use plastic degassing valves with an integrated micro-channel seal structure that enables controlled gas release while maintaining product freshness. TiMELESS® is commercially available for VFFS integration globally and for custom and standard bag formats in Japan, with North American bag availability in development. Learn more at nagase.com/services/development/timeless


About NAGASE & Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1832, NAGASE & Co., Ltd. is a diversified specialty chemicals group headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with operations spanning more than 30 countries. NAGASE's businesses encompass chemicals, electronic materials, life sciences, cosmetics, food ingredients, and advanced materials development. Learn more at nagase.com.


About World of Coffee 2026

World of Coffee is the Specialty Coffee Association's premier trade event, bringing together thousands of coffee professionals, roasters, equipment manufacturers, and packaging suppliers from around the world. The 2026 U.S. edition takes place April 10–12, 2026.


For media inquiries:

Oguro Kohei, Nagase & Co. Ltd — kohei.oguro@nagase.co.jp 
https://www.nagase.com/services/development/timeless

Topics:
  • News
  • News Releases
  • Printing & Packaging
  • Packaging Material for Food
  • Americas
  • Sustainability

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