Press release submitted on behalf of Koehler Group.
Koehler Paper, Oberkirch, Germany, is introducing an innovative packaging solution: its newly developed “Koehler NexPlus® Seal Coat” paper, which is characterized by excellent flex-crack resistance, glossy surfaces and vibrant printing results. This closes a significant gap in the market by allowing brands to showcase their products in paper packaging with a look and feel that leave nothing to be desired in comparison to plastic – all while being recyclable, of course. Koehler Paper will be showcasing this product to the public for the first time ever at the Fachpack trade fair in Nuremberg on September 23–25, 2025 at booth 324, Hall 4a.
Koehler Paper technology and production processes power packaging innovation
A specially developed technology allows the paper product to have a uniform high-gloss appearance without any cracking. In addition, the paper makes a compelling case as a result of its extraordinary suitability for subsequent processing, as seen in the fact that it can be processed with the same speed as plastic on packaging machines. Moreover, it is also heat-sealable at lower temperatures.
“The development of this packaging paper represents an incredible breakthrough,” explains Christoph Wachter, director of flexible packaging paper at Koehler Paper. “Countless brands want a recyclable mono-material that lets them showcase their products with a premium bold look featuring a high level of gloss that is perfect for the 95:5 rule – not to mention that they want it to be easily disposable as wastepaper. And that’s exactly what we’re giving them.” Moreover, “Koehler NexPlus® Seal Coat” packaging paper has been awarded the “Made for Recycling” seal by environmental service provider Interzero, making it a solid and truly viable alternative that can help eliminate the use of plastic in packaging.
Top-quality printing results can be achieved with flexographic, gravure and digital printing, enabling branded companies to design packaging with a premium look that can be processed in countless ways while simultaneously conserving resources.
Sustainable packaging: Innovative paper solutions with ‘NexFlex®’ from Koehler Paper
The research and development team from Koehler Innovation & Technology worked with the experts from Koehler Paper to develop the NexFlex® product range, a unique and recyclable generation of flexible packaging paper products. The aim here is to replace plastic in packaging by using so-called barrier paper wherever possible. The range covers a broad spectrum: It includes standard coated and uncoated paper used in applications such as laminates for pouches, sachets and other uses, making it suitable for a wide range of packaging for food and non-food products. The next generation of paper for flexible packaging consists of sustainable barrier paper offerings with functional surfaces for product-specific protection (Koehler NexPlus®). The NexFlex® product family also includes paper that is coated on one side and features good dimensional stability and high smoothness (Koehler NexCoat®), as well as uncoated paper with a natural appearance (Koehler NexPure®). Various flexible packaging paper products from Koehler Paper have been awarded the “Made for Recycling” seal by environmental service provider Interzero.
About the Koehler Group
The Koehler Group was founded in 1807 and has been family-run from that moment to the present day. The group’s core business activity lies in the development and production of high-quality specialty paper. This includes—among others—thermal paper, playing card board, beverage coasters, fine paper, carbonless paper, recycled paper, decor paper, wood pulp board, sublimation paper and also innovative specialty paper for the packaging industry. In Germany, the Koehler Group employs around 2,500 people across five production sites, with three additional sites in the USA. The group operates internationally, with an export share of around 70% in 2023, and brings in an annual turnover of around 1.1 billion euros.
As an energy-intensive company, Koehler invests in renewable energy projects such as wind energy, hydropower, photovoltaics and biomass with its Koehler Renewable Energy business unit. The Koehler Group has set a goal of producing more energy from renewable sources by 2030 than is required for its paper production operations.
With its Koehler Innovative Solutions division, the Koehler Group is collaborating with start-ups to promote innovations in the core business segments “paper” and “renewable energy”.
For more information, visit www.koehler.com.