Koehler Paper and nucao unveil 100% paper packaging for chocolate bars

GERMANY – Koehler Paper, a leading developer of specialty paper for the packaging sector, has joined forces with nucao, a chocolate manufacturer based in Germany, to introduce an innovative sustainable packaging solution for chocolate bars in the country.

This pioneering solution, known as Koehler NexPlus Advanced, offers flexible packaging paper with remarkable barrier properties against mineral oil, oxygen, and grease, rendering it suitable for various chocolate-coated fruit products.

Notably, the paper is touted to be 100% recyclable and compatible with both vertical and horizontal packaging machines.

The Koehler Paper team, in collaboration with researchers and developers from Koehler Innovation & Technology, has been diligently refining Koehler NexPlus Advanced specifically for horizontal packaging machines.

Alexander Rauer, Head of Business Development for flexible packaging paper at Koehler Paper, highlighted the technical breakthrough, stating, “From a technical standpoint, this is revolutionary, as vertical packaging machines operate at very high production speeds.

“Paper requires excellent strength properties to be processed in this manner, without being too thick for the machines to handle.”

The advanced paper solution enables production speeds of up to 600 bars per minute, a significant achievement facilitated by the collaborative effort among brand owners, packaging paper manufacturers, printers, and packaging machine manufacturers.

As part of this collaboration, Koehler NexPlus Advanced will be exclusively utilized for nucao’s chocolate bars, marking a significant milestone in the German market.

Mathias Tholey, co-founder of nucao, emphasized the importance of transparency and knowledge-sharing in such projects, expressing delight in partnering with Koehler Paper to advance their mission of making a positive impact on the planet through innovative paper packaging.

In parallel news, Koehler Paper has introduced another groundbreaking product: Koehler NexPlus Seal Pure 36 gsm, touted as the world’s lightest heat-sealable flexible packaging paper.

Despite its low grammage, this paper boasts high strength and is ideal for various horizontal packaging formats. Its exceptional surface quality makes it suitable for flexographic, digital, and gravure printing, offering versatility in design.

Joachim Uhl, Koehler Paper Mill Director at Kehl, highlighted the challenges faced during production, particularly in maintaining stability at high speeds.

However, through the utilization of cutting-edge production lines and expertise in the Flexible Packaging Paper division, Koehler successfully brought this paper to market.

Moreover, its low opacity renders it suitable for packaging brochures for mailing purposes, offering visibility of the contents or allowing QR code scanning.

Christoph Wachter, Director of the Flexible Packaging Paper division at Koehler Paper, emphasized the paper’s suitability for food packaging due to its use of 100% certified virgin fiber pulp, further underlining its versatility and eco-friendliness.

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