Candymaker Loacker, from South Tyrol, has used Koehler NexPlus Seal Pure MOB flexible packaging paper for its “Best of Moments” wafer variety pack for around two years now. The paper product is made by Koehler Paper in Kehl, processed into a stand-up pouch by converter SIT Group, and then processed further into premium recycled paper at Koehler’s site in Greiz once the contents are gone.
“Together with SIT, we had the luck of being the first to offer a sustainable packaging paper option with excellent sealability and mineral oil barrier properties,” says Koehler Paper Italy sales manager, Mauro Moretti. Loacker product manager Gaia Ferrandi confirms this, “It really is a paper product with extraordinary properties. In fact, not only is it FSC-certified, but also highly recyclable, as verified with the CEPI test method. Our experiences with it are proof: Koehler Paper provides truly premium products and has its finger on the pulse of the market, which has gotten an incredible response from our customers.”
From Kehl to Greiz: Koehler Paper’s dual role in the circular economy
Once consumers are done eating their Loacker wafers, the paper packaging can be disposed of as wastepaper so that it can be recycled. In this case, the corresponding automated paper sorting systems make sure that the flexible packaging paper makes it to places such as the Koehler Paper site in Greiz. Then, once there, the paper is turned into premium recycled paper with the “Blue Angel” and EU ecolabels so that it can be reused for elegant packaging solutions, among other things. This way, Koehler Paper makes a vital contribution to conserving resources while demonstrating its know-how in all paper cycle phases.
The business group has a video on its YouTube channel that documents the journey of Loacker packaging through the whole recycling process. In this specific example, Loacker packaging is turned into jet-black recycled paper in Greiz so that it can then be used as premium packaging for products such as the luxury watches made by Saxony-based Mühle-Glashütte. To put it another way, it is conclusive and impressive proof of how premium quality and recycling are not mutually exclusive.
