Koehler NexPlus Paper - At a glance

NexPlus is a range of value-added barrier and heat sealable paper. Java Paper Group has been marketing these grades in India for the last couple of years. It was commercially launched in 2022. The company is working under developments with flexible packaging converters as well as brand owners who are keen to provide sustainable solutions.

Hema Java informs the WhatPackaging? team, “Customers have loved the printed pouches and especially spoken about the feel of holding the paper pouch that gives them a sense of happiness knowing this packaging can be easily recycled in the paper stream. The pack is created by us at Java Paper Group for our Diwali gifting. We selected dry fruits as they are a commonly used item for festive gifting. We wanted to show that there are alternatives to plastic with paper-based options and thought that incorporating that into our festive gifting would have a wide reach.”

This paper is available for ordering in custom sizes, GSM and barrier requirements with a standard lead time. Java Paper Group is also stocking trial rolls to expedite new developments.

The substrate can be easily printed on digital, flexo and gravure presses. The paper is FSC certified and 100% recyclable as certified by PTS Authority, Europe.

Supporting the vision of FMCG companies

This product fits as a replacement to traditional plastic packaging where high barriers are not required. In secondary packaging, it can be used as a stand-up pouch carrying mini chocolates or mini packs of masalas. In primary packaging, it can be used for dry foods, tea and other consumer goods such as cosmetics and men's grooming.

For different applications, various flexible packaging papers are available, with the respective barrier function that is necessary to protect the goods. In terms of interest, the company has seen successes in the past year, with brand owners actively looking out for solutions which are 100% recyclable.

Any examples of product protection?

One interesting vertical where Java Paper Group has found multiple successes would be board games and game cards. Many companies have replaced their plastic pouches to a paper pouch such as Ludo Fact, packing its puzzle pieces and game cards in Koehler's paper for games such as “Catan” and “Halli Galli”.

With the advent of regulations combined with the increased awareness of the consumers, Java Paper Group is confident that paper solutions will be able to replace plastics in certain applications and areas.

Some examples of successes?

Australia’s leading tea producer Madura Tea has taken a significant step toward reducing its own impact on the environment. All packaging materials that were previously based on metalized OPP (oriented polypropylene) have been switched to Koehler NexPlus Seal MOB.

Chocolate start-up Nucao relies on the innovation from Koehler, NexPlus Advanced: With the aim of replacing plastic as a packaging material they have been using it for its chocolate products Nucao fruits and Nucao nuts since the end of 2022.

In the non-food sector, Schneider Electric has been a pioneer in shifting to Koehler's NexPlus Seal Pure for packing of products where no additional barriers are required: These include screws, electronic components and parts, processors, and LEDs.