Product Special: Java Paper’s flexible packaging paper

WhatPackaging? (WP?): What are the main applications your flexible packaging paper is designed for?
Sunil Bhatia (SB): Converters in the flexible packaging space can use our paper for gravure and flexo printing, coatings and laminations for end uses in both food and non-food applications. 

WP?: What barrier properties does your paper offer?
SB: We offer certain combinations, such as heat seal coating, mineral oil barriers and heat seal coatings, oxygen barriers, moisture barriers and heat seal coatings and finally, moisture barriers and heat seal coatings.

WP?: How does your paper compare to plastic or film-based alternatives in terms of performance?
SB: Our NexFlex range of papers performs equally well as plastics on the converting and packing lines with minimal additional investment in the machinery required by the converters or the brand owners. The pack is made of paper, which is a natural and renewable resource that is completely recyclable is a huge advantage!

WP?: Are your packaging papers heat-sealable, and what sealing methods work best?
SB: The NexPlus barrier papers are heat-sealable and perform well. In case of a cold seal application, it can be applied over the existing coating with no compromise in the performance.

WP?: What types of coatings or treatments are available on your flexible packaging paper?
SB: The coatings are applied by dispersion on our NexPlus range through lines. We have the potential to apply both blade and curtain coating in order to ensure a uniform deposition of the barrier coatings across the web. All coatings and treatments done by the mills come with a PTS certification stating that they are recyclable in the paper stream.

WP?: Is your flexible packaging paper compostable, recyclable, or biodegradable?
SB: Our papers are recyclable under the existing paper stream. Recycling paper is the best use of the valuable virgin fibres these papers are made of. While paper in general is biodegradable, we do not advise this as the fibres used in paper have value, and it makes better sense to recycle the same. Regarding compostability, these tests differ from region to region. 

WP?: What certifications do your papers carry?
SB: We can offer FSC, PEFC, ISEGA, INTERSEROH, and  PTS apart from a self-declaration for any specific need the customers have. We take immense pride in the respect we show to the environment when producing our paper.

WP?: How much of your product line uses renewable or recycled raw materials?
SB: All our papers are currently manufactured with renewable fibres only, as this is necessary for maintaining consistency and performance on the machines in the flexible packaging end use. 

WP?: How does Koehler ensure its paper aligns with upcoming EU or global sustainability regulations?
SB: Koehler Paper has already been following the EUDR standards well before the time set by the European Union.

WP?: Can your paper be tailored or customised?
SB: Yes! This is one of our strong selling points. We work closely with brand owners and converters to make customised barrier papers to suit each unique end use.

WP?: Is it compatible with standard packaging machines, or does it require adjustments?
SB: Yes, absolutely, it is compatible with the standard packaging machines. However, with every change in the substrate, it is normal to make minor adjustments to the machine for ideal runnability.

WP?: How does your paper handle high-speed production lines and forming/filling/sealing equipment?
SB: Our papers are made from high-quality strong fibres, which help them run well on High Speed FFS & HFS machines.

WP?: What R&D efforts are currently underway to enhance your packaging paper?
SB: There is always research on for improvements of barrier targets from our existing levels. We are also working on a project where the barrier paper is PFAS-free.

WP?: Are there any recent innovations you’ve launched in flexible packaging?
SB: Yes, Koehler has successfully tested and established the barrier papers for tea envelopes.

WP?: How are you addressing the shift from plastic to paper in high-barrier applications?
SB: This is currently at a nascent stage as far as the market in India is concerned. However, we are seeing interest from the brand owners who have already set their sustainability targets. To enable faster trials and small quantities, we are stocking the barrier papers with us here locally and can be made available anywhere in India in just a few days.

WP?: What are your typical lead times for standard and custom orders?
SB: The lead times are currently around 90 days at the current time, with the closure of the Red Sea route as compared to 60 days previously.

WP?: Do you offer technical support or guidance during packaging transitions?
SB: Absolutely.