Koehler Paper’s NexFlex focuses on flexible packaging at Interpack

Vaibhav Boricha, sales manager - papers and paperboards at Java Paper Group, says the industry is shifting toward high-barrier functional paper to replace multi-layered plastic.

Boricha, representing the German manufacturer’s Indian partner, said that since previous trade shows like Drupa, there has been a definitive shift in interest toward plastic substitute ranges. The company’s portfolio includes functional papers equipped with barriers against water vapour, oxygen, and grease.

Boricha noted that the Indian government’s push to reduce plastic packaging has accelerated the adoption of these paper-based alternatives. In the Indian market, tea manufacturers have successfully implemented Koehler’s paper for pouches and envelopes due to its performance in preserving aroma and resisting moisture. In Europe, the technology has progressed further, with chocolates and multi-packs in duty-free retail being packed directly in Koehler’s barrier paper.

The Koehler range features heat-sealable barriers available in coated and uncoated varieties. Boricha said the current development focus remains on achieving higher water vapour barriers to match the technical performance of traditional plastic. He added that the brand also maintains a circularity focus through its 100% recycled paper range, which utilises segmented colours rather than dyes for high-end luxury packaging applications.

Boricha expected the remainder of the seven-day show to be dominated by enquiries regarding paper and coating solutions through the lens of sustainability. He said sustainable packaging is no longer a distant goal but the immediate future, as visitors increasingly seek viable alternatives to multi-layered plastic. He concluded that the high level of interest from Indian visitors on the first day of the show is a motivating factor for the brand's expansion in the region.