RUF Lebensmittelwerk uses Koehler flex pack paper

Food manufacturer RUF Lebensmittelwerk is now using Koehler Paper’s Koehler NexPlus Seal Pure MOB for its porridge pouches. This flexible packaging paper is heat-sealable, features integrated oil barriers and is especially well-suited for dry food.

The barrier paper provides the necessary product protection while simultaneously fulfilling demanding sustainability requirements. Cepi (Confederation of European Paper Industries) has confirmed that the material can be recycled as wastepaper, meaning that it can be processed with existing recycling infrastructure.

RUF Lebensmittelwerk and Koehler Paper worked together to create packaging that would meet both the requirements of the products being packed and RUF’s sustainability objectives. By switching to paper-based packaging, RUF is reducing its use of materials that contain plastic, boosting circular economy practices and complying with the legal requirements in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

'This new paper packaging will enable us to get much closer to our sustainability objectives,' said RUF Packaging procurement team leader Martina Baumann. 'And at the
same time, we’re making sure that the corresponding quality, product protection and processing characteristics remain at the same high level that we’re used to.'

Koehler Paper flexible packaging paper brand owner manager Stefan Sinning added: 'Together with RUF, we were able to develop a new paper-based packaging solution that not only provides exceptional product protection, but also strengthens the company’s brand image visibly. The material combines natural properties, functionality and recyclability and makes sustainability something that consumers can experience directly.'

The research and development team from Koehler Innovation & Technology worked with Koehler Paper to develop the NexFlex product range, a recyclable generation of flexible packaging paper products. The aim is to replace plastic in packaging by using barrier paper wherever possible. The range covers a broad spectrum: It includes standard coated and uncoated paper used in laminates for pouches, sachets and other applications, making them suitable for a wide range of packaging for food and non-food products. The next generation of paper for flexible packaging is sustainable barrier paper with functional surfaces for product-specific protection (Koehler NexPlus). The NexFlex product family also includes paper coated on one side with good dimensional stability and high
smoothness (Koehler NexCoat), as well as uncoated paper with a natural appearance (Koehler NexPure).

Its recyclability has also been verified by the Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) institute with Cepi testing.