Volka Food International, one of Pakistan’s confectionery producers, has partnered with Metatex, a high-end packaging converter, to introduce advanced metallized barrier paper for its “Boom Boom” chewing gum range. 

Working closely with Koehler Paper, Jacob Jürgensen Papier und Zellstoff GmbH, and Trade International, Metatex has enabled the adoption of “Koehler NexCoat Smart M”—a recyclable, high-performance flexible packaging paper, the brands note. The collaboration brings together Koehler Paper´s global paper expertise and Metatex’s precision converting capabilities to deliver next-generation sustainable packaging solutions to the Pakistani market, the companies say. 

Innovative barrier paper as an alternative to plastic  

Koehler NexCoat Smart M is characterized by extraordinary printability, a high gloss level, and excellent processing on printing and packaging machines, the company says. These properties make it a suitable choice for packaging in the food sector. 

“This alliance with Volka Food International and our partners is a milestone for us. The exceptional quality behind ‘Koehler NexCoat Smart M’ means that we can provide our customers with packaging solutions that are not just visually compelling but also raise the bar to a whole new level in terms of technical sophistication,” says Metatex CEO Khalid Khanani, when explaining the advantages behind the partners’ close collaboration.

“These partnerships will enable us to take the next steps and gain a solid foothold in the market with innovative barrier paper offerings that provide optimal product protection. It’s one of the ways in which we’re creating recyclable packaging solutions that meet the needs of tomorrow and offer a true alternative to plastic,” adds Christoph Wachter, director of Flexible Packaging Paper at Koehler Paper. 

"Christoph delivers outstanding paper innovation expertise from Koehler, brought to life through the precise, market-driven execution of Khalid and the Metatex team—supported closely by our local partner, Bilal Zahid. Achieving a project of this caliber in Pakistan is a remarkable breakthrough and sets a new benchmark for advanced paper-based packaging solutions in the region," summarizes Daniel Breustedt from Jacob Jürgensen.  

Sustainable packaging: Innovative paper solutions with NexFlex from Koehler Paper   

The research and development team from Koehler Innovation & Technology worked with the experts from 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 so-called barrier paper wherever possible, the companies say. 

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 are 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), the brand says, 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.  

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