Koehler Paper Group reinforces its presence in the Indian market

The Koehler Paper Group, a family-run company from Oberkirch, in southwest Germany, produces over 500,000 tons of paper and mechanical pulp board annually at four locations across Germany. Its products include thermal paper, carbonless paper, decor paper, fine paper, recycled paper, mechanical pulp board, and, since 2019, flexible packaging paper.

Koehler decided to collaborate with Java Paper Group to reinforce in the Indian market. “Our experience and the reputation that Koehler brings with it are decisive for sustainable success in the Indian market,” says Sunil Bhatia, Sales Manager at Java Paper Group. The company will assume responsibility for sales and marketing of Koehler’s flexible packaging paper in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. “Since Java Paper Group is one of the first FSC-certified dealers in India, they also fit in perfectly with our sustainability strategy,” adds Eckhard Kallies, Head of Flexible Packaging Paper at Koehler. Significant growth in the Indian packaging market Java Paper Group was founded in 1980. The 36 employees are focused on customers in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. The market for flexible packaging paper is seeing notable growth in India. Some publications predict growth rates of 10 percent. Even more conservative estimates are very much optimistic. And sustainability is also now being discussed on the subcontinent.

Indian legislators are currently scrutinizing single-use plastic. Plastic bags have already been banned and the use of paper bags is increasing. Bhatia sees a large market in India for Koehler’s NexPlus Seal heat-sealable packaging paper. And Kallies is also optimistic. “India is a highly interesting market, of course, and not just because of its large population. We are also seeing a shift in thinking towards sustainability. Here, of course, we offer the right products to support this development”. In addition to the NexPlus line, Koehler also produces uncoated paper in the NexCoat line and uncoated paper in the NexPure line. These are now marketed by the Java Paper Group in India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. In addition, Koehler also covers the area of rigid packaging with high-quality cardboard boxes made of virgin fiber and recycled paper and offers its customers a comprehensive portfolio in the packaging paper segment.

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