Koehler Paper has initiated a significant communication effort aimed at enhancing the understanding of food producers and policymakers regarding the capabilities of paper as a completely recyclable and compliant packaging option.
The campaign was launched on 15 April in Berlin’s Government District, coinciding with the initial review of Germany’s Verpackungsdurchführungsgesetz (Packaging Law Implementation Act) in the Bundestag.
This initiative arrives as the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) imposes strict recycling goals meant to reduce packaging waste across the region. Koehler Paper emphasizes that these goals elevate the importance of fiber-based materials for brands seeking viable, scalable alternatives to plastics, especially within food segments where recyclability and regulatory compliance are critically evaluated.
At the Berlin event, Koehler presented a captivating visual highlight: a giant origami cat, complemented by mobile bicycle and truck-mounted LED displays. This installation aims to capture public and political interest in the recyclability of specialized papers and the policy changes required to boost their use in food packaging.
“Next to politicians, it’s consumers who have the power to decide which recyclable packaging materials will make their way to our shelves,” stated Philipp Prechtl, the chief strategy officer of Koehler Group and an executive board member at Koehler Paper. “The topic of recyclability affects us all, so it’s incumbent on all of us to help pave the way for recyclable paper solutions.”
On 16 April, Prechtl will update media representatives and stakeholders in Berlin about the environmental benefits of paper-based packaging, alongside the existing legal classification of paper for various food and drugstore uses. The company asserts that regulatory clarity is vital for broader industry acceptance, particularly for barrier-coated papers intended to replace flexible plastics.
The “Pack It With Paper” initiative will run until the end of 2026, featuring a blend of digital outreach and a nationwide tour with public exhibitions. After the Berlin kickoff, the origami cat will be showcased at interpack in Düsseldorf from 7–13 May, before traveling to the headquarters of major grocery retailers throughout Germany. The tour will culminate in the fall at a recycling center, symbolically emphasizing the idea of circularity with the mascot’s “rebirth.”
For food producers facing stricter regulations and increasing retailer scrutiny over recyclability, Koehler’s campaign represents a renewed effort from suppliers of fiber-based packaging to establish paper as a realistic, scalable choice for the upcoming era of sustainable food packaging.
