European Parliament Members Visit Koehler Paper: Talks Focus on Energy Prices
- Photo Info
- Download
- Koehler Paper emphasized the need for competitive energy prices
- Energy policy was main topic of conversation
- Extensive decarbonization steps by the paper industry were presented
A delegation of Members of the European Parliament recently paid a visit to the Koehler Paper site in Kehl. During the visit, MEPs from the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) were able to get an on-site impression of just how urgently the paper industry needs internationally competitive energy prices.
Long-term reduction in energy prices vital in order to secure competitiveness in Germany
Koehler Group COO Dr. Stefan Karrer said: “In order to be able to ensure job security and value creation in Germany in a lasting and sustainable manner, we really need to once again have energy prices that are internationally competitive and can be reliably budgeted for. Due to incredibly high energy costs in Germany, we’re experiencing enormous competitive disadvantages in an industry where competition is global.” The fact that the paper products made by Koehler Paper – a Koehler Group company – are used worldwide makes this need even more urgent. More specifically, all of the company’s large production facilities are in Germany and around 70% of its products are exported, which underscores why the family business needs to use the international market as its benchmark.
Ambitious decarbonization strategy in progress
The Koehler Group has committed itself to an extensive and ambitious decarbonization strategy. One example is a project that cost 73 million euros and that went online at the beginning of this year: The company’s formerly coal-fired power plant at its production facility in Oberkirch was converted to use biomass, cutting CO2 emissions by around 150,000 metric tons a year. In line with its “2030 Koehler Promise,” the family business wants to generate more renewable energy using its own plants than is required for its paper production operations by 2030.
During a conversation with ITRE MEPs, Jan Christoph Schaffrath, Manager of Energy and Climate Policy at the DIE PAPIERINDUSTRIE e.V. German paper industry association, went over the huge variety and effectiveness of the climate neutrality strategies pursued by the German paper industry. He pointed out that providing fair protection against competitors outside of Europe who are not making efforts in the fight against climate change would be a solid foundation for a successful transformation. With its deep local roots and its success on international markets, Koehler serves as a perfect example of what the industry can offer in exchange. A perfect example is how the company committed itself to an extensive transformation process over ten years ago by starting Koehler Renewable Energy. If suitable policies are implemented and enforced, the whole paper industry should be able to resolutely follow this path as well.
Best regards
Alexander M. Stöckle Corporate Director Marketing & Communications Press Spokesperson
Koehler Holding SE & Co. KG
Tel: +49 7802 81-4749 Fax: +49 7802 81-5749 mailto:alexander.stoeckle@koehler.com