Solid and Sustainable: Dotlock Technology Now Also Compatible with Recycled Paper

Design engineer Gerhard Schubert was a towering figure who played a pioneering role in the development of sustainable, integral packaging solutions. The company he left behind owes its success not only to its machinery know-how, but also to its successful optimization of the materials it uses and its entire produc-tion processes. This has led to a number of environmentally friendly solutions, including “Dotlock” – a tech-nology that can be used with Koehler Paper’s premium recycled paper products.

Pilot project with Schubert Dotlock technology

With special perforations referred to as “dots” and a process that is similar to metal clinching, the new Dotlock closure system makes it possible to hold trays and secondary packaging together. The result? Products can be packed in packaging consisting exclusively of cardboard without the need for glue or other adhesives, all while eliminating the use of plastic, composites that are difficult to recycle, and chemicals. In addition, the new Dotlock closure system is also compatible with Koehler Paper recycled paper made from 100% secondary fiber material, which is why the two companies showcased the environmentally friendly packaging solution at Fachpack 2025 in Nuremberg.

Dotlock technology in combination with recycled paper opens new possibilities for companies when it comes to efficiently and cost-effectively implementing sustainable packaging solutions. This makes it pos-sible to make packaging that is not only extremely functional, but also able to meet the strictest environ-mental requirements out there. Moreover, using Dotlock packaging enables manufacturers to conserve resources and cut costs, helps strengthen recycling loops, and is a hit with end customers at the point of sale.

Sustainable advantages at a glance:

• 100% recyclable – conserves resources and is environmentally friendly
• Solid and reliable glue-free closure – reduces the amount of materials needed and makes recycling easier
• Tamper-evident closure – the paper can be recycled, but cannot be put back together after opening
• Compatible with custom printing – including with environmentally friendly colors
• Cooling process energy savings as a result of holes (dots) in outer packaging

“This combination of Dotlock technology and recycled paper is a milestone for sustainable packaging solu-tions,” explains Michael Graf, the Head of the Packaging Competence Center at Schubert. “Customers get packaging that not only protects, but also takes responsibility.”