Craftsmanship, design, and Koehler Paper greenium come together to reimagine Christmas nutcrackers

Print Solutions

Christmas nutcrackers are an extremely storied and longstanding tradition that has spread from the German side of the Ore Mountains to the rest of the world. And they are now getting a modern upgrade: Original Füchtner and Scholz & Friends, a workshop and a creative agency respectively, have reimagined this absolute classic. In turn, Koehler Paper is supporting the project with premium recycled paper from its greenium brand.

The joint initiative between Scholz & Friends and Original Füchtner revolves around vibrant changes in both design and our society. While long depicted as an individual doing his job all by himself, the Christmas nutcrackers in this series are instead recontextualising what it is to see ourselves as part of a shared community. It is a principle that is reflected in the new ‘Cracking Dialog’ (‘Knack-Dialog’ in German) product line that the two companies have come up with and that playfully combines functionality and consciousness. In fact, this reinterpretation leaves behind the old-school model with a lever mechanism and replaces it with a two part system with a compression apparatus. It sounds complicated, but the simple explanation is that it consists of two different doll halves that are joined and crack nuts by working together, so that the nutcracker relies on teamwork to get its job done.

‘We believe in design that drives things – technically and socially. That is why our Cracking Dialog is both functionality and message at the same time – when you come across a hard nut to crack, you need to pull together to crack it. It is how we drive change with design,’ explained Nicole Thalheim from Scholz & Friends.

This special edition was introduced to the public on June 24, 2026 at an exclusive private view at the SKM Galerie in the German city of Leipzig. At the same time, the first nine models were auctioned off at a Christie’s charity auction. The better part of the proceeds from this auction will go to the new ‘Mission Wilhelm’ fund, which was created in order to finance projects that support and train young talent, guarantee the continued future of handicraft techniques, and contribute to the continued development of regional products. In addition, there are plans for developing a strictly limited special edition of the new ‘Cracking Dialog’ product line every year. The proceeds from that edition will continue to benefit the aforementioned fund, making a sustainable contribution to the future of handicrafts.

This special edition is also blazing a new trail when it comes to design. Contemporary outlines, multicoloured cheerfulness, and streamlined design take the iconic object and recontextualise it in today’s world. This lets these Christmas nutcrackers continue as a cultural symbol while becoming more relatable for new target audiences. Having said all this, it goes without saying that the workshop will also continue making its traditional Christmas nutcrackers without change. And there is added value in that, as the superior craftsmanship and experience behind the more conventional offering has made it possible to bring unrivalled quality to the new edition as well. In fact, the new product line will also be made in the proud tradition of craftsmanship that has long shaped the Ore Mountains – a region known worldwide for its extraordinary wooden crafts.

‘Handicrafts in the Ore Mountains breathe tradition, but they must also continue to evolve if they are to have a future,’ said Markus Füchtner, the eighth generation owner of Original Füchtner. ‘With our Cracking Dialog, we are combining the traditional heft of craftsmanship with a new philosophy – and at the same time, we want to assume responsibility for the next generation. This Colorful Evolution represents that step forward.’

This unflinching commitment to quality is being complemented by a packaging solution that is equally sustainable and excellent: the exclusive packaging is made with greenium premium recycled paper from Koehler Paper, and underscores the workshop’s firm belief in top quality design and in being environmentally conscious. The natural paper immediately leaves a positive impression with its elegant look, pleasant feel, and extraordinary finishing and subsequent processing properties.

‘For us, it was crucial to make sure that the material would effectively convey the idea behind the project too,’ explained Udo Hollbach, managing director of the Koehler Paper Greiz mill. ‘With greenium, we are showing how a premium appearance, excellent processing properties, and sustainability can all be brought together. When you combine that with handicrafts and powerful designs, you get an overall product that is not only aesthetically compelling, but that also represents a clear statement in favour of responsible material solutions.’