German Brewing

If I remember correctly, the helles paper instructed to not use finings. What would be the reasoning? Could kettle finings actually reduce clarity?

Form what I understand, kettle finings are not suggested from a reinheitsgebot perspective. Though a number of brewers use whirlfloc in the kettle.

Not using gelatin/other post-fermentation finings are emphasized to minimize O2 pickup in the serving vessel. I've seen a couple setups where brewers can add finings inline when transferring between vessels, all but eliminating any O2 pickup.

Finings are used and permitted in Germany, as long as they meet certain criteria. Since you do not intend to package and sell your beer in Germany, you can pretty much use anything you like

Try this

http://www.ashland.com/Ashland/Static/D ... wbrite.pdf

FYI - PVPP's use is widespread in the German brewing industry.