I agree that worthless Stock Certificates would not be issued.
Stock Certificates are not issued much anymore and simply Certify the ownership and number (and percentage?) of Shares owned.
Perhaps it is used for claiming the NOLS when filing the Income Tax Returns after emergence from Bankruptcy? I think it is only old Debt and Equity which can preserve the NOLS.
Perhaps the IRS requires proof of no change in ownership after a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.