Displaying items by tag: James Cropper

Presented by the historic and prestigious Stationers Company in the City of London, James Cropper is hailed as a leading industry innovator following a series of technological breakthroughs.

Ground-breaking processes including the recycling of carbon fibre and paper coffee cups have seen James Cropper claim an Innovation Excellence Award, supported by the Technology Strategy Board. The award was presented by the Stationers Company, the guardians of the British communications and content industries, including paper and printing sectors, to Chief Executive, Phil Wild at a gathering on Monday 30 June 2014.

Rising from a long-list of companies, James Cropper picked up the accolade for a series of projects which represent significant milestones in not only British, but the international paper and technical fibre trades.

The panel of judges, including Dr Gerry Flynn of the Technology Strategy Board, Master of the Stationers’ Company, Tom Hempenstall and BBC Global Business Correspondent, Peter Day declared the 170 year old British company the winner of the award for ‘Breakthrough technology that offers significant sustainable development prospects’.

The award ceremony was underpinned by speeches that recognised the seismic technological, economic and social changes challenging traditional industries, innovations like James Cropper’s landmark recycling process for many of the billions of paper coffee cups thrown away each year, were formally recognised by business peers.  Sustainable product developments that see waste products limited or reused, including a chocolate wrapping paper that includes otherwise disposed of cocoa shells enhanced James Cropper’s claim to the accolade.

Phil Wild, CEO of James Cropper, said: “For six centuries The Stationers Company has set standards and protected the reputation of a range of industries including paper producers, the place from which James Cropper started. Therefore, it is an honour to be recognised by the judges in this way and to receive the award in the company of so many other business leaders. Sustainability makes good business sense, and is at the forefront of our business philosophy in the creation of some of the world’s most distinctive and technically advanced paper products.  We feel this award recognises that commitment.”

In addition to James Cropper’s paper business incorporating an integrated converting facility, James Cropper plc also includes TFP (Technical Fibre Products), a specialist producer of wet-laid nonwoven fibres that support the aerospace and defence industries. In October last year it was announced that TFP, an internationally recognised leader in glass, carbon and polymer nonwovens, had developed the capability to process recycled carbon fibre into a reusable composite, ultimately providing a viable route for the reuse of a widely used fibre previously considered as waste.

2014 has seen James Cropper establish a new, dedicated Technology and Innovation Division to stimulate a step-change in the pace and deployment of new technologies appearing in the company’s expanding portfolio. Underpinned by the company’s ethos of investment in the environment, expertise and high standards of customer care, the division is working to build on a series of award winning projects with further developments.

Patrick Willink, Chief Technology Officer for James Cropper, said: “Vision has certainly been the key to James Cropper’s success, along with innovation and reinvention, from becoming one of the first paper mills in the world to make coloured paper, research into non-cellulose fibre which led to the formation of TFP, to developing unique technologies for generating new products from waste materials. With a long-term investment in science, technology and our people, the company embraces today’s business challenges as an opportunity.”

The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) announced Patrick Willink as its new President at the CPI Council Meeting held on 22 May. 

The Group Chief Technology Officer and Director at James Cropper plc will serve as president for the next two years. 

"I'm honoured to take on the role of president of the CPI,” said Patrick Willink.   “The CPI has a vital role to play for the UK paper and associated industries within the challenging manufacturing environment we currently face.  I'm looking forward to the opportunities and challenges ahead."

CPI is the leading organisation recognised by UK Government, and the community at large, as the authoritative and effective voice of the UK paper-related industry, defending its interests and promoting its achievements and potential.  The CPI represents 70 member companies involved in the supply chain for paper, comprising recovered paper merchants, paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers and makers of soft tissue papers.

Phil Wild CEO of James Cropper plc commented “I would like to congratulate Patrick on his appointment with the CPI.  As James Cropper's Chief Technology Officer I know that the commitment and guidance that he will bring to the role will ensure that the CPI will continue to be a strong voice for the industry.”