Displaying items by tag: james cropper paper

James Cropper, a global leader in advanced materials, luxury packaging, and paper products, is celebrating after taking home an international award in recognition for its work with Islay single malt Scotch whisky brand, Bruichladdich.

The ‘Packaging Design’ accolade was awarded to the papermaker at The FAB Awards for creating the first of Bruichladdich’s Luxury Redefined range, with a fully sustainable outer wrap - the first of its kind in the whisky space.  

The FAB Awards showcase the best of the food and beverage industry and celebrates brands who demonstrate outstanding creativity and innovation in the sector.

The coloured wrap, made for The Bruichladdich Eighteen and The Bruichladdich Thirty bottles, is the definition of conscious modern luxury.  Made from fully recyclable paper pulp and moulded to the shape of the Bruichladdich optimised, proprietary glass bottle, the packaging is fully recyclable.

Bespoke in colour and shape with unique emboss and deboss features, the design also includes a branded, oversized custom clasp feature. Using 100% fresh fibre the wrap is significantly lighter than previous packaging solutions without compromising strength or integrity while significantly reducing Bruichladdich’s CO2 impact.  

This latest recognition follows the papermaker winning the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) Sustainable Innovation Award for its work with Bruichladdich and being announced as a finalist at the Packaging Premiere Awards in Milan last month.

Richard Bracewell at James Cropper Paper Products said: “This award celebrates our commitment to innovation and sustainability, marking a significant milestone in the whisky packaging industry. By creating the first fully sustainable outer wrap for Bruichladdich’s exquisite single malt Scotch whisky, we've set a new standard for contemporary luxury.

“This achievement reaffirms our dedication to developing advanced materials that not only meet but exceed the expectations of conscious consumers. We are proud to lead the way in sustainable packaging solutions and look forward to continuing our work in transforming the drinks industry among others."

The wrap was created in collaboration with global creative partner, Thirst.

About James Cropper

James Cropper is a global market leader in advanced materials and paper products. For six generations, the company has been led by the Cropper family, boasting an international workforce and operations spanning over 50 countries. Established in 1845, the Group manufactures paper, packaging, and advanced materials, incorporating pioneering non-wovens and electrochemical coatings. Their expertise extends from substrates and components in hydrogen electrolysis and fuel cells to bespoke colours and textures in paper and moulded fibre packaging, designed to replace single-use plastics. The James Cropper FibreBlend upcycled technology transforms waste, including used coffee cups and jeans, into beautiful, fully recyclable paper and packaging solutions. James Cropper aims to achieve operational carbon neutrality by 2030 and reduce carbon emissions throughout its supply chain to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. For more information, visit: www.jamescropper.com/businesses/james-cropper-paper.

James Cropper, one of the world’s most innovative papermakers, has announced that Isabelle Maddock, who sits on the company board, has been appointed as a Standing Committee Chair for the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The CBI speaks on behalf of every sector in the economy and works with government to help businesses embrace and lead change, providing a voice for firms at a regional, national and international level to policymakers. 

Isabelle MaddockIsabelle will chair the influential CBI Economic Growth Board (EGB), one of the CBI’s main member forums that works to drive its economic focus, intelligence and systemic change for the long-term benefit of UK business and society.

One of the focuses for the CBI is to drive collaboration between government and business to achieving a Net-Zero economy – a movement that is of particular relevance for the paper and packaging sector as manufacturers look to use resources more efficiently and keep waste to a minimum.

Speaking about her appointment, Isabelle says: “The drive towards a circular economy presents an opportunity for industry to lead the charge in sustainability. By 2030, the UK will see an acceleration in economic growth, with prosperity spread across every region. We will champion green growth, creating new technologies and jobs that accelerate the race to net-zero. Achieving this ambition requires all UK businesses to play a part.

“It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of the Economic Growth Board and be in a position to shape the future of business. My experience in UK manufacturing will help me create beneficial change and prosperity for industry and society.”

Isabelle joined James Cropper in 2006 as Group Financial Controller and has served as Chief Financial Officer since August 2014.

Phil Wild, James Cropper CEO, says: “We are incredibly proud that Isabelle has been elected chair of the Economic Growth Board. Her contribution to James Cropper as a member of the leadership team has been instrumental in helping us to drive circular innovation.

“We look forward to supporting her role at the CBI as she helps the organisation to shape and embrace change.”

Isabelle will be speaking at the CBI’s ‘Achieving Net Zero’ conference series taking place in June 2022 at the Science Museum in London. Isabelle will take part in a session entitled ‘Too hard to decarb? Net zero for heavy industry’, on the 7th June at 12:30pm. For more information visit https://www.cbi.org.uk/events/conference-series-achieving-net-zero-2022/.

About James Cropper   

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.    

Throughout 176 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation.       

https://www.jamescropper.com/tailor-made 

About James Cropper COLOURFORM™    

Blending technological solutions and innovative design with a growing eco-conscious consumer mind-set, COLOURFORM is a thermoformed, moulded fibre packaging solution, offering a full service direct to brands. 

COLOURFORM is no stranger to innovation. The moulded-fibre packaging company has been born from a group with tremendous heritage, who continually looks to the future with its innovation and progressive thinking. Coupled with the creative capability to go head-to-head in the design stakes with undesirable plastics, COLOURFORM is meeting the needs of complex and high-end design, while blazing a trail for sustainable luxury packaging in the future.  

https://www.jamescropper.com/Colourform   

With contributions from the likes of Paul Weller and Noel Gallagher, specialist papermaker, James Cropper, has collaborated with Teenage Cancer Trust in the creation of a fundraising song book.  

Produced with artist Pete McKee, the book features 19 songs which have been performed on stage at Teenage Cancer Trust events over the past 20 years. 

The handwritten lyric contributions come from an all-star line-up of artists including Amy Macdonald, Kasabian, Suede, Blossoms, The Cure and many more. Each song is accompanied by an interpretative design produced by Pete McKee, forming an exclusive collection of McKee artworks not available elsewhere. 

The song book also features lyrics from cancer survivor, and singer of Ishmael Ensemble, Holly Wellington, who was helped by Teenage Cancer Trust. Her song ‘Empty Hands’ was written about her cancer experience and Wellington also wrote the foreword to the book. 

Available now, the song book launched as Teenage Cancer Trust’s iconic Royal Albert Hall fundraising concert returned to the venue to celebrate its 20th event, after three years away. 

James Cropper CEO, Phil Wild is on the Advisory Board for the charity and is a strong advocate of Teenage Cancer Trust. To support the song book’s fundraising ambitions, the Cumbrian based papermaker contributed all the premium upcycled paper used in the production of the book.   

Phil Wild, Chief Executive Officer at James Cropper plc says: “Every day, seven young people aged 13-24 hear the words “you have cancer”. They will each need specialised nursing care and support to get them through it. The Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to meeting this vital need – so no young person faces cancer alone. 

“We’re extremely proud to support this project. Produced with James Cropper paper, the song book brings together some incredible celebrity and music ambassadors, all helping in raising funds for this important charity.” 

The song book, whose pages are made with innovative CupCycling technology that gives disposable cups a valuable second life, is available now via www.petemckee.com and will retail at £25, with all profits going to support Teenage Cancer Trust. 

About James Cropper   

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.    

Throughout 176 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation.       

https://www.jamescropper.com/tailor-made 

About James Cropper COLOURFORM™    

Blending technological solutions and innovative design with a growing eco-conscious consumer mind-set, COLOURFORM is a thermoformed, moulded fibre packaging solution, offering a full service direct to brands. 

COLOURFORM is no stranger to innovation. The moulded-fibre packaging company has been born from a group with tremendous heritage, who continually looks to the future with its innovation and progressive thinking. Coupled with the creative capability to go head-to-head in the design stakes with undesirable plastics, COLOURFORM is meeting the needs of complex and high-end design, while blazing a trail for sustainable luxury packaging in the future.  

https://www.jamescropper.com/Colourform   

About Teenage Cancer Trust  

Every day, seven young people in the UK aged 13 to 24 hear the words "you have cancer" Teenage Cancer Trust puts young people in the best possible place, physically, mentally and emotionally, for their cancer treatment and beyond 

We do it through our expert nurses, support teams, and hospital units. And we're the only UK charity dedicated to providing this specialised nursing care and support

Teenage Cancer Trust is a registered charity: 1062559 (England & Wales), SC039757 (Scotland).

About Teenage Cancer Trust at The Royal Albert Hall 

2020 would have marked the 20th year of Teenage Cancer Trust’s phenomenally successful series of music and comedy events at The Royal Albert Hall, which were started by Roger Daltrey CBE. The gigs were to also help celebrate the 30th anniversary of Teenage Cancer Trust. 

Some of the biggest names in entertainment have now raised more than £30 million for Teenage Cancer Trust’s specialist nurses, hospital wards and support teams that help young people through the toughest times of their lives. 

Over the past 20 years, audiences at Teenage Cancer Trust’s annual gigs have witnessed some extraordinary, once in a lifetime shows, from Noel Gallagher and Damon Albarn performing together for the first time ever in 2013, Sir Paul McCartney in 2012, plus the likes of Oasis, Muse, Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine and many more. 

There have been many legendary moments.  Sir Paul McCartney was joined on stage in 2012 for the Beatles’ ‘Get Back’ by Roger Daltrey, Ronnie Wood and Paul Weller – marking a Beatle, Rolling Stone and The Who joining forces. 

Muse played in 2008, their only show in the UK that year apart from two sold out Wembley Stadiums. They called it, “one of the best gigs of our lives.” The Cure played a three-hour set on two consecutive nights in 2014, bringing the house down with 45 songs. 

In an industry first, James Cropper has launched a coloured paper range using dye derived from plant extract which would have otherwise been wasted. The new Wainwright Colours from Nature range, which launches this month, is the papermaker’s latest in a list of innovations which create value from waste streams.  

With plant-based dyes more commonly used in the textile industry, the new collection marks the first application to paper; promising market leading environmental credentials without compromise on technical performance.  

The first two shades, Limestone and Herdwick Brown, are both derived from rosemary residue, a waste stream in some food production. The rosemary is grown as an annual agricultural crop before the non-edible waste from the plant is extracted and upcycled into the dye, which is added to James Cropper’s 100% FSC® recycled paper. 

Designed primarily for the packaging and publishing sectors, extensive research and development work has ensured no compromise on the technical performance of the range.  The Wainwright Colours from Nature collection offers a bleed-free, rub resistant dye which has lightfastness similar to that achieved using industry standard synthetic dyes. 

The latest innovation from the Kendal-based papermaker heralds the first step in developing more sustainable colour options sourced from renewable origins that can be replenished responsibly, including food waste and inedible plant sources.  

The colours were created to celebrate James Cropper’s partnership with The Wainwright Prize, an annual literary award for the best UK-based nature and global conservation writing. The colours are inspired by author Alfred Wainwright’s love for the Lake District landscape and James Cropper’s desire to protect it. 

Joanne Storey, R&D Programme Lead at James Cropper comments: “Whether it’s used coffee cups, food waste or other pre and post-consumer waste, by repurposing these valuable streams, we continue to support transition to a more circular economy. 

“From the use of renewable materials and low impact manufacturing processes, to producing high quality products that are easy to recycle, we are committed to sustainability at every turn, and our expertise in colour is part of that.  

“It’s the first-time plant-based dyes have been used in modern papermaking; a breakthrough which marks the first step into the development of more natural colour options. We are investigating botanical dyes extracted from a wide variety of origins including plants, shells and fungi; and expect the range to expand significantly.” 

The Wainwright Colours from Nature range is available from stock in 350gsm, ideal for presentation packaging, business stationery and invitations.  The natural dye technology can also be applied to bespoke projects through James Cropper’s Tailor Made service.  

For more information visit www.jamescropper.com/wainwright-coloursfromnature. 

About James Cropper   

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.   

Throughout 175 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation.       

James Cropper’s Richard Burnett explains why expert blending of upcycled and virgin fibre is the key to connecting the three cornerstones of modern papermaking.

The feverish focus on sustainability in the paper and packaging world is no secret. Neither is it exclusive to this industry. But as we all work on ways to leave little to no trace on the planet, over our shoulder, the need for performance and beautiful design is still very much present. There is no compromising on aesthetics and functionality while we work on circularity. If anything, demand for premium papers which deliver functionality for the converter or printer, and brand experience to the end user is only growing.

How do we deliver on the three cornerstones of modern papermaking…performance, appeal and circularity? It begins and ends with fibre.

With increasing legislative and consumer pressure on brands to do more for the environment when it comes to paper and packaging; giving waste fibre a second life is a great story to tell. However, we know through our own research and leading industry data that if you consider the carbon footprint, energy usage and water usage environmental indicators, there is no clear advantage or disadvantage to using wastepaper fibre feedstock over virgin wood.[1]

In fact, the majority of the impact for both recycled and virgin paper is attributable to the combustion of fuels for pulp and paper production. However, assuming best in class technology is used, the impacts from virgin and recycled paper are broadly similar.

But what if the reclaimed fibre comes from difficult to recycle, high-volume waste streams which would otherwise end up in landfill or incineration. This was the fate of 2.5 billion single use coffee cups every year until 2013, when James Cropper pioneered the world’s first technology to extract the good quality paper fibre used in coffee cups, and upcycle it into beautiful, premium paper. This is a rich, UK based fibre source, and the responsible thing is it to give it a second, third and fourth life; something our CupCycling^TM facility can do.

The upside is not only environmental. This is a powerful story for brands to tell their consumers. The concept of circular design is ever present in the consumer mindset; but being able to say that your packaging was once a coffee cup takes it from the conceptual to the tangible. In turn, it garners brand loyalty.

Paper is sustainable by design. With the product cycle for paper encompassing renewable resources and recycling after use, paper truly embraces the principles of the circular economy.  However, it’s also worth noting that a paper cycle based on waste fibre alone is not a viable option, as the fibres degrade in the recycling process and become unusable in papermaking after multiple uses. Fresh fibre from responsible sources is a key element of a healthy eco system, and a balanced stream of fresh and waste fibre is always required to keep the paper cycle working. 

So while the right thing to do is to reclaim waste fibre, virgin fibre is also essential. Perhaps the solution is in variety and fibre blending? And the stats stack up.  A recent independent Life Cycle Analysis report on our Rydal Collection showed the environmental impact of each of the fibre options available in the range. These include 100% post-consumer waste recycled, 40% post-consumer waste (PCW) recycled and 100% fresh fibre from responsible forestry sources (FSC).

What became apparent was that the 40% recycled quality demonstrated more of a balance across the key measures;   

• 100% PCW option showed least impact in terms of primary energy demand
• The 100% virgin option showed least impact on freshwater consumption
• There was no significant difference between the options on carbon footprint

The blended fresh and upcycled quality offers the best balance from an environmental perspective.

But what about appearance? What about the look and feel; the experience of paper which is also crucial to the consumer brand experience? Many believe that aesthetics and performance are best delivered through fresh fibre, since the paper fibres are cleaner and more consistent in quality; they have an affinity to colour and impart attributes such as stiffness and strength. Does the inclusion of reclaimed fibre sacrifice too much?

For us, there can be no compromise. With 175 years of premium papermaking knowledge behind us, we know that expertise in fibre selection and colour application, alongside a bespoke approach to each product, allow us to create paper products which give valuable waste streams a second life while maximising performance and aesthetics.

The fibre mix must be totally aligned to the end use, to ensure the paper quality performs well in subsequent print and conversion processes. For example, choosing only the very highest quality recycled fibre streams (such as CupCycling fibre) minimises issues with cleanliness to the point where we can confidently say that our reclaimed fibre is not just recycled, but upcycled. It is then blended to create something even more beautiful and premium than before.

It is true that some strength properties can be affected with the use of reclaimed fibre; however with 40% inclusion of some carefully selected pre and post-consumer, high strength fibre streams, we have seen excellent performance; further evidence that a blend is best. A great case study for this is our work with Burberry, which uses includes 40% CupCycling fibre for their packaging and retail shopping bags. Not only has this partnership seen 58 million coffee cups upcycled, but the end product is luxurious and robust.

Fibre selection, whether virgin or recycled is crucial in creating premium products which is why James Cropper develops and invests in world-leading technology to develop our own local source of very high quality pre and post-consumer upcycled fibre streams.

With all the evidence which we have to hand, it’s refreshing to conclude, that aesthetics and performance need not be sacrificed at the altar of circularity. It’s just in the blend.

[1] DEFRA - LCA of Paper Supply Systems

James Cropper has announced a three-year headline sponsorship of The Wainwright Prize, a prestigious nature writing prize, named after much-loved writer Alfred Wainwright, a Kendal local famous for his Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells.

Having made fine papers for publishing, premium print, art and luxury packaging since 1845 in the very town where Alfred Wainwright lived and worked, the partnership underpins the shared history and purpose of the two organisations.   

In 2005, James Cropper produced a custom-made paper, matching the paper from the first editions, for the 50th Anniversary Wainwright pictorial guides that were once again printed in Kendal. 

Publishers Frances Lincoln, in association with the National Trust, launched The Wainwright Prize for UK Nature and Travel Writing in November 2013. The prize aims to reward outstanding literary titles inspired by the general outdoors, UK nature, travel and conservation. 

Previous winners include The Seabird’s Cry by Adam Nicholson; Underland by Robert Macfarlane and Diary of A Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty.  

For the second year, the prize includes an additional category for books on global conservation and climate change. In the midst of a pandemic, coupled with the ongoing climate crisis, the prize feels timelier than ever before, as recognition of the restorative role that nature plays, and the urgency with which it needs to be protected grows.  

Being located amongst the Lake District fells, stewardship of the natural environment is integral to the James Cropper business, and it is that mutual respect and celebration of nature and conservation that sit at the heart of the business’ sponsorship of the Wainwright Prize. 

As specialists in upcycling fibre, James Cropper created the world’s first recycling process dedicated to upcycling take-away cups. By harnessing the valuable natural fibres in the billions of coffee cups which are thrown away every year in the UK, the CupCycling® facility has closed the loop for what was once an enormous waste stream, giving it new life.  

Mark Cropper, James Cropper Plc, Chairman said: “Throughout society, people are increasingly rediscovering a love of books and spending more time connecting with nature and green spaces. We are delighted to support the authors involved in this year’s Wainwright  

Prize who are telling their story with paper; writing such wonderful books, and inspiring book lovers of all generations, to connect with the natural world and share an intrinsic attitude towards global conservation.” 

The shortlisted authors will be announced on the 4^th August with the longlist including authors such as David Attenborough, Helen Macdonald, James Rebanks and Dieter Helm.  

This year’s Nature Writing judging panel is chaired by TV presenter Julia Bradbury, and her fellow judges are: Geoff Duffield, Wildlife Trust volunteer and former publisher; Jessica J Lee, Editor WillowHerb Review; Mark Funnell, Communications and Campaigns Director, National Trust; Patrick Neale, Bookseller Jaffe & Neale and Andrew Willan, Wealden Festival Director. They are joined this year by TV presenter and author; Ray Mears. 

The Chair of Judges for the new Global Conservation Prize is BBC Countryfile presenter, Charlotte Smith. She is joined by Adrian Phillips, Environmental Professional; Dr. Craig Bennett, CEO UK Wildlife Trust; Rachel Woolliscroft, sustainability expert; Anita Longely, Chair, Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability and Nigel Roby, Community Energy Enthusiast and Strategic Advisor. 

Jane King, Step-Daughter of Alfred Wainwright said: “I am thrilled that James Cropper is sponsoring the Wainwright literary prizes this year. Growing up near the paper mill, I have always known the company, and their local knowledge and reputation for sustainability make them an ideal sponsor. I’m sure that Wainwright himself and my mother would have been delighted with the partnership.” 

This is the eighth year of this special prize, and the restorative effects of natural capital are reflected keenly in this year’s entries. The Wainwright Prize is about celebrating the wonder and awe of green spaces and natures creatures through the prism of our authors lives. 

About James Cropper: 

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products and packaging to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, designers, printers and publishers.    

Throughout 176 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation, including the award-winning CupCycling® process – taking used coffee cups and giving them a second life as beautiful papers.        

About the prize: 

Publishers Frances Lincoln, in association with the National Trust, launched The Wainwright Prize for UK Nature and Travel Writing in November 2013. The Prize aims to reward outstanding literary titles inspired by the general outdoors, UK nature, travel and conservation. Further details can be found at wainwrightprize.com   

Previous winners: Nature Prize 

• 2014 - The Green Road into Trees: A Walk Through England by Hugh Thomson   
• 2015 – Meadowland: The Private Life of an English Field by John Lewis-Stempel   
• 2016 – The Outrun by Amy Liptrot   
• 2017 - Where Poppies Blow: The British Soldier, Nature, The Great War by John Lewis-Stempel  
• 2018- The Seabird’s Cry by Adam Nicholson   
• 2019 – Underland by Robert Macfarlane  
• 2020 – Diary of A Young Naturalist by Dara McAnulty 
• Previous winners: Conservation Prize 
• 2020 – Rebirding by Benedict Macdonald 

The 2021 Wainwright Prize for UK Nature Writing longlist is: 

Vesper Flights, Helen Macdonald, Vintage 

The Stubborn Lights of Things: A Nature Diary, Melissa Harrison, Faber 

Seed to Dust, Marc Hamer, Vintage 

The Screaming Sky, Charles Foster, Little Toller Books 

English Pastoral: An Inheritance, James Rebanks, Penguin Press 

Into The Tangled Bank, Lev Parikian, Elliot & Thompson 

Thin Places, Kerri ni Dochartaigh, Canongate Books 

Birdsong in A Time of Silence, Steven Lovatt, Penguin Press 

I Belong Here, Anita Sethi, Bloomsbury 

Featherhood, Charlie Gilmour, Orion Publishing Group 

The Circling Sky, Neil Ansell, Headline 

The Wild Silence, Raynor Winn, Michael Joseph 

Skylarks with Roise, Stephen Moss, Saraband 

The 2021 Wainwright Prize for Writing on Global Conservation longlist is: 

Entangled Life, Merlin Sheldrake, Vintage 

A Life on Our Planet, David Attenborough, Penguin Random House 

Islands of Abandonment, Cal Flyn, HarperCollins 

What If We Stopped Pretending, Jonathan Franzen, Fourth Estate 

Net Zero: How we Stop Causing Climate Change, Dieter Helm, HarperCollins 

Under A White Sky, Elizabeth Kolbert, Vintage 

A World on the Wing, Scott Weidensaul, Pan Macmillan 

Riders on the Storm, Alastair McIntosh, Birlinn Ltd 

Fathoms, Rebecca Giggs, Scribe 

The Reindeer Chronicles, Judith D. Schwarts, Chelsea Green Publishing 

Ice Rivers, Jemma Wadham, Penguin Press 

The New Climate War, Michael E. Mann, Scribe 

James Cropper, one of the world’s most innovative papermakers, has helped Shredhouse, manufacturers of decorative and protective packaging for the gift market, fulfil demand in the wake of the global pandemic.

Shredhouse uses James Cropper’s world-class coloured paper products to produce shredded paper packaging for a range of market sectors including health and beauty, food and drink, crafts and toys and gifts.

Shredhouse, based in Wiltshire, has been well positioned to benefit from the huge shift towards e-commerce sales, and the ever increasing demand for sustainable choices for protective product transit cushioning, as a result of the global pandemic.

With sustainability at the core of James Cropper, the custom made papers supplied to Shredhouse are all FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, which means the paper products have come from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.  Shredded paper options include local UK  sources of pre- and post-consumer recycled fibre processed via James Cropper’s CupCycling innovation, the world’s first recycling process of its kind dedicated to upcycling take-away coffee cups.

Stefan Pryor, Senior Product Manager for Packaging, says: “The pandemic has fuelled the growth of online retail for many brands which has made the online marketplace incredibly competitive. Brands are increasingly recognising the importance of offering customers a feelgood moment during the unboxing of their online orders but equally, consumers are looking to buy more responsibly so the two things need to work together.

“Whilst the process of shredding paper may appear to be relatively straight-forward, it generates a considerable amount of friction and heat, and so the custom made papers we supply are designed with the application in mind. The chemistry has been carefully considered and our technical team have worked with Shredhouse to ensure that they run trouble-free through the process."

With its on-site colour lab, James Cropper has the capability and the technology to produce or recreate any colour as required. For example,  to match corporate branding. 

Jon Watton, Business Development Manager for Shredhouse, says: “James Cropper’s expertise and capabilities have been instrumental in helping us fulfil the increased demand for shredded and protective packaging. The pandemic has accelerated some of the major gift packaging trends of the past few years, including a noticeable emphasis on the environmental impact of gift packaging.

“We hope that these efforts towards responsible consumerism will stay and we can continue to work with James Cropper to help brands deliver an experience which meets the needs of the consumer and the planet.”

About James Cropper 

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.  

Throughout 176 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour, dedicated responses to the most challenging custom projects and award-winning commitment to the highest standards of sustainability.    

James Cropper is a member of the Paper Cup Recovery & Recycling Group (PCRRG), a cross-industry group that exists to develop collection and recycling opportunities for paper cups and identify and support solutions that sustainably transform used paper cups into a valuable resource. For more information, visit www.pcrrg.uk

About Shredhouse Ltd:

Shredhouse are the premium UK-based manufacturer of shredded paper, NatureFlex and tissue paper for the gift packaging market. Our eco-friendly high-quality packaging is used to enhance products, gift boxes and hampers, enabling them to be presented beautifully and safely. Shredhouse works with customers

 James Cropper, one of the world’s most innovative papermakers, has appointed Damian Cook as technical director for its paper division. 

Damian joins the Kendal-based business, which creates some of the world’s most advanced paper products, to lead its technical department. The team is responsible for research and development, field technical operations and product quality.  

Damian CookDamian will also oversee the on-site colour lab, which has the capability to match and recreate any colour from any source. The lab holds around 2,000 live shade recipes and an electronic archive of some 200,000 colours. 

With a strong focus on innovation and new product development, Damian brings a wealth of theoretical and practical experience. Having spent the past few years running his own consultancy business, Damian has previously held technical positions at a variety of organisations such as Elmwood Sensors Ltd, Honeywell International Inc, Draeger Safety UK Ltd and Parker-Hannifin Corporation. 

As the business looks to build on its innovations such as the PaperGard^TM anti-viral product protection for paper and its Rydal Collection, which includes 100% upcycled paper  options for premium packaging, Damian will be crucial in supporting value growth through new product development. 

James Cropper, managing director, Steve Adams, says: “Damian’s enthusiasm and passion for innovation and new product development is palpable. That, coupled with his experience in project management, research and development and marketing, makes him an ideal leader to help us accelerate our growth and deliver our business strategy effectively.” 

Damian will be based at the Cumbrian papermill in the English Lake District. Damian says: “Joining James Cropper, a world-class papermaker with an exceptional reputation for innovation, is an extremely exciting career move.   

“James Cropper has an incredible ability to pioneer and innovate, having created a series of unique paper and packaging solutions, including CupCycling™, the world’s first recycling process dedicated to upcycling coffee cups. It’s without doubt that this business is one to be excited by and proud to be part of.” 

Damian is also a volunteer business mentor for The Prince’s Trust as well as an accredited associate member of the Association of Coaching.  

About James Cropper   

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.   

With over  175 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation.       

CupCycling^TM  

CupCycling is a technology innovated by James Cropper that extracts the polythene lining of disposable coffee cups, enabling them to be recycled and transformed into high-quality paper, packaging and stationery products. By working with retailers such as McDonald’s and Costa, James Cropper has implemented the infrastructure needed to collect single-use waste products and transform them into beautiful papers and packaging for the likes of Selfridges and Lush. Circular design is at the core of CupCycling. To date, James Cropper has recycled over 150 million coffee cups and has capacity to upcycle 500 million cups per year.   

Read more about the CupCycling^TM story here.  

Having survived fires, The Great Depression, two world wars and now in the midst of a global pandemic, this year marks a milestone 175th anniversary for James Cropper, one of the world’s most innovative papermakers.  

As well as being globally renowned for supplying custom made and specialist paper products to well-known brands such as Selfridges, Burberry and Mulberry, the papermaker is also known for its passion for innovation. 

James Cropper invented the world's first technology to upcycle coffee cups. Since launching CupCycling in 2017, it has upcycled more than 120 million cups and given them a second life as beautiful paper products instead. 

Continuing with its commitment to creating sustainable alternatives, the group launched COLOURFORM, a thermoformed, plastic free, moulded fibre packaging solution meeting the needs of complex and high-end design, while blazing a trail for sustainable luxury packaging. A recent partnership with Maison Ruinart saw a ground-breaking ‘Second Skin’ concept come to life; not only reducing the carbon footprint by 60% by reducing the weight of the packaging by nine times, but it amplifies the aesthetic appeal of the luxury brand too.  

The company’s Technical Fibre Products division also makes a valuable contribution to the emerging hydrogen economy.  Material from James Cropper can be found in fuel cells for cars, buses, trucks and trains, as well as static power generation. 

With countless examples of innovations spanning three centuries in history, Chairman Mark Cropper, the sixth generation of the Cropper family to be at the helm, puts the business’ longevity down to the fact that It has never stood still.  

Mark says: “Surviving the impact of world events outside of our control for nearly two centuries is not about looking to the past, but rather to the future. We have always come up with new ideas which started with coloured papermaking, 175 years ago.  

“We made use of dyes and chemicals which were just emerging to create samples of coloured paper. At the time it was world leading and we’ve not stopped creating exciting things since. 

“This is why, in the midst of a global pandemic, we have continued to push our capabilities. With hygiene being front-of-mind for government, business leaders and the public alike, we put our papers with PaperGard antimicrobial technology to the test against a strain of Coronavirus, with favourable results. This product allows paper products exposed to high touch volumes to in effect ‘self-sanitise’, without affecting the appearance or performance of the paper itself.” 

The business is still based at its location on the edge of the English Lake District where it all began in 1845, and most recently launched the Rydal Packaging Collection; a premium range of papers that can be made from 100% post-consumer waste. The latest range aims to address the demand from brands who are looking to demonstrate the positive social and environmental impact of their products. 

Mark says: “While we are all ready to hear more good news, we are realistic about the fact that our 175th year has been and will continue to be challenging. While we can learn from other key moments from our history, such as the devastating fires in 1886 and 1903, world wars and stock-market crashes, we also recognise that each is different and requires a unique response. 

“Looking forward, our focus will be on how we grow our way out of the current economic situation in a way that respects our environment, people and communities like never before.” 

About James Cropper  

James Cropper is a prestige paper innovator based in the English Lake District, supplying distinct, custom-made paper products to many of the world’s leading luxury brands, art galleries and designers.    

Throughout 175 years of high-quality paper production, the business has been carefully stewarded and nurtured by six generations of the Cropper family and is renowned globally for individual expertise in colour and fibre innovation.        

For more and more brands, being able to demonstrate the social and environmental impact of their products is becoming a pre-requisite.  With this in mind, specialist papermaker James Cropper has launched a new collection of papers for premium packaging, including an option with the ultimate 100% post-consumer waste recycled fibre.

The Rydal Packaging Collection, whose name is inspired by a small village and water in the Lake District, best known as the home of the poet William Wordsworth, addresses the need for sustainable papers for retail packaging that do not compromise quality or beauty.  As well as offering 100% post-consumer waste recycled, the range also includes options for 40% post-consumer waste recycled and 100% fresh fibre from responsible forestry sources.

The recycled qualities in the collection include James Cropper’s innovative CupCycling™ fibre, sourced from used coffee cups. With 175 years of papermaking heritage, James Cropper created the world’s first technology to upcycle used coffee cups. This unique post-consumer fibre stream gives a second life to a valuable resource and is designed with circular economy principles at the core.

Tricia Hartmann, packaging lead at James Cropper comments, “While beauty and functionality have always been expected of luxury products, today’s consumers also insist they are environmentally and socially responsible.

“Those same high standards applied to the product itself, now also extend to the entire supply chain, including the packaging. The Rydal Packaging Collection was created to directly answer this need while safeguarding the beauty of premium paper and ensuring a variety of application possibilities for brands.”

Engineered to provide a natural and tactile feel, the new collection is suitable for folding boxes, shopping bags and box covering applications and ensures outstanding print performance and converting characteristics.

Currently available for production and to order in large format sheets for sample dummies and print tests, the collection includes three shades of white and three shades of black. There is also an option for bespoke colours and textural finishes as part of James Cropper’s Tailor Made service.

For those brands wanting the added assurance of antimicrobial product protection, James Cropper’s innovative PaperGard silver ion technology can be included for all Rydal packaging options.