British master papermaker James Cropper recently demonstrated its sustainability credentials, along with a number of its products and services at premier packaging show Luxe Pack Monaco.
Offerings highlighted at the exhibition, which took place from 2 to 4 October at Monaco’s Grimaldi Forum, included the company’s extensive range of black papers – a colour that in the world of packaging brings sophistication, class and a timeless appeal.
James Cropper also introduced CupCycling technology – the world’s first recycling process dedicated to upcycling takeaway cups. The process aims to drastically reduce the 2.5 billion takeaway cups estimated to be thrown away in the UK each year, save them from landfill and turn them into beautiful papers.
James Cropper partnered with Selfridges on this initiative to reprocess disposable coffee cups collected from its Oxford Street headquarters and stores. The disposable cups are upcycled into paper that is then converted into the retailer’s iconic yellow shopping bags. The final product, which contains 20 percent cup fibre, was showcased to attendees at Luxe Pack Monaco.
Susan Wilson, group packaging director at James Cropper, says: “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. We recognize that it’s our responsibility to protect the world around us, not only for the benefit of doing business responsibly, but for the long-term health of our community and customers. It’s great to be recognized for the investment we make into reducing our environmental impact and we look forward to continuing working towards a sustainable future.”
Along with CupCycling, James Cropper’s sustainability initiative with Burneside Community Energy (BCE) – which encourages environmental and social progress in the local community where it operates its business – resulted in the company being shortlisted for the Luxe Pack in Green Award and highly commended during the event.
The paper innovator also showcased examples of bespoke packaging projects developed from its black range, including a collection of gift and presentation packaging for luxury online handbag retailer Zesh, made from a ‘Dark Chocolate’ black developed for the papermaker’s award-winning Cocoa range.
James Cropper works closely with clients to develop bespoke black shades, and prides itself on colour quality and consistency. Its in-house colour lab holds recipes for over 50 shades of black, with four ready-to-order FSC-certified blacks available from stock.
Susan Wilson adds: “We want to help brands to realize the creative potential of black – it’s dark and challenging, but can often be the most powerful of colours. During the exhibition, we were able to demonstrate our portfolio of black papers, along with the technology, science and skill built up over the past 170 years. We have unique capabilities, a portfolio with wide appeal and a bespoke service that can create papers that truly define a brand.”