James Cropper Paper Mill

Redefining Paper Since 1845

James Cropper has a rich heritage at the Burneside mill in Kendal, the gateway to the English Lake District, a World Heritage Site, with the mill being used for a variety of industries from grain to textiles and paper. As public demand for books increased the decision was taken to focus solely on paper manufacture.

1845

James Cropper acquired the lease of Burneside mills, producing paper on one of the latest Fourdrinier papermaking machines first patented in 1801.

Coloured paper made in nineteeth century

1856

The paper mill was one of the first in the world to make coloured paper from the first synthetic dyes produced in 1856.

1886

The Burneside mill is was tradgically destroyed by fire and work commenced immediately to rebuild.

1916

By 1916 over three-quarters of paper made by James Cropper was being supplied to the British government for war office stationery.

1978

First production of red paper destined to be made into millions of remembrance day poppies for the Royal British Legion.

We are proud to still be producing papers for the remembrance poppies.

1986

Research into non-cellulose fibre led to the formation of Technical Fibre Products (TFP). TFP's non-wovens are used most notably in aerospace, defence, energy, and consumer electronics.

1995

James Cropper celebrates 150 years of fine papermaking.

2013

Her Majesty the Queen opened the world's first facility at James Cropper, for the effective recycling of paper cup material that would otherwise go to landfill or incineration.