English Lakes Paper Manufacturers
Redefining Paper Since 1845
English Lakes Paper Mill
James Cropper has a rich heritage, respectfully manufacturing on the same site in the English Lake District since 1845 . Our clients choose us because of our award-winning dedication to fulfil their needs whilst still maintaining the highest sustainability standards. Our premium paper mill in the UK is located in Burneside, Kendal.
Our mill, surrounded by the natural beauty of this World Heritage Site, has been used for various industries for years, from grain to textiles and finally, as makers of the highest quality papers in the UK.
James Cropper acquired the lease of the Burneside mills in 1845 and began a long, profitable future for the company as a custom papermaker and advanced materials manufacturer. You can learn more about the rich history of our illustrious paper mill and the products we supply below.
1845
James Cropper acquired the lease of Burneside mills, producing paper on one of the latest Fourdrinier papermaking machines first patented in 1801.
1856
The paper mill was one of the first in the world to make coloured paper from the first synthetic dyes produced in 1856.
1868
Housing built for the mill workers.
1886
The Burneside mill was tragically destroyed by fire and work commenced immediately to rebuild.
1902
Potter Fell reservoirs built to provide high pressure water for the mill.
1916
By 1916 over three-quarters of paper made by James Cropper was being supplied to the British government for war office stationery.
1921
Parsons steam turbine installed providing electricity for the mill and village.
1953
First lorries for paper delivery purchased.
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.
1987
Investment in converting capability for embossing, laminating and technical coating.
1995
James Cropper celebrates 150 years of fine papermaking and invests in a new building for Converting.
2013
Her Majesty the Queen opened a world first recycling facility at James Cropper, giving a second life to paper cup material.
2014
James Cropper awarded the Stationers' Company Innovation Excellence awards for breakthrough technology.
2015
Community Energy Project brings environmental and social benefits to the community of Burneside, Kendal.
2016
COLOURFORM™, moulded fibre packaging, the latest sustainable innovation from James Cropper starts trading.
2017
James Cropper officially launched CupCycling™ the world's first in recycling used coffee cups and turning them into beautiful papers.
2018
James Cropper signs the Ellen MacArthur Foundation Global Commitment to help brands rethink and redesign the future of plastics, starting with packaging.
2019
James Cropper joins forward-thinking businesses at the Waste to Wealth Summit, and signs the commitment to deliver lasting prosperity for the planet.
2020
Celebrating 175 years of papermaking.
2020
The revolutionary eco-designed Second Skin case is created by Colourform for the luxury drinks sector.
2021
James Cropper partners with the Wainwright nature prize and introduces natural dyes for modern papermaking.
2021
TFP extends its portfolio of products for the green energy sector with the new TFP Hydrogen division.
