Winner of the 2013 Luxe Pack in Green Award
Industry acclaim for coffee cup recycling as James Cropper takes Luxepack award
Finding a way to save 2.5 billion paper cups from landfill has been applauded by the paper packaging industry with James Cropper returning from Luxepack Monaco with the trade exhibition’s annual ‘In Green’ Award, recognising the most innovative, eco-friendly paper production development of 2013.
The prestigious award, decided by a panel of six judges including Michel Fontaine, President of the French National Packaging Council went to the 168 year old British company in a ceremony held on Wednesday 23 October recognising the development of a ground breaking method of recycling previously unrecyclable paper cups.
The Reclaimed Fibre Plant, opened in July at a cost of £5 million, leads the way in sustainable paper production. Separating the 5% polythene lining of paper cups, ubiquitous on high streets worldwide, from the 95% of reusable high quality fibre content has been lauded as a landmark development for the paper industry.
Nigel Read, Sales & Marketing Director of James Cropper Speciality Papers, said: “As regular exhibitors at Luxepack events around the world, we know just how intense the competition is to create new and exciting ideas. That we have been recognised again for investing in ever more progressive methods of production is a result of our unrivalled pedigree, expertise, flexibility and innate curiosity. We’re grateful to a jury of discerning experts for choosing James Cropper to be the recipient of this year’s In Green Award.”
The paper cup recycling process perfected by James Cropper involves softening the waste in a warmed solution, separating the plastic coating from the fibre. The plastic is skimmed off, pulverised and recycled, leaving water and pulp. Impurities are filtered out leaving high grade pulp suitable for use in luxury papers and packaging materials. 87% of the water involved is also reused.
Phil Wild, CEO of James Cropper plc said: “Finding better and more responsible ways to produce the high-quality product our customers expect is central to what we do, so our investment in the Reclaimed Fibre Plant is a natural part of James Cropper’s evolution. The challenge of saving millions of paper cups from landfill was one that someone had to meet and I am very proud that James Cropper was the company to do it. The Luxepack In Green Award is a fantastic achievement to cap a momentous year.”
