The James Cropper Wainwright Prize
James Cropper papers have long been the choice of leading designers, conservationists, artists, writers and poets. We’ve been making fine papers for publishing and premium packaging since 1845 in the very town where Alfred Wainwright lived and worked.
TELLING YOUR STORY WITH PAPER.
In fact, in 2005 we produced a custom-made paper,matching the paper from the first editions, for the50th Anniversary Wainwright pictorial guides that were printed in Kendal.Whilst our location and the natural medium of paper connect us to Wainwright’s wonderful legacy, it is that mutual respect and celebration of nature and conservation that sit at the heart of our sponsorship of the James Cropper Wainwright Prize.
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.Jane King, Step-Daughter of Alfred Wainwright
Being located in the foothills of the English Lake District, the concept of stewardship, of looking after things for the next generation, is embedded in our business operations at James Cropper, as well as in the papers we make.
Paper is sustainable by design, being widely recycled and is derived from renewable sources. We are experts in creating beautiful papers by blending combinations of fresh and recycled fibres, we call this FibreBlend Upcycled Technology.
The publishing industry is looking at deepening the eco credentials of the raw materials that create the books we treasure. Our vision is to use our FibreBlend expertise to help the publishing industry truly embrace the principles of the circular economy.
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.Mark Cropper, James Cropper Plc, Chairman
As specialists in upcycling fibre, James Cropper created the world’s first recycling process dedicated to upcycling take-away cups. We work with world-leading brands, and people across the globe connect with our papers in different ways. They can buy premium greetings cards from Hallmark, take their purchases home in carrier bags from Mulberry, or read books that had a previous life as a coffee cup.
For example, using our FibreBlend technology, we recently gave new life to 10.5 million paper cups used in McDonald’s restaurants for drinks and soft ice creams, transforming them into children’s books on nature and conservation, replacing toys in the chain’s Happy Meals.
From the book binding to the pages the words are printed on, the paper of every book has the potential to tell a story of its own, by converting something which had a previous single-use life as another product into something to treasure, educate and pass on.
Our expert knowledge of fibre and upcycling is core to our papermaking craftsmanship, all of our papers are created with FibreBlend technology. From bespoke papers made to order, the Wainwright Colours from Nature collection, made with 100% recycled fibre and dyed with natural ingredients, to Rydal Apparel, giving a new lease of life to worn denim jeans, we continue to advance our circular story by creating new value from waste.
As producers of one of the only UK sourced upcycled fibre for use in short-run publishing and creative print, we are forging new ground. We want to demonstrate how telling stories through paper can not only excite the imagination and educate, but also provide a significant opportunity to contribute to the circular economy.
People, young and old, are more aware than ever before of the impact which everyday things have on the planet. At a time when the natural world is under increasing threat, we are delighted to support the authors involved in this year’s James Cropper Wainwright Prize who are inspiring book lovers to connect with the natural world and share an intrinsic attitude towards global conservation.
The 2022 winners will be announced on the 7th September.
James Cropper's long association with Kendal and their strong commitment to innovation in the fields of conservation and sustainability make them the perfect partners for the Wainwright Prize. We look forward this opportunity to celebrate the very best in writing about nature and the environment this year.Richard Green, Group Publisher Frances Lincoln, part of the Quarto Group
