James Cropper PLC's story
James Cropper Paper Makers has been around for over 275 years. James Cropper PLC produce fibre, paper and more recently Colour Form - a three dimensional paper, designed and manufactured as a plastic replacement. As a large consumer of energy, they are taking steps to reduce, and hopefully eliminate, the use of fossil fuels on site.
Paper production is an energy intensive industry, so it is important to work on cutting carbon emissions. Some large savings will be made from changing energy sources, by moving completely away from gas by 2030. James Cropper has a continued focus on reducing primary energy usage, currently has one of the UK's largest roof mounted PV systems, which with on-site hydro energy, generated circa 1000 MWh renewable electricity per annum. We will be looking to source clean electricity to supplement our own clean generation, and today all purchased electricity from the grid is 100% renewable.
The company is also looking at closing the loop on paper recycling and created the world first coffee cup recycling facility in 2013, where up to 700 million cups per year are recycled. James Cropper paper products are inherently recyclable and recycled (with paper based packaging recycled at a rate of 83%).
A key strand of the circular economy is the regeneration of natural systems. Wood pulp is our primary raw material used by the paper-making and Colour Form divisions, with recovered material from CupCycling making a significant contribution. 100% of the fresh fibre sourced by James Cropper is from responsibly managed forestry, certified to FSC or PEFC chain of custody standards.
From harvest site and pulp mill to end product, we employ effective fibre traceability procedures which provide assurance of the legality of wood, biodiversity and sustainable land use practices throughout. Today European forests stand 30% larger in area than they did in the 1950s and sustainable forest management is driving Europe's forest growth!
Currently 24% recycled fibre input is given a second life as paper products and packaging, and by 2025 50% of fibre for papermaking will be from recovered streams.
Useful learnings from James Cropper PLC
Look at what you can do, big or small to help cut carbon emissions and save the planet.
Look at how you can change to renewable energy sources for your heat and power demand.
James Cropper PLC's metrics
Reduction in CO2 emissions.
kWh of electricity generated using renewables.
