Advanced Materials
Paper and Packaging
Manufacturers of Advanced Materials and Paper & Packaging
James Cropper
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Advanced Materials
Paper and Packaging
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    Global leaders in advanced materials
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    Explore our press releases, media resources, and development articles that showcase our dedication to quality, innovation, and community.
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    Pioneering material science since 1845
    About Us

OUR HISTORY

REDEFINING PAPER SINCE 1845

EST 1845

6 Generations of material innovation

James Cropper boasts a rich heritage, having operated on the same site in the English Lake District since 1845. Clients choose us for our award-winning dedication to meeting their needs while upholding the highest sustainability standards. Our premium paper mill, located in Burneside, Kendal, is renowned for producing the finest quality papers in the UK. Surrounded by the natural beauty of this World Heritage Site, our mill has evolved over the years from processing grain and textiles to becoming a leading manufacturer of high-quality papers. Since acquiring the lease of the Burneside mills in 1845, James Cropper has built a long, successful future as a custom papermaker and advanced materials manufacturer. To explore the rich history of our esteemed paper mill and discover the range of products we supply, please see below.

A history of firsts

Material innovators since 1845
Scroll to learn more about James Croppers 175 years of manufacturing.

1845

The mill was purchased in 1845 by the Cropper family.

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

1856

Worlds first coloured paper is manufactured at James Cropper.

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 build to support local workforce.

To create a better standard of living for employees of the mill, James Cropper built homes in Burneside to house mill workers. Many of these houses still stand in Burneside.

1886

Mill fire threatens to destroy the business.

The Burneside mill was tragically destroyed by fire in 1886. The fire threatened to shutter the mill completely, but quick action meant that construction of the new mill commenced immediately.

1902

Reservoir built to serve the mill.

In 1902, Potter Fell Reservoir was built to provide high pressure water for the mill. To this day, Potters Fell plays an instrumental roll in James Cropper paper and nonwoven manufacturing.

1916

James Cropper paper used in WW1 war effort.

In 1916, over three-quarters of paper made by James Cropper was used by the British government for war office stationary during WW1.

1921

James Cropper commissions a new steam turbine.

In 1921, James Cropper installed a Parsons steam turbine installed providing electricity for the mill and village.

1953

Lorries used for the first time to deliver paper.

James Cropper purchased a dedicated fleet of lorries for delivery of paper across the UK. Today, James Cropper maintains a large fleet of lorries which carry our products throughout the UK and Europe.

1978

James Cropper makes the first red paper for remembrance day poppies.

In 1978, James Cropper worked closely with the Royal British Legion to develop the iconic red poppy. The poppy, and red James Cropper paper, is still in use today.

1986

Ground-breaking research leads to the first nonwovens.

Research into non-cellulose fibre led to the formation of Technical Fibre Products (TFP). Today, known as James Cropper Advanced Materials, the nonwovens are used across a variety of markets including Hydrogen, Aerospace, Defence and Medical.

1987

New paper surface technology.

In 1987, James Cropper invested in converting capabilities at it's mill in Burneside. The new capabilities included embossing, laminating, and a number of technical coatings.

1995

The mill expands.

In 1995, as part of the 150 year celebrations, James cropper invested in expanding the mill. The new buildings created purpose built, state of the art converting facility that is still in use today.

2013

Queen Elizabeth the II commissions a worlds first at James Cropper.

In 2013, Queen Elizabeth visited the Burneside Mills to commission the worlds first recycling facility of its kind. Today, this technology is known as cup cycling, and James Cropper is capable of recycling over 700,000,000 used coffee cups.

2014

Stationers' Company Innovation Excellence.

In 2014 James Cropper was awarded the Stationers' Company Innovation Excellence awards for breakthrough technology.

2015

Solar panels deliver energy to James Cropper and Burneside.

Community Energy Project brings environmental and social benefits to the community of Burneside, Kendal.

2016

Moulded fibre packaging innovation.

COLOURFORM™, moulded fibre packaging, the latest sustainable innovation from James Cropper starts trading.

2017

CupCycling™ launched.

James Cropper officially launched CupCycling™ the world's first in recycling used coffee cups and turning them into beautiful papers.

2018

James Cropper joins Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

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 Waste to Wealth Summit.

James Cropper joins forward-thinking businesses at the Waste to Wealth Summit, and signs the commitment to deliver lasting prosperity for the planet.

2020

James Cropper Celebrates 175 years of paper making.

James Cropper recognises over 175 of operations from its manufacturing site in Burneside, Lake District.

2020

Second Skin case created in collaboration with Maison Ruinart.

The revolutionary eco-designed Second Skin case is created for the luxury drinks sector in collaboration with Maison Ruinart.

2021

James Cropper acquires PV3 Technologies.

James Cropper extends its advanced materials portfolio of products for the green energy sector with the acquisition of PV3 Technologies. PV3, renamed TFP Hydrogen, manufactures coatings for PEM electrolysers, batteries, and other electrochemical applications.

2022

The James Cropper Wainwright Prize.

James Cropper partners with the Wainwright nature prize and introduces natural dyes for modern papermaking.

A Better Future Starts in 1845

We are family run and oriented, forever bonded by a drive to safeguard a better future for future generations.

Inspiring the next generation

Future focused, and pioneering spirit, James Cropper is unlocking countless opportunities beyond by leveraging our 175 year history.
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