British master papermaker James Cropper attended this year’s Luxe Pack New York and is using the opportunity to impress the US market with its expertise in creating black papers, as well as its latest innovations in sustainable paper packaging.
The premier trade show, took place on 16 and 17 May at Pier 92, James Cropper demonstrated its Tailor Made paper service, its collection of black papers for packaging, while introducing attendees to its award-winning CupCycling initiative and Colourform moulded fibre solution.
James Cropper works closely with clients to develop custom papers as part of its Tailor Made service. With colour expertise across the spectrum, its in-house colour lab holds recipes for over 50 shades of black alone. The business will showcase examples of recent packaging projects that demonstrate its black capability at the show, including a unique solution for luxury online handbag retailer Zesh.
In addition to its paper ranges, James Cropper will showcase its pioneering CupCycling initiative, which ‘upcycles’ used disposable cups, giving them another lease of life by transforming them into beautiful papers and packaging. A great example of the work the business is doing to create value from this waste stream is the closed-loop collaboration with British retailer Selfridges, where cups from the brands own offices and retail outlets are transformed into paper for its iconic yellow shopping bags.
The company will also be presenting Colourform plastic-free packaging that is renewable, recyclable and biodegradable. Colourform provides all of the premium appeal that discerning consumers expect from packaging and demonstrates a significant environmental benefit when used in preference to plastic alternatives. Made using 100 per cent renewable paper fibre from well managed forests and recycled coffee cups, it can be manufactured in any colour or shape, is fully recyclable with household paper and is naturally biodegradable – so if it is inadvertently discarded then it will leave no trace in the environment.
Colourform’s mission is to offer brands a sustainable packaging option for their products, without losing the excitement and quality of experience that outstanding packaging provides. Every Colourform project is bespoke in terms of colour, shape, surface finish and functionality with the packaging used for a wide range of product categories from cosmetics to consumer electronics. It is already used by environmentally conscious brands such as Lush handmade cosmetics and Floral Street fragrances.
Ivan Iannetta, USA sales manager at James Cropper, said: “It’s a really exciting year for James Cropper, particularly when it comes to our sustainable solutions for the luxury packaging market, and we look forward to demonstrating our expertise in this arena at Luxe Pack.
“Using our 173-year heritage, superior craftsmanship and innovative approach to paper production, we’re able to inspire creativity while helping brands to do their bit for the environment. CupCycling and Colourform are true examples of sustainability and ingenuity colliding and we can’t wait to see how they’re received at the show.”