James Cropper Upgrades CupCycling Technology and Condemns Defra Delay

Packaging Gateway (08/15/23) Jenns, Claire

Six years ago, James Cropper launched its CupCycling technology to upcycle used disposable coffee cups into luxury papers and bespoke packaging. Until recently, the 5 percent of waste plastic removed from each cup was being used as a source for energy recovery in the production of recycled paper. However, in collaboration with Cumbria Waste and New Horizon Plastics in North Wales, recycling the waste into new plastic products has been made possible. The plastic is made into pellets, then incorporated into commercial packaging and agricultural applications. Meanwhile, the paper fiber from the cup is made into new paper products and premium packaging via the CupCycling technology. Joanne Storey, the company's R&D program lead, comments, "Sustainable packaging is no longer an option, but rather an essential and paper plays a significant role." Additionally, James Cropper has commissioned new commercial packaging that safeguards paper from moisture ingress during transport, with 30 percent recycled content.

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