James Cropper supports beauty & cosmetics industry with circular economy initiatives – Empowering brands to meet sustainability demands


James Cropper, a leader in advanced materials and paper packaging, is revolutionising the beauty and cosmetics industry with cutting-edge circular economy solutions.
As the beauty and cosmetics market prioritises sustainability, brands require innovative packaging to minimise environmental impact and enhance circularity. James Cropper is at the forefront, investing in R&D to advance its Rydal Packaging Collection. By incorporating used jeans, coffee cups, and post-consumer and post-industrial waste into fully recyclable paper, James Cropper is creating a closed-loop system that reduces waste and promotes responsible resource management.
With the global cosmetic packaging market projected to reach £38 billion by 2030, James Cropper is leading the charge with initiatives like CupCycling®, which upcycles used coffee cups into premium packaging. In the past year, the company diverted 58 million coffee cups from landfill, transforming them into 696 tonnes of cup fibre—enough to produce approximately 1,744,360 perfume boxes for top brands.
James Cropper continually evolves its product ranges to meet consumer needs, always asking ‘what if.’ The CupCycling® initiative was born from the question, ‘what if we could recycle coffee cups into bespoke papers?’ Last year’s launch of ‘Sometimes it is Black and White’ aimed to inspire brands to embrace sustainable practices and redefine industry standards.
In collaboration with leading entities in stamping foils and embossing tools, James Cropper addresses misconceptions around sustainable packaging in luxury markets. Through myth-busting designs, printed and foiled onto The Rydal Packaging Collection which incorporates, CupCycling®, upcycled worn denim, post-consumer and post-industrial waste, the trio showcased the limitless possibilities for luxury brands to achieve groundbreaking sustainable solutions without compromising quality.
James Cropper’s latest innovation focuses on the Rydal Packaging Collection, asking, ‘what if we could adapt our Rydal range further to push boundaries, dispel industry myths and prove that sustainability does not mean compromise?’ This collection aims to:
  • Close the Loop: Commit to recycled content and biodegradable materials, reducing reliance on virgin resources and landfill waste.
  • Meet Regulations: Ensure traceability and compliance with sustainability requirements, guaranteeing responsible sourcing.
  • Develop New Products: Introduce Rydal Eco, a recycled uncoated white box board that is bright in appearance, performs like a coated board and is crafted from 100% recycled fibre for a sustainable packaging solution.
Gareth Fisher, Sales Director, James Cropper Paper & Packaging stated: “By offering 100% upcycled fibre products, we innovate with sustainability front of mind. The circular economy is the future of sustainable business. Consumers demand transparency and accountability in sustainable practices. Partnering with James Cropper simplifies navigating sustainability complexities and transitioning to a circular economy. With the Rydal Packaging Collection and ongoing R&D, we’re empowering beauty and cosmetic brands to embrace circularity, meet sustainability requirements, and enhance their brand reputation.”
James Cropper remains dedicated to advancing the circular economy and supporting the beauty and cosmetics industry in achieving sustainability and regulatory compliance.