On Wednesday 22nd March 2023 over 100 representatives from across the UK’s Paper-based Industries gathered on the House of Commons Terrace to celebrate the achievements of the industry.
The event was kindly hosted by Mark Pawsey MP, who chairs the APPG on Packaging, and attended by a number of Parliamentarians from across the chamber, including Shadow Cabinet Members and Constituency Members of Parliament.
The awards recognised success across five categories: Recycling, Sustainable innovation, Community Engagement, Health and Safety, and Skills. The six winners, with two winners in the Sustainable Innovation Category, listed below were recognised with a glass trophy. The Paper Gold Medal, given to an individual who has demonstrated excellence and achievement, beyond their normal duties, and who has made a unique contribution to the wider UK’s Paper-based Industries, was also presented.
RECYCLING AWARD
VPK UK and Ireland
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION AWARD
(WINNERS) - Swanline Group (EzeE-comm pack) and DS Smith Plc
(HIGHLY COMMENDED) - Fourstones Paper Mill Company Limited
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD
Smurfit Kappa Inspirepac, Chesterfield
HEALTH AND SAFETY AWARD
Saica Group
SKILLS AWARD
Essity UK Ltd
THE PAPER GOLD MEDAL
Bud Hudspith
The awards attracted a wide range of entries and the wealth of talent from across the industry was well showcased. The quality of the entries demonstrated both the achievements of the industry and their wider impact, from boosting sustainability and increasing recycling rates, to developing the skills of the workforce and employing apprentices, and from improving health and safety practices to developing positive community relations.
At the ceremony the Paper Gold Medal was presented to Bud Hudspith formerly of the Trade Union Unite. This is a prestigious career achievement, and the recipient automatically gains membership of the exclusive Gold Medal Association, receiving a solid gold presentation medal. Bud has devoted his career to improving the health and safety of the paper industry, and indeed other industries.
Andrew Large, CPI Director General, said: “CPI was delighted to host the Paper Industry Gold Awards for the UK’s Paper-based Industries on the House of Commons Terrace.
These awards were a fantastic opportunity to recognise the best of the industry across the different sectors and celebrate their many achievements as well as a chance to network in wonderful surroundings. I would like to thank the Paper Gold Medal Association for its support during this process. I was delighted to be able to present Bud Hudspith the Paper Gold Medal for his work in Health and Safety over many years.
The awards showed that the industry has a lot to be proud of, and there are many remarkable individuals and businesses which do excellent work. I was extremely impressed by the number and quality of applications, and we were delighted to showcase this to senior politicians and stakeholders.”
ENDS
Contact for further information
Hi-resolution photographs are available.
Please contact: Holly Whitbread | [email protected] | 01793 889600
Notes to Editors
CPI is the leading trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, comprising paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling.
CPI represents an industry with an aggregate annual turnover of £11.5 billion, with 56,000 direct and a further 93,000 indirect employees.