{"id":5956,"date":"2025-03-18T04:30:44","date_gmt":"2025-03-18T08:30:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=5956"},"modified":"2025-03-18T04:30:44","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T08:30:44","slug":"james-cropper-appoints-new-paper-and-packaging-managing-director","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.packagingindustrynews.com\/?p=5956","title":{"rendered":"James Cropper appoints new paper and packaging managing director"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Barber previously held positions at Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith, and others. Credit: James Cropper.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

James Cropper, a company specialising in advanced materials, paper, and packaging, has appointed Paul Barber as the new managing director of its paper and packaging division.<\/p>\n

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Barber\u2019s appointment coincides with James Cropper\u2019s 180th anniversary and follows the consolidation of James Cropper Speciality Paper, Colourform, and Technical Fibre Products into a single entity, now operating under the James Cropper name and a refreshed brand identity.<\/p>\n

After carrying out a transformation programme that involved streamlining its portfolio and improving operations, James Cropper has made several strategic key appointments, with Barber joining the team following David Stirling\u2019s recent appointment as CEO.<\/p>\n

Barber brings more than 25 years of experience in the paper and packaging industry, having begun his career as an area sales manager with Sonoco.<\/p>\n

He held positions at Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith, and Corrboard, before taking the lead at Coveris Group.<\/p>\n

Barber\u2019s experience encompasses expertise in fostering customer partnerships and excellence programmes, driving operational stability and growth, investment planning, new product development, employee engagement strategies, and expanding manufacturing capabilities.<\/p>\n

Barber said: \u201cDuring my tenure in the paper and packaging industry, I have long admired James Cropper for its history of quality manufacturing, innovation, navigating challenges and deep-rooted ESG [environmental, social, and governance] values.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis role presents a unique opportunity to be part of a first-rate team. My focus will be on creating an environment where our employees can thrive and mobilising their knowledge and expertise to accelerate bespoke solutions for our customers.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll also be aligning our strong operational ability and introducing new systems and processes to support our customer base.\u201d<\/p>\n

Last September, James Cropper developed technology<\/a> capable of converting polycotton waste into high-quality paper.<\/p>\n

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