Specialist papermaker James Cropper has created a new cartridge paper made in part from used coffee cups, which is proving popular for artisits.
Manufactured using 80% recycled materials, the range will help to reduce some of the 2.5 billion takeaway cups that are estimated to be thrown away in the UK each year.
At 140gsm, it has the body and tooth to work well with the widest range of media and techniques, making it particularly suitable for artists and students.
The paper is already gaining traction with the University of the Arts London, The Eden Project and Hobbycraft, which have confirmed stock listings along with art supply outlets and galleries across the country.
By working with the team at James Cropper, we’ve been able to create a high-performance, versatile art paper by bringing together high-quality cup fibres and our own all-media formulation
Seawhite of Brighton manufacture and supply art and design materials to education and retail outlets around the world, building fame for its array of sketch books and pads noted for their outstanding tensile and tear strength.
The partnership sees James Cropper expand its scope from manufacturing the company’s cartridge paper to include new CupCycling™ Cartridge sketch pad formats.
Richard Burnett, market sector manager at James Cropper, comments: “Strengthening our fifteen-year legacy with an organisation so firmly grounded in the creative industries aligns with our own commitment to produce beautiful papers that fuel creativity.
“To date, we have recycled over 100 million coffee cups at our CupCycling™ facility, however we have the capacity to convert up to 500 million per year into papers and packaging.
“Partnerships with companies such as Seawhite of Brighton prove that circular design has a firm place and presents a viable option in many industries.”
Nick Tobin, director at Seawhite of Brighton, commented: “CupCycling™ is an innovative and ambitious attempt to solve a substantial problem.
“By working with the team at James Cropper, we’ve been able to create a high-performance, versatile art paper by bringing together high-quality cup fibres and our own all-media formulation. The partnership demonstrates how a zero waste process can also present real creative possibilities.”