On Tuesday 18th November, the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) hosted an Industry Showcase in the UK Parliament, kindly sponsored by Frank McNally MP. The event brought together representatives from across the Paper Industry to engage MPs on the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the UK’s packaging sector. The event highlighted the sector’s vital role in supporting UK manufacturing and the paper supply chain – driving forward sustainable packaging solutions and strengthening regional economies across the UK.
After opening speeches by Frank McNally MP and CPI CEO Alex Veitch, Tristan Osborne MP, Chair of the Sustainable Resource APPG, addressed attendees. He emphasised the importance of lowering energy costs for industry and the importance of being clear and specific in our asks of Government. He also highlighted the significant economic value of the paper-based industries and stressed that, now more than ever, collaboration across the sector is essential to truly deliver a circular economy for paper and card.
Seven CPI member-led exhibition stalls showcased the depth of innovation, investment, and skills driving the industry’s contribution to the UK economy. Over 20 MPs, Lords, and political stakeholders engaged directly with industry representatives, exploring cutting-edge technologies, learning about progress on sustainability and circularity, and considering the policy measures required to support long-term growth and competitiveness.
CPI was joined by member organisations including SAICA, Cepac, DS Smith PLC, Shotton Mill Limited, Smurfit WestRock, Durham Box (part of Logson Group), and Essity UK Ltd. Collectively, these companies represented a wide cross-section of the UK’s Paper-based Industries, demonstrating best practice and highlighting their significant regional economic impact.
Alex Veitch, Chief Executive Officer for CPI said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome MPs, Lords, CPI members, and industry representatives to Parliament for our ‘Industry Showcase’ event. The event provided a valuable opportunity for our members to showcase their work and put a spotlight on the ways our industry is driving innovation and contributing to economic growth across the country.
“It also allowed us to discuss the sector’s current challenges, from high energy prices to rising EPR costs, and underline the need for a strong, recycling-focused business model that values material renewability, carbon impact, and system efficiency.
“I look forward to working with MPs and the Government to tackle these challenges and turn our ambitions into reality.”
Member of Parliament for Coatbridge and Bellshill, Frank McNally said:
“It was a pleasure to welcome CPI and its member organisations to Parliament to highlight the importance of the Paper Industry, contributing £15 billion to the economy and 115,000 jobs across the UK.
It was wonderful to see members engaging with the CPI member in their constituencies, as well as colleagues from the House of Lords. The event was a great success, and I look forward to continuing our work with CPI and its members in the future.”
About CPI:
The Confederation of Paper Industries (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 £15 billion, with 56,000 direct and a further 59,000 indirect employees.
