UK paper industry celebrates excellence at 2025 Paper Gold Awards

Outstanding achievements in sustainability, innovation, skills development, and community engagement were recognised at the 2025 Paper Gold Awards, hosted by the British Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) on 17 June 2025.

The awards ceremony, held in London, was chaired by CPI Director General Andrew Large and featured a keynote speech by Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Executive of Labour Together and former Labour Shadow Cabinet Minister.

In his address, Mr Ashworth commended the sector for its long-standing resilience and innovation, praising both its technical excellence and commitment to sustainability. While noting the serious challenges posed by global uncertainty and energy costs, he spotlighted the industry’s progress in waste reduction and circular economy practices. Mr Ashworth also spoke about the importance of young talent, stating how impressed he was with the industry's new generation of professionals.

Seven categories were recognised this year – Recycling, Sustainable Innovation & Net Zero, Community Engagement, Health & Safety, Skills, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI), and Young Talent.

This year’s Paper Gold Medal, which recognises a unique and sustained contribution to the UK paper industry, was awarded to Robert McClements.

CPI’s Andrew Large highlighted the increasing engagement with the awards: “In every category, the number of entries has grown, and they all show the achievements and innovations of the UK's paper-based industries. I am especially pleased that the new Young Talent award had many entries at an incredibly high standard. The future of our industry seems to be in safe hands."