PAPER INDUSTRY GOLD AWARDS - 2025 WINNERS 

The Awards were hosted by Andrew Large, Director General of the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI). This year’s keynote speech was delivered by Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Executive of Labour Together and former Labour Shadow Cabinet Minister. In a powerful address, Jonathan praised the innovation and resilience of our industry, highlighting the impressive machinery and proactive spirit that have defined us through generations. He acknowledged the very real challenges we face—particularly rising energy costs amid global uncertainty—but also emphasised the progress we've made in sustainability, recycling, and waste reduction.

He spoke passionately about the importance of nurturing young talent, expressing how impressed he is with this year’s cohort of apprentices and young talent applicants. It’s clear our future is in good hands!

The awards recognised success across seven categories: Recycling, Sustainable Innovation & Net Zero, Community Engagement, Health & Safety, Skills, Young Talent, and Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI). Two winners were honoured in the Young Talent category, alongside two highly commended entries, reflecting the impressive calibre of emerging professionals within the sector.

The winners are:

RECYCLING AWARD

Saica Pack, Hartlepool

SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION & NET ZERO AWARD

Holmen Board and Paper / UPM Caledonian

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AWARD

Essity Prudhoe Mill

HEALTH & SAFETY AWARD

(WINNER) - Essity Oakenholt Mill

(HIGHLY COMMENDED) - DS Smith Kemsley

(HIGHLY COMMENDED) - WEPA UK

SKILLS AWARD

DS Smith

EDI AWARD

(WINNER) - DS Smith 

(HIGHLY COMMENDED) - Smurfit Westrock UKI Corrugated

YOUNG TALENT AWARD

(WINNERS) - Filip Kisiel, Smurfit Westrock SSK & Josephine Cooper, DS Smith

(HIGHLY COMMENDED) - Firaz Nasar, Northwood Tissue & Izzy Pearce, DS Smith

THE PAPER GOLD MEDAL

Robert McClements

The Paper Gold Medal, which is awarded to an individual who has gone above and beyond their normal duties and made a unique contribution to the wider UK Paper-based Industries, was also presented (see separate press release).

Entries were submitted from a wide range of companies and individuals across the industry, showcasing innovation, dedication, and impact. These achievements included efforts to reduce environmental impact, increase recycling rates, invest in skills and apprenticeships, improve workplace safety, and engage positively with local communities.

Andrew Large said: “This has been another excellent year for the Paper Industry Gold 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 the industry seems to be in safe hands.”