The Paper Industry Gold Medal
The highest individual honour in the UK’s Paper-based Industries.
About the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI)
The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) is the leading trade association representing the UK’s Paper-based Industries, including paper and board manufacturers and converters, corrugated packaging producers, makers of soft tissue papers, and collectors of paper for recycling.
CPI works with government, regulators and stakeholders to support a competitive, sustainable and innovative industry.
As part of its role championing the sector, CPI organises the Paper Industry Gold Awards and presents the Paper Gold Meal in recognition of outstanding individual contribution to the industry.
For over half a century, the Paper Industry Gold Medal has recognised individuals whose contribution to the UK’s Paper-based Industries extends far beyond their own organisation.
Awarded to leaders, innovators and ambassadors of the sector, the Paper Gold Medal represents the highest individual accolade within the UK’s paper and allied industries. Learn more about the Paper Industry Gold Awards below.
About the Paper Gold Medal
The Paper Gold Medal was established in 1966 by World’s Paper Trade Review to recognise outstanding individual achievement within the sector.
Over time, the Award has evolved alongside the industry itself. While its origins were rooted in paper manufacturing, the Paper Gold Medal now reflects the breadth of the modern sector, recognising contributions from across paper, packaging, print and allied industries.
Today the award honours individuals who demonstrate:
Recipients join a distinguished community of industry leaders whose work has helped shape the development of the UK’s Paper-based Industries.
Exceptional leadership
Lasting impact on the industry
Commitment to advancing the sector
Influence beyond their own organisation
The Paper Industry Gold Awards
The Paper Industry Gold Awards celebrate excellence across the sector, recognising achievements in innovation, sustainability, safety, skills and industry leadership.
The Paper Gold Medal is the final and most prestigious award presented at the awards ceremony.
Biennial Awards Cycle
As part of a move to a biennial awards cycle, the Paper Industry Gold Awards will now align with CPI’s Biennial Health and Safety Conference.
This approach allows the awards to:
Attract the strongest nominations
Celebrate achievements across a broader timeframe
Maintain the prestige and significance of the Paper Gold Medal
The next Paper Industry Gold Awards will be held in 2027.
Further details on the 2027 awards programme will be announced later this year.
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The Paper Gold Medal itself reflects the significance of the honour.
The Medal is crafted in 9-carat hallmarked gold, measuring 45mm in diameter. Recipients also receive a smaller replica medal which may be worn at formal industry occasions, including the Stationer’s Christmas Lunch, where the award is formal recognised by the Master.