This year’s Poppy Appeal in the UK has officially launched, with the first ever plastic-free poppy made entirely from James Cropper paper, created in Cumbria.
Working with the Royal British Legion (RBL), and design consultancy Matter, the paper poppy will reduce carbon emissions by 40 per cent, is free from single-use plastic and can be recycled in ordinary paper recycling collections.
To celebrate the launch of the Poppy Appeal, James Cropper commissioned Yorkshire-based paper engineer and paper cut designer, Sarah-Louise Matthews to create a 3ft interpretation of the paper poppy. This week, the artwork was proudly installed in the Kendal mill entrance to welcome all visitors. Managing Director, Richard Bracewell attended the unveiling with Master Colour Blender, Tony Bellas who creates the poppy red colour for the paper. They were also joined by members of the James Cropper team who have served in the armed forces (pictured below).
The poppy paper is made from a blend of renewable fibres from responsible sources, 50% of which has been recovered from paper coffee cup production via James Cropper’s CupCycling facility.
The design is part of RBL’s commitment to reducing single-use plastic in all its activities in a drive to be economical, sustainable, and less impactful to the environment. The new poppy, which is available now, maintains the iconic poppy design and leaf shape and can be fastened with a pin, inserted into a buttonhole, or stick on versions are available.
