Arjowiggins

Arjowiggins’ creative papers / Source: Arjowiggins

AsiaBambooBeautyCelluloseCottonEuropeFood & BeverageNorth AmericaPackagingPaperSouth AmericaSylvicta

WHAT WE SAY:

Arjowiggins is a long-standing paper manufacturer, renowned for its ability to match style with substance.

The creators of a truly innovative plastic-free barrier paper for food, the company was also one of the first paper providers to offer 100% PCR paper. With a long history of paper-making stretching back to the 1700s, the company is a global force developing appealing, creative paper styles while using a renewable source to fight plastic use. Their Sylvicta transparent paper derives from the original ‘tracing paper’, now finding a new need to answer. Arjowiggins’ deep heritage also means they understand market demands and can deliver at scale with viable pricing.

Sylvicta overlay / Source: Arjowiggins

ABOUT ARJOWIGGINS

Arjowiggins is a leading provider of premium creative Paper worldwide. The company has existed in some form since the 1700s and was founded in Catalonia, Spain, by Ramon Guarro in 1698. Customers include Zara Home, Chevaliers d’Argouges chocolate and Mirlo soap.
The most recent iteration of Arjowiggins Group Ltd was formed in October 2019. The fully independent company was headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, and owned mills in Aberdeen; Barcelona, Spain; Canterbury, Kent; and Quzhou, China. The company had more than 800 employees across the UK, France, Spain, Italy and China.
In September 2022, all the UK companies of the Arjowiggins Group, including its Stoneywood and Chartham mills, went into administration. The mills in Spain and China were not part of this administration and continue to trade.
In November 2022, Arjowiggins' partner and global distributor, Antalis acquired the Arjowiggins creative paper portfolio to ensure the company's paper ranges live on.
The company has been innovating with paper since its inception. Notable launches include the world’s first recycled fine papers called Conqueror in the 1990s, which became 100% recycled in 2008; Conqueror Bamboo in 2010; Connoisseur 100% Cotton made from Cotton fibres; and most recently, Sylvicta – a food-contact barrier paper that's designed to replace plastics in both the food and cosmetics markets. It is said to have high barrier properties, be fully recyclable and compostable.
While one might assume that Sylvicta is a bio-based polymer due to its transparency, it is actually created by cutting fibres into strands so small that they can be seen through, becoming microfibrillated Cellulose (MFC). The paper has numerous applications, from encasing frozen and snack foods to replacing plastic windows, or as pouches, salad bags and butter packaging when metallised.
The brand’s recycled papers are made from FSC-certified post-consumer waste. The company employs specific de-inking processes to ensure the cleanliness of the pulp and its printability.
The entire range of Arjowiggins paper is FSC-certified. The company claims it was one of the first to receive FSC certification across its entire portfolio in 2008. All papers are also Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF). By not using ECF during the bleaching process, the company prevents the formation of dioxins, dioxin-like compounds and carcinogens.
Arjowiggins was an early adopter of environmental regulations. It achieved ISO 14001 certification in the 1980s for its Stoneywood Mill in Scotland. It also constructed a thermal plant in the 1990s, which saw it reduce its CO2 emissions by 50,000 tonnes per year.
The company is a member of collaborative research programme EIT RawMaterials – an innovation community supported by the EU that looks at building better circular systems in the continent.