James Cropper is focusing on how manufacturers can make better material choices by looking beyond individual products and considering the wider requirements of their applications.
The company argues that material selection should start with the problem a product needs to solve. Performance, appearance, durability, recyclability and manufacturing requirements can all affect which material is appropriate.
For businesses developing new products, this means asking more detailed questions at the beginning of the design process rather than selecting a material based only on cost or availability.
James Cropper works across advanced materials, paper and packaging, with its materials used in areas including luxury packaging, interiors and other applications where performance and presentation both matter.
The company places emphasis on understanding the intended use of a material and the requirements of the finished product. Factors such as how a material will be processed, how it will perform during use and what happens to it at the end of its life can all influence the choice.
Sustainability is also becoming a more significant consideration in material development. Businesses are increasingly assessing the sources of raw materials, manufacturing processes, product longevity and the potential for recycling or reuse.
For packaging in particular, material selection involves balancing several requirements. Packaging needs to protect its contents and perform during handling and transport, while also meeting design requirements and increasingly stringent sustainability expectations.
This can create trade-offs between different materials and production methods. A material that performs well in one application may not be suitable for another, meaning that understanding the specific requirements of the product is essential.
James Cropper’s approach is to work with customers to understand those requirements and develop materials accordingly. This can involve adapting existing materials or developing new solutions where standard products do not meet the required specification.
James Cropper plc (LON:CRPR) is a market leader in Advanced Materials and Paper & Packaging. The Group’s Advanced Materials products incorporate pioneering nonwovens and electrochemical coatings for its customers globally, including components in fuel cells and hydrogen electrolysis.
