James Cropper Paper & Packaging is moving into the next stage of a five-year strategy focused on profitability, operational discipline, customer relationships and investment in manufacturing.
The division returned to profitability during the second half of FY26 following changes to its commercial and operating model. Across James Cropper plc, FY26 revenue increased 3.6% to £102.9 million, while Group Adjusted EBITDA rose 33% to £8.9 million. Net debt was reduced by almost £5 million to £8.1 million.
The Paper & Packaging business is now seeking to build on that progress rather than treat the turnaround as complete. Its strategy includes a structured investment process for the manufacturing plant, clearer decision-making, tighter risk management and a longer-term approach to production capability.
The changes follow a reassessment of the division after Managing Director Paul Barber joined the business in March 2025. Management concluded that the operation needed clearer strategic direction and greater consistency across revenue, operations and its customer base. A five-year plan has since been introduced, with departments beginning to implement the programme across the business.
Capital investment forms an important part of that positioning. The company is assessing manufacturing requirements against where it expects the business to need to operate over the next decade, rather than limiting investment decisions to current production needs.
James Cropper is also changing how commercial decisions are made. Senior management is working more directly with major customers, while layers of management have been reduced to shorten response times and improve the flow of information through the business.
That approach has also influenced pricing. When external events increased costs, the business used temporary surcharges rather than applying a broad permanent price rise based on assumptions about future market conditions. The company monitored developments and adjusted its response while maintaining communication with customers. This provides greater flexibility where energy costs, supply chain disruption and other external pressures remain difficult to predict.
Risk management is becoming more distributed across the organisation. Employees are being given greater responsibility for decisions and project delivery, while knowledge and accountability are being spread across wider teams. Reducing dependence on a limited number of individuals should make the operating model more resilient and improve continuity as the strategy develops.
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.
