The Paper Industry Gold Awards were hosted on Tuesday (17 June) by Andrew Large, director general of trade association the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), who will step down in July after nine years in post.
The awards were presented by Jonathan Ashworth, chief executive of Labour Together and former Labour shadow cabinet minister.
They recognised achievement across seven categories: Recycling, Net Zero & Sustainable Innovation, Community Engagement, Health & Safety, Skills, Young Talent, and EDI. Two winners were honoured in the Young Talent category, alongside two highly commended entries.
Each winner received a trophy, with additional commendations made in recognition of exceptional entries.
Until 2024, the Paper Gold Medal was awarded by the Paper Gold Medal Association, which was dissolved in March 2025. It is now under the stewardship of the Stationers’ Livery Company.
The Paper Gold Medal judging panel, representing many sectors of the industry, received a wide array of nominations this year.
Established in the late 1960s, this award is presented to a person who has demonstrated excellence and dedication well beyond their day-to-day role, making a lasting and unique contribution to the broader UK’s paper-based industries.
Winner Robert McClements had a 25-year career with the BPIF including, notably, his work on the Visual Media Conference.
He has devoted over two decades to voluntary work supporting the industry and, since retiring in 2024, he has continued to champion the printing sector, mentoring young people and advocating for print’s valued role amid growing digital competition.
His voluntary efforts have included securing funding to help nearly 50 young people from challenging backgrounds pursue printing careers through the Prince’s Trust. As a Liveryman of the Stationers’ Company, he helped establish the Excellence Awards and promoted industry careers at major fairs.
McClements also founded the Victor Watson Trophy, awarded annually to recognise young printing professionals’ achievements, with prizes presented at the House of Lords.
His research at Bradford University School of Management secured significant regional funding to promote printing as a major employer and support training and environmental initiatives across Yorkshire.
Large said: “I am delighted that Robert has been awarded the Paper Gold Medal this year. Alongside his professional career, his commitment to voluntary service in support of the industry has been exemplary.
“I especially admire his focus on attracting the next generation into careers in the printing industry.”
McClements, in his acceptance speech, said: “I am honoured to receive this recognition by the CPI. It has been my good fortune to work in such a vibrant industry and to be able to help introduce and mentor some of its next generation.
“Our industries have a vital role in communication and I have championed that position in the digital world. I am grateful to the many people who have supported and enabled me to pursue such a rich and enjoyable career – leading to this extraordinary accolade. Thank you.”
Earlier this year McClements collaborated with Precision Proco on a stained-glass window replica lightbox produced in memory of an RAF pilot killed during World War II – a friend of McClements’ father.
Entries to the Paper Industry Gold Awards were submitted from a wide range of companies and individuals across the industry, showcasing innovation, dedication, and impact.
These achievements included efforts to reduce environmental impact, increase recycling rates, invest in skills and apprenticeships, improve workplace safety, and engage positively with local communities.
The other winners at the event were:
Recycling Award
Saica Pack, Hartlepool
Sustainable Innovation & Net Zero Award
Holmen Board and Paper / UPM Caledonian
Community Engagement Award
Essity Prudhoe Mill
Health & Safety Award
(Winner) - Essity Oakenholt Mill
(Highly Commended) - DS Smith Kemsley
(Highly Commended) - Wepa UK
Skills Award
DS Smith
EDI Award
(Winner) - DS Smith
(Highly Commended) - Smurfit Westrock UKI Corrugated
Young Talent Award
(Winners) - Filip Kisiel, Smurfit Westrock SSK, and Josephine Cooper, DS Smith
(Highly Commended) - Firaz Nasar, Northwood Tissue, and Izzy Pearce, DS Smith
