James Cropper and Hallmark convert coffee cups to cards

James Cropper has partnered with Hallmark on a card collection made from upcycled coffee cups.

In stores from October 2019, the 44 cards and envelopes in the collection will be 100% recyclable and made from upcycled coffee cups processed at the Kendal-based paper manufacturer’s CupCycle facility.

Managing director Steve Adams said: "Transforming a morning latte into a beautifully designed and positive sentiment really captures the spirit of CupCycling; a second life for coffee cups can often be more compelling and longer-lasting than its first.

“This partnership demonstrates the value that this precious raw material has, and how it can produce truly creative outcomes, setting a high benchmark for outstanding circular design.”

James Cropper has already transformed more than 100 million coffee cups into cards and hopes to recycle up to 500 million cups a year into papers and packaging of all colours.

Hallmark head of brand Alison Murnane said: “We already make Hallmark cards from responsibly sourced paper, so we were delighted to work with James Cropper to help drive forward another sustainable way to make an impact by taking some of today’s waste and turning it into a beautiful card that creates a lasting moment for tomorrow.”

James Cropper has previously collaborated with Selfridges, Costa and McDonald’s on similar projects.

The company has enjoyed a positive Q1 to its financial year in results posted at the start of August, with sales up 4% year-on-year in a profitable quarter. This followed on from a tough 2018/19 in which profits fell from £4.5m to £2.6m.