Why Paper Goods Are Booming in Adur
As businesses move away from single-use plastics, paper-based products have experienced a remarkable revival. In Adur, the shift is easy to see. Independent cafes on Shoreham High Street serve takeaway coffee in paper cups, online sellers in Lancing ship products in corrugated mailers, and seafront kiosks wrap fish and chips in recyclable paper. Behind these everyday items are manufacturers that produce corrugated board, specialty papers, tissue and hospitality disposables at scale.
While Adur itself is not home to large paper mills, the district is well served by manufacturers with UK production sites and distribution networks covering Sussex. The companies below have been selected for their product quality, sustainability credentials and reliability for businesses in Shoreham-by-Sea, Lancing, Southwick and Sompting.
1. Smurfit Westrock
Formed by the combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, Smurfit Westrock is one of the world's largest producers of paper-based packaging. Its UK corrugated plants serve food producers, retailers and e-commerce businesses with custom boxes, displays and protective packaging. Its design teams help brands reduce material use while maintaining strength, which lowers costs and environmental impact.
2. DS Smith
DS Smith, now part of International Paper, is a leading UK packaging manufacturer with a strong focus on circular design. Its recycling operations collect used fibre and turn it back into new packaging, creating a closed loop. Adur businesses selling online benefit from DS Smith's expertise in e-commerce packaging that is easy to open, return and recycle.
3. Saica Pack UK
Saica Pack is a major producer of corrugated packaging with sites across the UK. It supplies boxes, trays and shelf-ready packaging to food, drink and industrial customers. Its integrated model, from recycled paper production through to finished packaging, gives customers confidence in supply continuity.
4. Mondi
Mondi manufactures a wide range of paper and packaging products, including paper bags, sack kraft and flexible paper solutions. Builders merchants and agricultural suppliers serving Adur often use Mondi paper sacks for cement, animal feed and aggregates, while retailers appreciate its strong, recyclable shopping bags.
5. James Cropper
James Cropper is a British specialty paper maker with more than a century and a half of history. It produces premium coloured papers and luxury packaging materials for high-end brands. Boutique gift shops and artisan producers across Sussex value papers of this quality for packaging that feels as special as the product inside.
6. Antalis UK
Antalis is a leading distributor of paper, packaging and visual communication materials. Printers, design agencies and offices in Adur use Antalis to source an extensive range of papers, from everyday copier paper to creative stocks for brochures and invitations. Its packaging division also supplies protective materials and equipment for warehouses.
7. Kite Packaging
Kite Packaging is a UK packaging distributor known for fast delivery and a huge range of boxes, mailing bags, void fill and tapes. Its paper-based alternatives to plastic packaging have made it a popular choice for small e-commerce businesses and makers operating from homes and units around Lancing and Shoreham.
8. Essity
Essity is the company behind the Tork brand of professional hygiene products, including paper towels, toilet tissue and napkins. Offices, schools, care homes and hospitality venues in Adur use Tork dispensers and refills to maintain hygiene while reducing waste through controlled dispensing.
9. Kimberly-Clark Professional
Kimberly-Clark Professional supplies washroom tissue, hand towels and industrial wipers under brands such as Scott and Kleenex. Engineering workshops in Lancing Business Park rely on its durable wipers, while public facilities benefit from its high-capacity washroom systems.
10. Duni Group
Duni specialises in table-top and food packaging products for the hospitality industry, including napkins, table covers and takeaway containers. Restaurants and event caterers along the Adur coastline use these products to create attractive table settings and environmentally responsible takeaway packaging.
Trends in the Paper Goods Industry
The most significant trend is plastic substitution. Paper-based alternatives are replacing plastic in everything from food trays to mailing bags, driven by consumer demand and regulations such as the Plastic Packaging Tax and Extended Producer Responsibility rules. Manufacturers are investing in barrier coatings that allow paper to hold liquids and grease without plastic linings, opening up new possibilities for cafes and food producers.
Right-sizing is another growing priority. Automated packaging systems that create boxes to fit each order reduce void fill and shipping costs. Meanwhile, certification schemes such as FSC and PEFC have become essential for brands wishing to demonstrate responsible sourcing to environmentally aware customers in Sussex.
Choosing the Right Paper Goods Supplier
Consider the specific performance your product requires. Food businesses should check food contact compliance and grease resistance, while e-commerce sellers should test boxes for strength and presentation. Ask suppliers about recycled content, certification and recyclability at end of life. Minimum order quantities and delivery frequency also matter, especially for small businesses with limited storage space.
Many Adur businesses work with a distributor for everyday items and a manufacturer directly for custom printed packaging. This combination provides flexibility for routine supplies and a professional brand presence where it counts.
Conclusion
Paper goods are central to the sustainable future of retail, hospitality and logistics in Adur. The manufacturers and distributors featured here combine scale with innovation, helping local businesses reduce plastic use, present products beautifully and meet regulatory requirements. Choosing the right partner can strengthen your brand while supporting the environmental values that matter to the coastal communities of Shoreham, Lancing and beyond.
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