Top 10 Best Paper Goods Manufacturers in Mid Devon

Paper has been made in Mid Devon for hundreds of years. The fast-flowing rivers Culm and Exe once powered numerous mills, and the village of Hele near Cullompton remains synonymous with specialist papermaking. Today the sector has evolved from traditional writing papers into highly technical products, sustainable packaging and quality printing.

This guide brings together ten of the best paper goods manufacturers and converters serving Mid Devon, from historic mills to modern corrugated packaging plants and local printers. Each has been chosen for product quality, reliability and its contribution to the regional economy.

Mid Devon's Papermaking Heritage

The Culm Valley offered everything early papermakers needed: clean water, reliable water power and good access to markets in Exeter and beyond. Over generations the mills adapted to changing demand, moving from hand-made sheets to machine-made specialities. This adaptability explains why paper production still survives here when many other historic mills across England have closed.

Modern buyers benefit from that heritage. Local mills combine deep technical knowledge with the ability to produce niche grades in relatively small quantities, something that very large international producers often cannot offer.

The 10 Best Paper Goods Manufacturers Serving Mid Devon

1. Devon Valley Limited

Devon Valley Limited operates Devon Valley Mill at Hele, one of the area's most significant industrial employers. The mill produces industrial and food-grade speciality papers, including teabag paper, sausage casing paper and floor surfacing overlay. Its technical expertise and international customer base make it a flagship example of Mid Devon manufacturing.

2. Higher Kings Mill

Higher Kings Mill in Cullompton is a professional paper mill producing a wide range of grades, including coloured papers, anti-fungal papers and tube-winding papers. It also offers conversion services such as cutting, sheeting and re-reeling. This combination of manufacture and conversion gives customers flexibility to order exactly the format they need.

3. Smurfit Westrock Atlas

Smurfit Westrock Atlas is a Devon-based corrugated packaging plant that supplies businesses across the South West, including Mid Devon. It manufactures cardboard boxes and transit packaging for sectors such as e-commerce, food and brewing. Its scale and design capability make it ideal for growing brands that need consistent, high-volume packaging.

4. RH Fibreboard

Located just over the county border in Wellington, RH Fibreboard is a convenient partner for Tiverton and Cullompton businesses. It produces corrugated packaging solutions, from standard boxes to custom-cut inserts. Its regional focus and responsive service are appreciated by manufacturers and retailers in the M5 corridor.

5. Hedgerow Print

Hedgerow Print is a Crediton-based printer offering general commercial printing for local businesses, community groups and individuals. Its services include leaflets, stationery, booklets and marketing materials. Personal service and a strong understanding of local clients make it a popular choice in the Creedy Valley.

6. Digital Colour Services

Digital Colour Services, also in Crediton, focuses on digital printing for short-run and fast-turnaround projects. It produces flyers, posters, cards and business stationery with sharp colour reproduction. It suits small businesses that need professional printed materials without committing to large print runs.

7. Prestige Packaging

Prestige Packaging, based in Plympton, specialises in printed cartons and boxes with premium finishing options such as foil blocking and embossing. Mid Devon food and drink producers and gift brands use its services to create shelf-ready packaging that communicates quality and stands out in farm shops and delis.

8. NewtonPak

NewtonPak in Newton Abbot offers bespoke corrugated box printing and holds BRCGS food safety accreditation. That certification is especially valuable for Mid Devon's many food producers, who need packaging that meets strict hygiene and traceability standards for retail and wholesale distribution.

9. Brackadams

Brackadams supplies printed cardboard boxes with nationwide delivery, making it a practical option for Mid Devon online sellers. Its straightforward ordering process and range of box styles help small brands create professional, branded mailers for direct-to-consumer shipping.

10. DS Smith

DS Smith is one of the largest packaging companies in Europe and supplies businesses throughout the South West. Its focus on recyclable fibre-based packaging and circular design supports Mid Devon manufacturers looking to reduce plastic and meet retailer sustainability requirements.

Sustainability and the Paper Industry

Paper and board are among the most recycled materials in the UK, and demand for fibre-based alternatives to plastic continues to rise. Manufacturers serving Mid Devon are investing in energy efficiency, recycled content and responsibly sourced virgin fibre. Buyers can support this shift by choosing certified materials, right-sizing packaging and avoiding unnecessary laminates that make recycling harder.

When selecting a paper goods supplier, consider certifications, minimum order quantities, design support and delivery times. Local and regional suppliers often offer more flexibility on smaller runs, while larger groups bring scale and advanced technology. Many Mid Devon businesses benefit from using both.