Top 10 Best Paper Goods Manufacturers in North Devon

Paper Goods and the North Devon Economy

Paper goods play a surprisingly important role in North Devon's economy. Food and drink producers, from dairies and bakeries to craft breweries and cider makers, need sustainable packaging to reach customers across the UK. Online retailers and makers in Barnstaple and Bideford rely on cardboard boxes and mailers. Hotels, cafes and holiday parks use napkins, towels and tissue products, while schools and offices depend on stationery and printing paper.

As businesses move away from plastic packaging, demand for recyclable and responsibly sourced paper products continues to grow. The manufacturers below supply high-quality paper goods to the region and are recognised for innovation and environmental responsibility.

How We Selected These Manufacturers

We considered product range, sustainability certifications such as FSC, recycled content, relevance to North Devon industries, regional presence and reputation for quality and service.

The Top 10 Paper Goods Manufacturers

1. DS Smith

DS Smith is a leading manufacturer of sustainable corrugated packaging, with a strong focus on circular design and recycling. Its packaging solutions help South West food producers and retailers replace plastic and optimise shipping.

2. Smurfit Westrock

Smurfit Westrock is one of the world's largest paper-based packaging companies. Its corrugated boxes, retail-ready packaging and paper solutions serve food, drink and industrial customers throughout the UK.

3. Saica Pack

Saica Pack manufactures corrugated packaging from recycled paper and operates across the UK. Its emphasis on circularity and tailored packaging supports businesses that need reliable, recyclable boxes.

4. Mondi

Mondi produces paper and packaging solutions, including kraft paper, paper bags and innovative paper-based alternatives to plastic. Its products help retailers and producers meet sustainability targets.

5. Essity

Essity manufactures hygiene and tissue products, including professional hand towels, toilet tissue and napkins under brands such as Tork. Its products are widely used by North Devon's hospitality, healthcare and education sectors.

6. Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark produces well-known household and professional tissue products. Its professional ranges support washrooms and facilities in hotels, offices and public buildings across the region.

7. Two Rivers Paper Company

Two Rivers Paper Company in Somerset is one of the few remaining mills in England producing handmade paper. Its artisan papers are prized by artists, bookbinders and designers, including creative makers in North Devon.

8. Pukka Pads

Pukka Pads is a British stationery manufacturer producing notebooks, pads and school supplies. Its products are popular with students, offices and retailers throughout the South West.

9. Kite Packaging

Kite Packaging supplies a wide range of boxes, mailers and protective packaging, with many paper-based and recycled options. Small businesses and online sellers in North Devon value its flexible order quantities.

10. Antalis

Antalis is a leading distributor of paper, packaging and visual communication materials. It supplies printers, designers and businesses with a broad range of papers and boards, including recycled and specialist stocks.

Paper Industry Trends

The shift from plastic to paper packaging is accelerating, driven by consumer demand and regulations such as extended producer responsibility. Manufacturers are developing paper-based barrier coatings to replace plastic films in food packaging. Right-sized packaging and lightweighting help reduce shipping costs and emissions, which is particularly relevant for North Devon businesses sending products long distances. Recycled content and FSC certification are becoming standard expectations.

In the hospitality sector, businesses are moving to dispensers and concentrated tissue systems that reduce waste, while local makers and artists are embracing handmade and recycled papers for gifts and branding.

For North Devon's tourism economy, paper goods also shape visitor impressions. Printed maps, guides, menus, gift wrapping and takeaway packaging all reflect a business's values, and many visitors now actively favour cafes, shops and attractions that choose recyclable, locally appropriate materials over single-use plastics.

Choosing a Paper Goods Supplier

Look for FSC or PEFC certification and ask about recycled content. Consider packaging design services that reduce material use and protect products in transit. Check minimum order quantities and delivery times, especially for rural locations. For hospitality, compare dispenser systems and total cost-in-use rather than unit price alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is paper packaging always better than plastic? Not in every case. Paper is widely recyclable and renewable, but it can be heavier and less protective for some products. The best choice depends on the product, transport distance and whether customers can easily recycle the packaging. A well-designed, right-sized paper pack is usually an excellent option for most North Devon food and gift producers.

What do FSC and PEFC labels mean? These certifications confirm that paper fibres come from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources, giving businesses and customers confidence in the supply chain.

Can small businesses order custom branded packaging? Yes. Many manufacturers and distributors now offer low minimum order quantities and digital printing, making branded boxes and mailers accessible to start-ups and craft producers.

Final Thoughts

Paper goods are central to how North Devon businesses package, promote and serve. The manufacturers highlighted here combine quality with sustainability, helping local businesses reduce plastic, protect products and reflect the region's environmental values.