The Role of Paper Goods in Rother's Economy
Every day, businesses across Rother rely on paper goods. Independent shops in Rye wrap purchases in branded bags, cafés along the Bexhill seafront serve takeaway food in paper packaging, wineries near Sedlescombe and Peasmarsh ship bottles in corrugated boxes, and hotels in Battle stock tissue, napkins and towels for guests. As the district's tourism and artisan food sectors grow, so does the demand for reliable, sustainable paper products.
Paper has also become the material of choice for businesses looking to reduce plastic use. Customers increasingly favour recyclable, compostable and responsibly sourced packaging, and manufacturers have responded with innovative products. Here are ten leading paper goods manufacturers serving Rother, with insights into what makes each one stand out.
1. DS Smith
DS Smith is one of Europe's largest producers of sustainable packaging, and its Kemsley Mill in Kent is among the biggest recycled paper mills in the UK. Its proximity to Rother makes it an important regional supplier of corrugated boxes, retail-ready packaging and e-commerce solutions. DS Smith's circular design philosophy focuses on replacing problem plastics with recyclable fibre-based alternatives.
2. Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock produces corrugated packaging, containerboard and paper-based solutions for food, drink and industrial customers. Its design teams help brands create packaging that protects products, reduces material use and stands out on shelves. Rother's food and drink producers benefit from its expertise in shelf-ready and transit packaging.
3. Saica Pack
Saica Pack manufactures corrugated cases, displays and specialist packaging across the UK. It is known for flexible production runs, high-quality print and responsive service. Smaller producers in Rother, such as craft breweries and artisan bakers, often appreciate suppliers like Saica that can handle bespoke designs.
4. Mondi
Mondi produces paper bags, kraft paper, sack packaging and paper-based flexible packaging. Its paper sacks are used for animal feed, cement and agricultural products, making it relevant to farms and builders' merchants across the district. Mondi is also developing recyclable paper alternatives to plastic films for food packaging.
5. Essity
Essity, the company behind the Tork and Velvet brands, manufactures tissue and hygiene products for homes and businesses. Tork's professional range of hand towels, toilet tissue, napkins and dispensers is a staple in Rother's restaurants, offices, schools and holiday parks. Essity emphasises hygiene, efficiency and reduced waste through smart dispensing systems.
6. Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark manufactures household and professional tissue products, including the Andrex and Kleenex brands. Its professional division supplies washroom solutions for workplaces and public venues. The company has invested in reducing water and energy use in manufacturing and increasing responsibly sourced fibre.
7. Accrol Papers
Accrol Papers is a major UK manufacturer of toilet tissue, kitchen rolls and facial tissues, supplying many supermarket own-label ranges. Its products reach Rother households through the major retailers in Bexhill, Battle and Rye. Accrol's focus on value and volume makes it a key player in everyday paper goods.
8. James Cropper
James Cropper is a historic paper maker known for premium coloured papers, luxury packaging materials and innovative recycled fibre products. Its papers are used by luxury brands, galleries and publishers. For Rother's creative community, including printmakers and artists in Rye, James Cropper represents the high end of British paper craft.
9. Antalis
Antalis is a leading distributor and converter of papers, packaging and visual communication materials. It supplies printers, designers and businesses with an extensive range of graphic papers and sustainable packaging. Print shops and design studios in Bexhill and Rye rely on suppliers like Antalis for consistent stock and expert advice.
10. Duni
Duni produces premium napkins, table covers, candles and takeaway packaging for the hospitality sector. Its stylish table-top products are popular with restaurants, wedding venues and hotels in Rother, where presentation is essential. Duni has expanded its range of compostable and fibre-based takeaway packaging in response to customer demand.
Choosing the Right Paper Goods Supplier
The best supplier depends on your needs. Food businesses should check that packaging is food-safe and suitable for hot, cold or greasy items. Retailers may prioritise print quality and branding options. Hospitality venues often value dispensing systems that reduce waste and improve hygiene. Consider minimum order quantities, especially for custom-printed packaging, and whether the supplier can provide samples before you commit.
Certification is another important factor. Look for Forest Stewardship Council or similar certification to ensure fibre is responsibly sourced. Recycled content claims, compostability standards and clear disposal guidance help businesses communicate their sustainability efforts to customers.
Trends in Paper Packaging
The shift away from single-use plastics has fuelled rapid innovation in paper goods. Barrier coatings now allow paper to hold liquids and fats without plastic linings. E-commerce growth has created demand for right-sized boxes that reduce void fill. Local businesses in Rother, particularly those selling online, are adopting branded, recyclable mailers to enhance the unboxing experience while staying environmentally responsible.
Tourism also plays a role. Visitors to Rye, Camber Sands and Battle Abbey increasingly expect eco-friendly packaging from takeaway outlets and gift shops. Businesses that adopt sustainable paper goods can strengthen their reputation and align with the district's commitment to protecting its coastline and countryside.
Final Thoughts
Paper goods might seem simple, but choosing the right manufacturer can improve product protection, brand perception and environmental performance. The companies featured here offer a strong mix of scale, innovation and sustainability. Whether you run a café in Bexhill, a winery in the Rother Valley or a gift shop in Rye, these manufacturers can help you meet customer expectations with confidence.
Want your brand featured in front of decision-makers? Publish a guest post or get a link insertion in our guides through AAMAX's guest post and link insertion service.
Helpful Links
Write for Us
Share your expertise with our readers. We welcome guest contributions from industry specialists.
Pitch your idea


