What's New

"The originators of colour"

James Cropper has unveiled Coloursource as the new name for its own-brand range of coloured papers.

As revealed by Printweek, James Cropper's split from long-standing merchant partner and Colorplan owner GF Smith was the catalyst behind the move.

James Cropper's new Coloursource range will go head-to-head with Colorplan.

The manufacturer had teased the new name with social posts hinting at "Putting The U In Colour".

Coloursource is available in "50 signature shades", which is the same number of colours as the core Colorplan range. 

It comes in nine weights and 36 embossed patterns. Bespoke colours are also an option.

James Cropper said the new brand name reflected its expertise in making coloured papers, which the historic Cumbrian mill began manufacturing almost 170 years ago.

Paper and Packaging division managing director Paul Barber issued an open invitation for customers and potential customers to visit its Burneside mill and see the papers being made.

He commented: "Coloursource is the latest step in a journey decades in the making, and we're delighted to share it with the world. It is the latest example of how we use our legacy as the originators of colour to drive ourselves forwards, continually pushing boundaries and setting new standards."

Barber said that what was most important about Coloursource is that "it's not about us".

"It's about opening the door to a new spectrum of creativity and opportunity, and letting our customers step through that door with us. Our message is 'what's ours is yours', and we are inviting new and existing customers into our historic Burneside mill so they can collaborate with us, share our stories, and make these colours their own," he stated.

James Cropper had been making Colorplan for GF Smith for more than 50 years. In future Colorplan will be made by Italy-headquartered Fedrigoni. 

In response to a Printweek query about who owned the "recipes" for the manufacturing of the coloured papers, a James Cropper spokesperson said: "The formulations used to create our papers, including the blends for different fibre types and colours are developed in-house, tailored to our machines, and are a key part of what makes our papers unique.

"These formulations belong to James Cropper and remain our proprietary information."

James Cropper has emphasised the "Made in the UK" messaging in its launch materials.

The mill is targeting the papers at a wide range of applications including retail bags, packaging and stationery.

It will sell Coloursource direct and also via "select stockists", yet to be disclosed. 

The mill's colour lab also offers a colour matching service for bespoke shades.

Coloursource will have its trade show debut at the upcoming Luxe Pack Monaco show, which takes place from 29 September to 1 October.