Small Startup to Global Recognition
This week marks a significant milestone in the history of PG Paper: our 21st birthday. From a small startup with a big vision to being globally recognised in the paper and packaging industry, we are proud to celebrate more than two decades of hard work, innovation, and dedication.
Let us take the time to reflect and celebrate the wins and challenges of the last 21 years as well as the incredible journey of PG Paper with insights from our expert team.
A Journey of Vision and Passion
PG Paper began in 2003, when Poonam Gupta, our CEO and founder, had a simple yet powerful idea: to reduce waste in the paper industry by finding new markets for surplus paper products. Operating from her home office in Inverclyde, Scotland, Poonam started connecting with manufacturers and customers, matching excess supply with untapped demand.
Poonam’s vision wasn’t just about selling paper; it was about creating a sustainable and environmentally responsible business model. Over the years, this mission has remained the heart of PG Paper, and today, sustainability continues to be one of our core values.
From a Small Office to Global Presence
In the early years, PG Paper’s journey was fuelled by perseverance and belief in our business model. With a focus on building relationships and delivering value to customers, PG Paper expanded beyond the UK, entering markets across Europe, Asia and Africa as well as the Middle East, North and South America. Our global presence now spans over 60 countries.
This growth wasn’t without its challenges. The paper industry has seen significant changes, from technological advancements to shifting consumer behaviour. However, by adapting quickly and embracing change, PG Paper continued to thrive. Our diverse portfolio of products, from packaging paper to graphic paper, enables us to meet the evolving needs of industries worldwide.
Milestones and Achievements
In our 21-year journey, we’ve reached numerous milestones that have shaped who we are today. From securing major international partnerships to earning accolades like the UK Business and Trade’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards, we have consistently pushed boundaries and set new standards in our industry. We take pride in our ethical sourcing, contributing to a circular economy, and supporting communities through various initiatives.
The transition from paper distribution to becoming a trusted advisor in the sector has been a key part of our evolution. By offering strategic insights, market knowledge, and consultancy service we provide added value to our clients, helping them navigate the complexities of the global paper market.
“Working in-house as Marketing Coordinator for the last few months at PG Paper has been extremely insightful. Recently, our team have been actively attending global exhibitions which is large part of our company’s value and culture; the importance of meeting clients face-to-face and indulging in current industry innovations are important for development. It’s highly impressive to see the client that PG Paper has built over the past 21 years of business.” – Caroline Gillies, Marketing Co-ordinator
The PG Paper Family
None of this would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible team. PG Paper has always been about people: our employees, customers, partners, and suppliers. Together, we have created a culture that values collaboration, diversity, and innovation.
As a family-run business, our approach has always been personal, and we value long-lasting relationships with our clients. This philosophy has fostered a loyal customer base and helped us grow into the thriving business we are today.
“I’ve been at PG Paper for 4 years and it’s truly rewarding to be part of such a hardworking, amazing team! My favourite part about working at PG Paper is the incredible variety and excitement each day brings. The opportunities for learning and growth are fantastic, allowing me to expand my skills and knowledge constantly. I’m delighted to be part of PG Paper for another year and excited for many more to come!” – Erin McGachy, Logistics Co-ordinator
Looking to the Future
While celebrating our past achievements, we’re even more excited about the future. As we enter our third decade, PG Paper is committed to innovation, sustainability, and growth. We continue to explore new markets and opportunities, adapting to the latest trends in digital transformation, eco-friendly products, and sustainable packaging solutions.
“It’s been nearly 6 months since I rejoined PG, this time round working in a sales management role having previously looked after procurement in Europe. Getting to know our global sales team and broad customer & prospect base has been an enlightening and rewarding experience for me, demonstrating again the importance of purpose, teamwork and collaboration. Whilst growth has been impressive, the potential for PG and our sustainable solutions is enormous!” – Phil Brien, Head of Sales
Our vision for the next 21 years is clear: we will continue to lead the way in providing high-quality paper products while championing environmental stewardship. Through constant innovation and dedication to our values, PG Paper will remain at the forefront of the global paper, pulp and packaging industry.
“As we celebrate 21 years in business, we reflect on the challenges and opportunities that have shaped our journey. Since our beginnings in 2003, we have navigated a dynamic and volatile market, growing into a trusted trading company with a strong focus on sustainable deep-sea supply.
Our belief in connecting markets and creating opportunities has been central to our growth. Over the years, we have expanded our reach, diversified our portfolio, and embraced new technologies to stay competitive in a fast-evolving industry.
Sustainability remains a top priority, and our ongoing digital transformation is key to delivering smarter insights and an elevated level of service to our valued partners. Looking to the future, we are committed to strengthening our position by investing in our team, expanding internationally, and enhancing our product offerings.
Thanks to the dedication, talent, and hard work of our team, we’ve enjoyed 21 years of success and eagerly look forward to the road ahead. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners, many of whom have been with us since the very beginning and have continued to support our development over the years.
Going forward, our team remains committed to providing efficient, sustainable, and future-ready services for many years to come.” – Lyndsey James-Williams, Commercial Director
A Heartfelt Thank You
As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Our customers, partners, employees, and supporters have played an essential role in shaping the success of PG Paper. We are excited to continue this journey with you by our side.
Here’s to the next 21 years of success, growth, and innovation!