Saica Group, one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of recycled paper, corrugated board and flexible packaging, as well as a provider of comprehensive waste management and environmental services, welcomed the Spanish Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Emma Aparici, to its paper mill near Manchester on 26 May.
The visit highlighted Saica’s long-term commitment to the UK, where the Group has maintained a strong industrial and commercial presence for almost two decades, supporting local employment, manufacturing and the transition to a circular economy.
Ms Aparici, who took up her role as Spain’s Ambassador to the UK earlier this year, is undertaking a series of visits to leading Spanish companies operating within the UK. Her visit to Saica is part of this programme and reflects the importance of Spanish investment in the UK’s industrial base.
During the visit, the Ambassador was accompanied by the Consul General of Spain in Manchester, Alejandro Polanco Mata. They were welcomed by senior members of the Saica team including, Susana Alejandro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Pilar Franca, Sustainable Development & People Global Director, and Darren Johnston, Saica Paper UK Plant Manager. Together, they discussed Saica’s operations in the UK, the company’s journey, and its role in advancing sustainable manufacturing in the country.
The Ambassador also had the opportunity to witness first-hand the paper production process, gaining insight into how recovered, sustainable paper and cardboard is transformed into high-quality recycled paper for packaging applications, whilst efficiently reusing water and energy.
During the visit, Ambassador Aparici highlighted the importance of companies like Saica in strengthening the ties between the UK and Spain: “Spanish companies like Saica are key to bolstering the economic relationship between our two nations. Saica’s long-standing presence, continued investment and commitment to sustainability are a strong example of how Spanish industry contributes positively to local communities and to the UK’s green transition.”
Saica first arrived in the UK in 2006 with the acquisition of two containerboard packaging plants. Building on this momentum, in 2008, we further strengthened our presence by purchasing several additional containerboard packaging plants in the UK. This expansion set the stage for an exciting new project: the construction of a state-of-the-art paper mill. By 2012, our efforts culminated in the opening of the new Saica Paper mill in Partington, United Kingdom.
Since then, Saica has built an integrated nationwide footprint which includes recycled paper production, corrugated and flexible packaging and waste management. In addition to its flagship paper mill in Partington, the company operates also another 17 plants in the UK. Together, Saica’s UK operations employ more than 2,000 people and form a strategically important manufacturing and recycling platform within the Group’s circular economy model.
According to Susana Alejandro, Saica CEO: “The UK is a key market for Saica, and we remain firmly committed to continuing our investment and growth here. Welcoming the Spanish Ambassador to our Manchester site is an important opportunity to showcase the scale of our operations, the talent of our UK teams, and the role we play in supporting a more sustainable industrial future.”
Sustainability and the circular economy sit at the core of Saica’s business strategy. The Manchester paper mill, home to Paper Machine 11 (PM11), is one of the most advanced recycled paper mills in Europe. The site produces 100% recycled paper for corrugated packaging, using recovered paper sourced largely from within the UK.
PM11 was designed to minimise environmental impact, with advanced technologies that significantly reduce water and energy consumption compared with traditional paper mills.
During the visit, Ambassador Emma Aparici witnessed how PM11 plays a central role in Saica’s circular economy model, helping to keep valuable materials in use, reduce landfill, and support a more resilient and sustainable packaging supply chain in the UK