Paranova Print and Packaging has announced plans to invest £20 million over the next five years to expand its fibre-based packaging operations, strengthening manufacturing capacity as demand grows for paper and cartonboard packaging.

The investment begins with a £6 million purpose-built manufacturing facility in Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, which the company says will become the largest fibre-based packaging facility in the UK when it opens in November.

Expansion Targets Growing Demand for Fibre Packaging

Paranova said the investment is designed to support increasing customer demand for paper, cartonboard and fibre-based packaging as businesses continue replacing conventional packaging materials with more recyclable alternatives.

The project also reflects the broader industry trend toward paperisation, with food producers and retailers seeking packaging formats that align with sustainability targets and evolving environmental regulations.

New Facility Built Around Automation

The Godmanchester site will include:

• Manufacturing operations
• On-site warehouse
• Office facilities
• Research and development center

Developed in collaboration with Koenig & Bauer, the new plant has been designed to improve manufacturing efficiency through automation while supporting faster production and greater operational flexibility.

According to the company, the facility will help customers respond to:

• Shorter production lead times
• Variable demand forecasts
• More complex packaging requirements
• Faster product launches

Investment Continues Beyond New Plant

In addition to the new facility, Paranova plans to invest a further £14 million in:

• New printing presses
• Finishing equipment
• Automated logistics systems

The company expects these investments to increase production capacity while improving workflow efficiency and supporting future business growth.

At the center of the expansion is a next-generation Koenig & Bauer printing press designed to support:

• Shorter production runs
• Faster turnaround times
• Reduced inventory requirements
• Greater manufacturing flexibility

New Jobs Planned

Once fully operational, the Godmanchester facility is expected to employ approximately 150 people, supporting the company’s long-term manufacturing expansion strategy.

The investment follows Paranova’s recently completed £5 million modernization of its St Neots fibre-based food-to-go packaging facility, further expanding the group’s production capabilities.

Fibre-Based Packaging Continues to Attract Investment

For the packaging industry, Paranova’s expansion highlights continued investment in fibre-based packaging manufacturing as demand increases across fresh produce, convenience food and food-to-go applications.

With packaging producers facing growing pressure to improve sustainability while maintaining production efficiency, investments in automation, high-performance printing and fibre-based packaging capacity are becoming increasingly important. The latest project also reflects broader market momentum toward paper-based packaging solutions as manufacturers prepare for changing customer requirements and environmental regulations.

Last Updated on 03/08/2026 by Jota Machinery