Est. 1922 — Stonehouse, Gloucestershire
A Century of
Industrial Heritage
From a modest operation on the banks of the Frome to a globally respected name in bespoke paper manufacturing — our story is one of continuity, craft, and quiet pride.
The Founding
Where the
Story Begins
In 1922, amid the post-war resurgence of British industry, the Stonehouse Paper & Bag Mills opened its gates on the banks of the River Frome. The Cotswolds had long been a centre of textile and paper production; we joined that lineage with a simple ambition: to produce the finest paper bags in England.
The original mill was powered by the Stroudwater Navigation's water supply — a connection to the land that we have never fully relinquished, even as our machinery evolved through the decades.
Milestones in
Our Story
Mill Founded
Stonehouse Paper & Bag Mills established at Lower Mills on the Stroudwater Navigation. Initial output: 2,000 bags per day, serving local Cotswolds traders.
First Export Contract
A landmark order from a Parisian department store marked our first international contract — establishing the mill's reputation for premium retail packaging beyond British shores.
Machinery Expansion
The installation of a second-generation Fourdrinier paper machine tripled our production capacity. The original 1922 beater — still operational — was joined by precision modern equipment.
Environmental Pioneer
We became one of the first UK paper mills to achieve full closed-loop water recycling. A commitment forged from our respect for the Frome — the river that gave us life.
Bespoke Division Launch
The launch of our dedicated bespoke design studio brought the mill's craft to luxury retailers worldwide — from independent boutiques to global fashion houses.
Centenary Year
A century of uninterrupted operation — celebrated with the commissioning of a heritage archive, a centenary product range, and a renewed commitment to net-zero operations by 2030.