Frugalpac – manufacturer of the first fully recyclable coffee cup made from recycled paper – has made a commitment to maximising employment opportunities in Wrexham, with a pledge to utilise local staff at its newly opened cup manufacturing facility, which is based in the area.

Designed to offer employment and training opportunities for young people and adults, the Wrexham County Borough Employer Pledge provides a framework, aiding employers in encouraging people into work, including increasing the skills of young people and adults, supporting business growth and developing the local economy. This includes networking and exhibiting at jobs fairs to promote employment opportunities, as well as offering mentoring, apprenticeships, mock interview and work experience placements for young people and job seekers.

Having opened its manufacturing site operated by the Cup Folk, in Wrexham earlier this year, Frugalpac has created management and operations jobs, aiding production of the innovative Frugal Cup. The first of its kind, the cup is made from recycled paperboard, with no waterproofing chemicals, which means the food-grade liner separates easily during the standard recycling process. The two elements can then be recycled through separate streams which means that consumers can dispose of the cup any paper recycling bin.

Three dedicated production lines operate, suppling UK coffee shops across the country as it fulfils plans to minimise the number of single-use cups that end up in landfill or being incinerated and cement its position as the market leader in environmental packaging. As the company continues to grow, it will actively work with the community through the pledge to bring in local staff and build the brand through mutually beneficial initiatives for business, individuals, groups and communities.

Jane Purdie from Wrexham Council’s Business & Investment Team commented:

“The Employer Pledge is a great way for local companies to work with communities and partner organisations to inspire young people and provide routes into employment for the long term unemployed and support for those with additional needs.  Local companies have taken on people with mental health and addiction issues, taken groups on factory tours and sent people into schools to talk to young people about their industry.”

Malcolm Waugh, CEO of Frugalpac, commented:

“Being connected to the community is a key part of our ethos. As a local employer, with plans to increase the scale of our production, we’re keen to utilise the fantastic resources and incentives that the pledge offers we hope to fulfil what it stands for, working together to make a real difference to the community in Wrexham, both now and in the future.”