Why Did Robert McClements Win the Paper Gold Medal in 2024?

The printing industry just witnessed something extraordinary. Robert McClements received the prestigious Paper Gold Medal, and his story shows us what true dedication looks like.

Robert McClements won the Paper Gold Medal for his 25-year career with BPIF and over two decades of voluntary work supporting the printing industry, including mentoring young people and securing funding for nearly 50 careers through the Prince’s Trust.

I’ve been in the packaging machinery business for over 20 years, and I know how rare it is to see someone dedicate their entire career to lifting up others. McClements’ story reminds me why I started Kylin Machines – to support the people who make our industry great.

What Makes the Paper Gold Medal So Special?

Most people don’t realize how significant this award really is. The Paper Gold Medal represents the highest honor in the UK’s paper-based industries.

Established in the late 1960s, the Paper Gold Medal recognizes individuals who demonstrate excellence and dedication well beyond their day-to-day role, making lasting contributions to the broader UK paper-based industries.

The Award’s Rich History and Prestige

The Paper Gold Medal has been recognizing industry leaders for over 50 years. Until 2024, the Paper Gold Medal Association managed this award, but now the Stationers’ Livery Company oversees it. This transition shows how seriously the industry takes this recognition.

The judging panel represents many sectors of the industry, ensuring that winners truly deserve this honor. When I think about our customers who use rigid box making machines and book cover making equipment, I see the same dedication that McClements showed throughout his career.

Award Category	Purpose	Impact
Paper Gold Medal	Lifetime achievement	Industry leadership
Recycling Award	Environmental innovation	Sustainability
Skills Award	Workforce development	Future talent
Young Talent Award	Next generation	Career advancement

How Did McClements Transform Young Lives in Printing?

The most impressive part of McClements’ story isn’t his professional success. It’s what he did for young people trying to enter our industry.

McClements secured funding through the Prince’s Trust to help nearly 50 young people from challenging backgrounds pursue printing careers, and he founded the Victor Watson Trophy to recognize young printing professionals’ achievements.

Breaking Down Barriers for the Next Generation

I remember when I started in the packaging machinery business. Finding mentors was nearly impossible. McClements understood this challenge and did something about it. His work with the Prince’s Trust created real opportunities for young people who might never have considered printing careers.

The Victor Watson Trophy, which McClements founded, presents awards annually at the House of Lords . This isn’t just recognition – it’s validation for young professionals that their work matters. When I see young operators learning to use our collapsible box machines or round box equipment, I think about the foundation McClements built for their careers.

His research at Bradford University School of Management secured significant regional funding to promote printing as a major employer. This work supported training and environmental initiatives across Yorkshire, creating a ripple effect that continues today.

Initiative	Beneficiaries	Long-term Impact
Prince’s Trust Funding	50+ young people	Career pathways
Victor Watson Trophy	Annual recipients	Industry recognition
Bradford University Research	Yorkshire region	Training programs
Stationers’ Company Work	Industry-wide	Excellence standards

What Can We Learn from McClements’ Approach to Industry Leadership?

McClements didn’t just work in the printing industry – he shaped it. His approach offers lessons for anyone in manufacturing or packaging.

McClements combined professional excellence with voluntary service, focusing on attracting the next generation while championing print’s vital role in communication against growing digital competition.

Building Bridges Between Generations

The printing and packaging industries face constant pressure from digital alternatives. McClements understood that survival depends on proving our value and training the next generation. His work on the Visual Media Conference during his BPIF career showed how traditional printing could adapt and thrive.

As someone who manufactures post-press equipment and hybrid packaging solutions, I see this challenge daily. Our customers need machines that can compete with digital alternatives while maintaining the quality that only physical packaging provides.

McClements’ collaboration with Precision Proco on a stained-glass window replica lightbox demonstrates how traditional skills can create unique value . This project honored an RAF pilot’s memory, showing how our industry connects with human stories and emotions in ways digital media cannot match.

Leadership Principle	McClements’ Application	Industry Benefit
Mentorship Focus	Prince’s Trust partnerships	Skilled workforce
Innovation Advocacy	Visual Media Conference	Industry adaptation
Community Engagement	Memorial projects	Emotional connection
Recognition Programs	Victor Watson Trophy	Professional pride

Conclusion

Robert McClements won the Paper Gold Medal because he understood that industry success comes from lifting others up, not just personal achievement.

My Role

I’m Jacob from Kylin Machines, where we’ve been manufacturing robotic spotters, rigid box making machines, and book cover equipment since 2003. Our factory in Dongguan serves over 2,500 customers in more than 20 countries, and we understand the importance of supporting the next generation in our industry, just like McClements did.