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Eco-packaging pioneer named country's top entrepreneur

A sustainable packaging pioneer has clinched the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022 awards’ UK Transformational Leader title.

David MacDonald, owner of Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging, won the national award at the ceremony in Manchester.

A panel of entrepreneurial peers judged him the best of more than 30 semi-finalists and 19 finalists.

MacDonald’s business has helped lead the sustainable packaging movement, producing more than a billion such products since 2020, and announcing the creation of 120 new jobs this year, driving a £15m expansion plan.

He also spearheaded the launch of the Fibre Bottle, a patented biodegradable paper vessel that should remove 300 million plastic bottles, pouches or glass per year from shelves.

Under MacDonald’s leadership, Cullen has become a global company, growing from one export country to 34 destinations.

He commented: “I am humbled to be recognised for my achievements in growing the business, generating jobs and creating sustainable, market-disrupting products and packaging that are viable replacements for single-use plastics.

“Sustainability is my passion and I’m driven by innovation and finding solutions to our clients’ challenges; solutions that will bring about real change.”

Gregor Angus, EY regional judge, stated: “Entrepreneurship can be demanding and isolating, so the programme goes beyond a competition and enables leaders to reflect on their successes and share their most pressing challenges with like-minded peers in this outstanding entrepreneurial community.

“It has been a privilege hearing the stories of our inspiring Scottish cohort as they demonstrate the talent, passion and entrepreneurial flare we have throughout the country, and the value they create within their business, across local and international markets and for their communities.”

As Europe’s only combined manufacturer of moulded fibre and corrugate packaging, Cullen makes products and machines to support clients in developing a plastic-free, sustainable product at scale.

Employing more than 230 staff, all production takes place at a 14-acre site in Glasgow.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Rob McDonald .