Our story
- Founded in 1921, experts in packaging
- Over 100 years of growth and innovation
- Global leader in sustainable packaging
Our story
- Founded in 1921, experts in packaging
- Over 100 years of growth and innovation
- Global leader in sustainable packaging
How we started
Our journey began back in 1921, when Robert Cullen founded Robert Cullen & Sons in Glasgow. Initially, we specialised in high-end packaging for premium whisky brands, quickly establishing ourselves as local experts. Over the decades, we expanded into corrugate and moulded fibre products and packaging, serving a vast array of industries and solidifying our reputation for quality and innovation.
How we started
Our journey began back in 1921, when Robert Cullen founded Robert Cullen & Sons in Glasgow. Initially, we specialised in high-end packaging for premium whisky brands, quickly establishing ourselves as local experts. Over the decades, we expanded into corrugate and moulded fibre products and packaging, serving a vast array of industries and solidifying our reputation for quality and innovation.
The Cullen story
2024
We relaunch as 'Cullen Sustainable Packaging'
This reflects our expanded capabilities and unwavering commitment to leading the sustainable packaging movement. As we evolve and grow, our focus remains on delivering innovative, plastic-free solutions that meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging worldwide.
2024
Ongoing machinery investment
Maintaining our position as a leader in sustainable packaging We took delivery of our latest upgrade, our Bobst SPO 1.6 Vision Cut with Type 2 Breaker.
2024
Cullen nominated for Earthshot Prize
Cullen’s Fibre Bottle is nominated for the prestigious Earthshot Prize in the Waste-Free World category, recognising its innovative approach to eliminating waste by repurposing materials.
2023
Cullen expands to meet demand
Cullen launches phase 1 of its expansion, part funded by the Scottish Enterprise Low Carbon Fund, further boosting capacity to meet global demand for sustainable packaging.
2023
Cullen turnover hits over £29m
Driven by rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, showcasing the company’s growth and industry-leading innovation on a global scale.
2022
Cullen win Most Outstanding Business Award
The Glasgow Business Awards recognised our dedication to excellence and innovation in the packaging industry. This award reinforces our position as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
2022
Cullen launches The Fibre Bottle
Cullen launches their latest innovation, the world’s first scalable paper bottle, to extensive industry engagement and success. This paper alternative targets single-use plastics for dry goods and solids.
2020
Cullen invest in corrugated packaging technology
Cullen partnered with Bobst to upgrade to the cutting-edge Expertfold 165, replacing older folder-gluers. This investment in the cutting-edge technology reaffirms our commitment to leading the industry in corrugated packaging innovation.
2019
New wet pressing technology launched
Cullen’s latest bespoke moulded pulp machine began production, using our Wet Pressing Technology to increase production capacity and further enhance efficiency
2018
Ongoing investment in new machinery
Following rapid growth in moulded pulp business, Cullen commenced building the seventh moulded pulp production line to meet demand.
2017
Cullen expand to meet moulded pulp growth
Cullen launch a 20,000sq ft warehouse expansion to their facility as well as a 15,000sq ft loading yard with dispatch office, designed to further increase capacity.
2016
Record turnover and major investment
Cullen achieved a record turnover of £15 million and expanded with two large-format 4-color printers at our corrugated factory, enhancing print quality. Our team also grew to 150 staff members.
2011
Cullen turnover hits £10m
Cullen reached a milestone with a turnover exceeding £10 million for the first time, reflecting our growing impact and success in the packaging industry.
2009
Cullen packaging rescued and revitalised
In a pivotal move, Ronnie MacDonald (now Chairman) acquired Robert Cullen & Sons, rescuing the company from administration and preserving 125 jobs. His son David MacDonald joined as Director, and Allan Maitland was appointed Managing Director, setting the stage for a new chapter.
2007
Cullen move into medical pulp
Cullen entered the medical pulp market, feeding into the NHS and HSE healthcare systems, as well as medical facilities in more than 25 other countries worldwide.
2004
Safeguarding for the future
Cullen embarked on an extensive fire prevention project, enhancing safety measures to protect both the facility and its dedicated team, securing long-term operational stability.
2001
Cullen expands into moulded pulp
Cullen entered the moulded fibre market by acquiring Universal Pulp Packaging, expanding its product offerings and strengthening its position in sustainable packaging solutions. ??
1995
Relocation to Anniesland
Cullen relocated to a purpose-built site in Anniesland, north-west Glasgow, driven by revenue growth and expansion needs, where the business continues to operate today.
1986
The birth of Cullen Packaging
A consortium of local businessmen purchased Robert Cullen & Sons, rebranding it as Cullen Packaging. With just five staff and a £200,000 turnover, the company soon relocated to a purpose-built site in Yorkhill, Glasgow West-End, to expand its capacity for manufacturing corrugated packaging.
1921
Founding of Robert Cullen & Sons
Robert Cullen founded Robert Cullen & Sons, a company specializing in high-quality packaging for whisky brands, quickly gaining a reputation for excellence.
The Cullen story
2024
We relaunch as 'Cullen Sustainable Packaging'
This reflects our expanded capabilities and unwavering commitment to leading the sustainable packaging movement. As we evolve and grow, our focus remains on delivering innovative, plastic-free solutions that meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging worldwide.
2024
Ongoing machinery investment
Maintaining our position as a leader in sustainable packaging We took delivery of our latest upgrade, our Bobst SPO 1.6 Vision Cut with Type 2 Breaker.
2024
Cullen nominated for Earthshot Prize
Cullen’s Fibre Bottle is nominated for the prestigious Earthshot Prize in the Waste-Free World category, recognising its innovative approach to eliminating waste by repurposing materials.
2023
Cullen expands to meet demand
Cullen launches phase 1 of its expansion, part funded by the Scottish Enterprise Low Carbon Fund, further boosting capacity to meet global demand for sustainable packaging.
2023
Cullen turnover hits over £29m
Driven by rising demand for sustainable packaging solutions, showcasing the company’s growth and industry-leading innovation on a global scale.
2022
Cullen win Most Outstanding Business Award
The Glasgow Business Awards recognised our dedication to excellence and innovation in the packaging industry. This award reinforces our position as a leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
2022
Cullen launches The Fibre Bottle
Cullen launches their latest innovation, the world’s first scalable paper bottle, to extensive industry engagement and success. This paper alternative targets single-use plastics for dry goods and solids.
2020
Cullen invest in corrugated packaging technology
Cullen partnered with Bobst to upgrade to the cutting-edge Expertfold 165, replacing older folder-gluers. This investment in the cutting-edge technology reaffirms our commitment to leading the industry in corrugated packaging innovation.
2019
New wet pressing technology launched
Cullen’s latest bespoke moulded pulp machine began production, using our Wet Pressing Technology to increase production capacity and further enhance efficiency
2018
Ongoing investment in new machinery
Following rapid growth in moulded pulp business, Cullen commenced building the seventh moulded pulp production line to meet demand.
2017
Cullen expand to meet moulded pulp growth
Cullen launch a 20,000sq ft warehouse expansion to their facility as well as a 15,000sq ft loading yard with dispatch office, designed to further increase capacity.
2016
Record turnover and major investment
Cullen achieved a record turnover of £15 million and expanded with two large-format 4-color printers at our corrugated factory, enhancing print quality. Our team also grew to 150 staff members.
2011
Cullen turnover hits £10m
Cullen reached a milestone with a turnover exceeding £10 million for the first time, reflecting our growing impact and success in the packaging industry.
2009
Cullen packaging rescued and revitalised
In a pivotal move, Ronnie MacDonald (now Chairman) acquired Robert Cullen & Sons, rescuing the company from administration and preserving 125 jobs. His son David MacDonald joined as Director, and Allan Maitland was appointed Managing Director, setting the stage for a new chapter.
2007
Cullen move into medical pulp
Cullen entered the medical pulp market, feeding into the NHS and HSE healthcare systems, as well as medical facilities in more than 25 other countries worldwide.
2004
Safeguarding for the future
Cullen embarked on an extensive fire prevention project, enhancing safety measures to protect both the facility and its dedicated team, securing long-term operational stability.
2001
Cullen expands into moulded pulp
Cullen entered the moulded fibre market by acquiring Universal Pulp Packaging, expanding its product offerings and strengthening its position in sustainable packaging solutions. ??
1995
Relocation to Anniesland
Cullen relocated to a purpose-built site in Anniesland, north-west Glasgow, driven by revenue growth and expansion needs, where the business continues to operate today.
1986
The birth of Cullen Packaging
A consortium of local businessmen purchased Robert Cullen & Sons, rebranding it as Cullen Packaging. With just five staff and a £200,000 turnover, the company soon relocated to a purpose-built site in Yorkhill, Glasgow West-End, to expand its capacity for manufacturing corrugated packaging.
1921
Founding of Robert Cullen & Sons
Robert Cullen founded Robert Cullen & Sons, a company specializing in high-quality packaging for whisky brands, quickly gaining a reputation for excellence.
Our legacy, your future
With over 100 years of expertise, Cullen is a powerhouse in paper-based packaging. We continue to evolve, driven by a commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability. As we enter our second century, our focus remains on creating sustainable solutions that meet the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Our legacy, your future
With over 100 years of expertise, Cullen is a powerhouse in paper-based packaging. We continue to evolve, driven by a commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability. As we enter our second century, our focus remains on creating sustainable solutions that meet the needs of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow.
Building on our heritage
From our roots on the River Clyde to becoming a global leader in sustainable packaging, Cullen’s history is a testament to our resilience and forward-thinking approach. Our planned multi-million-pound investments ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering the high-quality, innovative products that our customers have come to expect.
Building on our heritage
From our roots on the River Clyde to becoming a global leader in sustainable packaging, Cullen’s history is a testament to our resilience and forward-thinking approach. Our planned multi-million-pound investments ensure that we remain at the forefront of the industry, delivering the high-quality, innovative products that our customers have come to expect.
Sectors we supply
Sectors we supply
Our customer testimonials
Our customer testimonials
Why choose Cullen
At Cullen, we prioritise innovation, reliability and sustainability in our packaging solutions. Trusted by our customers for over a century, here’s why Cullen stands out in the realm of eco-friendly packaging:
Why choose Cullen
At Cullen, we prioritise innovation, reliability and sustainability in our packaging solutions. Trusted by our customers for over a century, here’s why Cullen stands out in the realm of eco-friendly packaging: