Trouble at the paper mill (CAAT News)

When CAAT published its “interactive map” of every UK F35 component manufacturer in February, local campaign groups around the country took notice.

The F35 aircraft has been used in war zones around the world, including by the Israeli air force to attack Palestinians in Gaza. In other words, the aircraft components are fueling genocide.

Many of the manufacturing sites were what might be expected from the deadly trade: part of the fuselage is made at BAE Systems in Samlesbury, and Leonardo in Edinburgh is involved in production of targeting systems.

However, some eagle-eyed researchers in Cumbria spotted a rather unexpected entry for a local company: Technical Fibre Products Limited, part of the James Cropper paper company based in Burneside, Kendal.

After some digging, it turned out that the company – a  place where many people have worked, which has supported many art exhibitions, and even sponsored book prizes at schools – has a dark side.

A packed and energetic public meeting in Kendal in June heard that in addition to paper for printing books or making packaging, James Cropper also makes technical non-woven products based on carbon fibre. This is to control how parts of an aircraft appear on radars.

This functionality is important for modern stealth fighter jets and is built into the F-35. Campaigners at the meeting were dismayed to learn these products have been used in military aircraft going back to the 1990s.

The frustrating thing for campaigners, other than finding their local company involved in the murky arms business, is that this kind of advanced carbon fibre technology is exactly what is needed for a sustainable energy future. They are calling on the company to think again, and are planning action to help get the word out. If you would like to find out more or join the campaign, contact outreach@caat.org.uk and we will put you in touch.

Article originally published in CAAT News: https://caat.org.uk/app/uploads/2024/10/CN270-WEB.pdf