Explore the journey that has shaped who we are today—and where we’re headed next.
1896
The acquisition in 1896 of paper and stationery firm, William Detmold Limited, marked the beginning of Spicers business in Australia.
This was the first direct investment in this market by British based Spicers Brothers Limited, a company at that time already a century.
1890's
In 1896, Spicers Brothers Limited, London, acquires from William Detmold
Limited, also of London, all of the latter's businesses and assets "in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania."
The Company's original 1896 premises at Flinders Lane, Melbourne, and new factories built at Russel Street, Melbourne and in Adelaide in 1900 are owned by Spicers Brothers Limited, acting as landlord.
1909
Spicers Brothers merges with James Spicer & Sons in UK, to form Spicers Limited.
1930's
Company stationery factories now operating in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Fremantle. Sales offices and warehouses in Brisbane and Perth.
1950's
Spicers (Australia) Pty Limited
By 1955, Australia represents 25 per cent of the UK parent's total business.
In March 1956, management and control of Spicers & Detmold are transferred to Australia and five new Australian Directors appointed. The Company changes its name to Spicers (Australia) Pty Limited.
1960's
Spicers Paper Industries Limited
Spicers (Australia) Pty Limited changes its name to Spicers Paper Industries
Limited in 1967.
1980's
Australian Stock Exchange
Spicers Paper Limited floated on the Australian Stock Exchange in 1988.
2001
PaperlinX Limited
In January 2001, Spicers Paper was acquired by the newly listed PaperlinX Limited (PPX), joining a broader group that included Australian Paper, Dalton Fine Paper, The Paper House and Tomasetti Paper.
2007
Acquisition of iMedia
Acquisition of iMedia in Australia in 2007, which assisted the business in expanding into the wide format digital printing space.
2015
Spicers Limited.
In October 2015, shareholders approved the change of name from PaperlinX Limited to Spicers Limited. The change became effective on 17 November 2015, when the ASX code also changed from PPX to SRS.
2019
Sale of Spicers ANZ operations to Kokusai Pulp & Paper (KPP).
In January 2019, Spicers Limited (ASX: SRS) announced it had entered into a Scheme Implementation Deed with Kokusai Pulp & Paper Co., Ltd. (KPP), a major Japanese pulp, paper, and packaging company. Under the agreement, KPP acquired Spicers’ Australia and New Zealand operations.
The Spicers brand was retained within the KPP group, with the ANZ operations continuing to serve the market under the Spicers name as part of KPP’s global network.
2020
Acquisition of Direct Paper & Rojo Pacific
On 2 March 2020, Spicers Australia acquired Direct Paper, a family-owned Australian business established in 1996. With operations across Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, Direct Paper had built a strong presence in paper, packaging board, and food packaging products. The acquisition strengthened Spicers Australia’s focus on paper and packaging, expanded converting capabilities in Melbourne, and the business continues to operate under the Direct Paper trading name today.
On 2 November, Spicers acquires Rojo Pacific, strengthening its market presence and further expanding its national footprint in industrial fabrics and display solutions.
2022
Acquisition of Cypruspine Wrappings
Spicers acquires Cypruspine Wrappings, a Melbourne-based supplier of newsprint and packaging materials.
2023
Acquisition of Domain Paper
Spicers acquired Domain Paper, which specialises in pressure sensitive labels, commercial printing papers, and sign and display products. This acquisition strengthened Spicers’ capabilities and expertise, particularly in the pressure sensitive labels segment.
2026
Acquisition of Spandex Australia
Effective 1 April 2026, Spicers Australia acquired Spandex Australia. Spandex Australia brings over 25 years of local market experience, having previously operated as part of the global Spandex organisation, and is a leading supplier of visual communications products including digital and automotive films, rigid materials, architectural solutions, hardware, and inks. The acquisition strengthens Spicers Australia’s ability to serve all visual communications customer segments by combining the expertise, capabilities, and complementary portfolios of both businesses.