Packaging Giant International Paper to close four US sites by April 2025

Paper packaging
Business

International Paper has announced plans to permanently close four of its facilities in the United States, with operations expected to cease by the end of April 2025. The affected sites include the Red River containerboard mill in Campti, Louisiana; a recycling plant in Phoenix, Arizona; a box plant in Hazleton, Pennsylvania; and a sheet feeder facility in St. Louis, Missouri.

The closure of the Red River mill is projected to reduce the company's containerboard production capacity by approximately 800,000 tonnes per year. In total, 674 employees will be impacted, comprising 495 hourly and 179 salaried staff members. The company has indicated it will provide support through outplacement services, mental health resources, and, where applicable, severance packages. Efforts will also be made to redeploy staff through internal vacancies, retirements, and natural attrition.

Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president, North American Packaging Solutions, International Paper, said: The decision to close any facility is difficult because of the impact on our team members, their families and the surrounding communities. We greatly appreciate the contributions from our departing team members and will do all we can to support them.

These changes align with International Paper's broader strategy to refine its operations and concentrate resources on facilities that enhance product quality, reliability, and service delivery. The company has stated that these steps are part of its long-term goal to strengthen its position as a provider of sustainable packaging solutions.

Latest Packaging News

Policy on top: What the latest packaging reforms mean for the drinks industry
Business

Policy on top: What the latest packaging reforms mean for the drinks industry

London Packaging Week hears from Jason Galley of the MPMA, who explores what the latest packaging...
Autopack and SIDE set sights on personal and home care blow moulded packaging
Supplier News

Autopack and SIDE set sights on personal and home care blow moulded packaging

Leading independent integrator of packaging lines Autopack has been appointed UK and Ireland...
Countdown to PPMA Show 2025: Meet Acer Machinery at stand D96
Supplier News

Countdown to PPMA Show 2025: Meet Acer Machinery at stand D96

There are only two weeks to go until the PPMA Show: the UK’s biggest processing and packaging...
New technology turns flexible packaging waste into pyrolytic oil for food-grade plastics
Technology

New technology turns flexible packaging waste into pyrolytic oil for food-grade plastics

Greenback Recycling Technologies is proud to announce the first U.K. deployment of its Enval®...
Bold new look unveiled for The UK Food & Drink Shows 2026 and beyond
Events

Bold new look unveiled for The UK Food & Drink Shows 2026 and beyond

The UK Food & Drink Shows is where the industry comes together, annually. In 2026, it will...