International Papers shift to Sustainable Packaging

International Paper has announced the permanent closure of four facilities in the U.S., including the Red River containerboard mill in Louisiana, as part of its strategic transformation towards sustainable packaging solutions. By April 2025, operations will cease at a recycling plant in Phoenix, a box plant in Hazleton, and a sheet feeder facility in St. Louis. This move is expected to reduce the company’s containerboard production capacity by approximately 800,000 tons annually, impacting 674 employees.Tom Hamic, executive vice president, emphasized the company's commitment to supporting affected workers through attrition and vacancies at other locations, alongside offering outplacement assistance and mental health resources. While these closures reflect necessary operational streamlining, they also highlight International Paper's focus on enhancing quality and service delivery in a competitive market. This transformation aims to position the company for future growth amid evolving industry demands.