International Paper’s packaging business in No. America initiates changes

International Paper’s (IP) packaging business in North America has initiated a number of actions to enhance its ability to serve and grow with customers while improving its manufacturing footprint, including: Investment of $250 million to convert the #16 machine at the Riverdale mill in Selma, Ala. to produce containerboard. The permanent closure of the Savannah, Ga. containerboard mill, the Savannah, Ga. packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber. These changes will impact approximately 1,100 hourly and salaried positions. International Paper is committed to supporting affected employees through this transition. The company will offer severance packages, along with outplacement assistance for eligible employees, to support them during this transition. The Riverdale conversion is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026. The Riceboro and Savannah mills will shut down in phases by the end of September 2025, and the Savannah packaging facility will also cease operations by the end of September. These combined changes will result in a net reduction of the company’s annual containerboard capacity by approximately one million tons.