- Business
- International Paper Company is a leading global manufacturer of paper and packaging products, operating primarily in industrial packaging, printing paper, consumer packaging, and distribution segments. The company’s core products include containerboard and corrugated packaging; saturated kraft and gypsum facing papers; solid fiber packaging; retail displays; recycling solutions; and bulk packaging solutions. International Paper serves diverse industries such as e-commerce, food and beverage, retail and grocery, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and shipping and distribution. With operations spanning over 30 countries including North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, the company manages approximately 23 million hectares of forestland to support sustainable raw material sourcing. Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, International Paper is one of the largest producers of containerboard in North America, holding about 32 percent of the market share.
In 2025, International Paper completed a major acquisition of DS Smith plc, a UK-based sustainable packaging company, for approximately $7.2 billion, creating one of the world’s largest packaging firms with a strong presence across North America and Europe. This strategic combination aims to accelerate growth, enhance profitability, and expand their suite of sustainable packaging products and services. Following regulatory approvals, International Paper divested five European facilities as part of the DS Smith integration, ensuring competition compliance. The company also announced the closure of five packaging sites in Germany by the end of 2026 and has undertaken several plant closures and operational consolidations in the United States, such as shutting down its Louisville, Kentucky facility, as part of a broader restructuring and portfolio optimization effort. Additionally, International Paper agreed to sell its Global Cellulose Fibers business in a $1.5 billion deal to American Industrial Partners, further sharpening its focus on core packaging and paper operations.
International Paper continues to invest in innovation and sustainability, with ongoing development of industrial packaging solutions tailored to high-demand sectors, emphasizing performance, reliability, and environmental goals. Its product offerings are complemented by services including structural design, customized packaging solutions, design fulfillment, and recycling services, positioning the company as a key partner for organizations aiming to meet efficiency and sustainable packaging objectives globally. The company employs over 65,000 people worldwide and reported net sales of approximately $18.6 billion in 2024.