International Paper plans to close four facilities across North America as part of a broader effort to optimise its packaging network and focus investment on higher-value operations.
The packaging company said it will cease preprint operations at its Richwood, Kentucky, facility and close its sheet plant in Aurora, Illinois, along with converting plants in Elk Grove, California, and Barrington, New Jersey, by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
The company said the moves are designed to strengthen its cost position, increase capacity within its wider network and improve service for customers across North America.
At a glance
- International Paper will close four North American facilities.
- The sites are located in Kentucky, Illinois, California and New Jersey.
- The closures are expected to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
- Affected customers will be transferred to other facilities.
- Employees will receive severance, benefits and outplacement support.
- The company says the changes are part of its long-term packaging network transformation strategy.
International Paper is one of the world’s largest producers of fibre-based packaging and corrugated solutions, supplying packaging to industries including food, beverages, consumer goods and e-commerce.
The latest announcement reflects a wider trend across the packaging industry, where manufacturers are consolidating operations and directing capital towards larger, more efficient sites to improve profitability and respond to changing demand patterns.
For food manufacturers, supermarket suppliers and private label producers, network changes at major packaging suppliers can affect production planning, lead times and regional supply dynamics, even when customer contracts are transferred to other facilities.
The company said it intends to transition affected customers to other facilities within each region to ensure continuity of supply and minimise disruption.
The closures also form part of International Paper’s ongoing strategic transformation programme, which aims to streamline operations and concentrate investments on facilities that deliver greater long-term value.
What happens next?
International Paper expects the closures to be completed by the end of the third quarter of 2026. The company will work to transfer customers to other sites while supporting affected employees through the transition.
The restructuring could also signal further network optimisation across the North American packaging sector as manufacturers continue to focus on efficiency, capacity utilisation and long-term competitiveness.
Editor’s note: Information based on an official press release issued by International Paper on 26 June 2026.
