International Paper has completed a $250 million project to convert the No. 16 machine at its Riverdale mill in Selma, Alabama, from uncoated freesheet to containerboard.
The company confirmed the milestone in its second-quarter results. It had originally targeted completion during the third quarter of 2026.
International Paper has not disclosed the converted machine’s expected production capacity or confirmed when full commercial output will begin.
Riverdale shifts further toward packaging grades
International Paper announced the conversion in August 2025 as part of a broader effort to improve the cost position and performance of its North American packaging network.
Before the conversion, the No. 16 machine supplied Sylvamo with approximately 260,000 short tons of cutsize uncoated freesheet annually. The supply arrangement was wound down in May 2026 as International Paper prepared the machine for its new role.
The project follows an earlier conversion at Riverdale. International Paper previously invested approximately $300 million to shift the mill’s No. 15 machine from uncoated freesheet to whitetop linerboard and containerboard.
Converting the No. 16 machine further concentrates Riverdale’s production on packaging grades and supports International Paper’s strategy of focusing its North American operations on corrugated packaging.
Conversion costs affect quarterly results
International Paper said spending associated with the Riverdale project contributed to higher costs in its North American packaging segment during the second quarter. These expenses, along with planned maintenance and other reliability investments, offset some of the benefits from improved mill performance.
The company did not provide further details about the production ramp-up but said its priorities for the second half of 2026 include improving reliability and performance across its North American network.
International Paper is a global provider of fiber-based packaging solutions, with operations across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, the company produces corrugated packaging and related products for industrial and consumer markets.
