International Paper has announced a series of operational changes aimed at reinforcing its strategic focus on North American packaging.
The moves include exiting the molded fiber business, converting and closing select facilities, and selling assets in Mexico—all part of a broader effort to streamline operations and support long-term growth.
As part of the restructuring, the company will convert its molded fiber facility in Reno, Nevada, into a packaging-focused operation. Meanwhile, it will close its packaging plant in Marion, Ohio, and its recycling site in Wichita, Kansas.
In Mexico, International Paper will divest its containerboard mill in Xalapa and recycling facilities in Xalapa and Apodaca. These assets will be sold to Acabados de Papeles Santinados y Absorbentes (APSA), which plans to retain the current local workforce.
“These decisions are never easy because of the impact on our employees, their families and the communities in which we operate,” said Tom Hamic, EVP and President of IP’s Packaging Solutions North America business. “But they are necessary to position IP for growth in the right geographies and with the right customers.”
The announced closures will affect roughly 134 employees in the U.S., with International Paper pledging to offer support through job placements, retirements, and severance packages. APSA’s commitment to maintain staff in Mexico softens the blow south of the border.
The changes are part of International Paper’s broader transformation, which includes a sharper emphasis on sustainable packaging and strategic investment in core regions. In 2025, the company also completed the acquisition of DS Smith, further expanding its footprint in North America and EMEA markets.
By consolidating operations and redirecting resources, International Paper aims to boost efficiency, improve service delivery, and accelerate growth in sustainable packaging solutions across its target region.
International Paper is a global producer of sustainable fiber-based packaging, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. The company operates in over 30 countries and employs more than 65,000 people worldwide.
