Since Andy Silvernail became CEO in 2024, International Paper has been transforming from a traditional pulp company into a modern corrugated packaging leader by closing unprofitable plants, boosting sales, and building high-tech boxboard facilities (wsj.com).
Following these strategic changes, its stock price has surged by 70%, with plans to double profits in North America by 2027 (wsj.com).
The company acquired European packaging company DS Smith for $7.2 billion and plans to divest its pulp business to focus more on high-value packaging services (wsj.com).
To meet EU regulatory requirements, International Paper finalized the sale of five DS Smith corrugated box plants in Europe (France, Portugal, and Spain) to PALM Group in July 2025 (prnewswire.com).
Less than four months after the DS Smith acquisition, International Paper announced the closure of five UK sites, including Newcastle, Clay Cross, Plymouth, Sheerness, and Wellingborough, affecting around 300 jobs, sparking strong criticism from unions (thetimes.co.uk).
The global paper and paperboard packaging market reached approximately USD 379.9 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 451.8 billion by 2030 (finance.yahoo.com).
According to Allied Market Research, the boxboard packaging market is forecast to grow from USD 74.42 billion in 2022 to USD 132.88 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 5.9% (einnews.com).
The latest AF&PA data shows U.S. containerboard output fell 5% year-on-year in Q2 2025, with a 3% decline for the first half of the year. Exports dropped nearly 12%, and domestic demand declined by around 1.2% (packagingdive.com).
Around 6% of market capacity has exited due to multiple major shutdowns, and analysts believe this could help rebalance supply and demand in the coming months (packagingdive.com).
Three New York high school students invented a sustainable packaging material called “Kiriboard,” inspired by kirigami, featuring lattice cuts for enhanced cushioning and flexibility. It aims to replace plastic or foam packaging (businessinsider.com).
The project won the Earth Prize and a USD 12,500 grant, with plans to pitch the innovation to Amazon, FedEx, and Home Depot.
Graphic Packaging launched a new range of paperboard sushi packaging in Europe, including flip-top boxes, trays, and multi-layer boxes. These designs combine freshness, aesthetics, and sustainability, complying with European plastic reduction regulations (graphicpkg.com).
Eurostat data shows a steady increase in the recycling rates of cartonboard and paper packaging by 2022, reflecting stronger implementation of circular economy initiatives in Europe (procarton.com).
| Dimension | Key Highlights |
|---|---|
| Corporate Moves | International Paper’s transformation, DS Smith acquisition, and restructuring |
| Market Outlook | Global paperboard packaging market is steadily growing |
| Capacity Trends | U.S. production decline may support future price recovery |
| Innovation | Kiriboard and sushi paperboard packaging set new eco-friendly trends |
| Sustainability | Recycling rates rise under stricter regulations |
