Key Stats
Founded in 1898 through the merger of 17 pulp and paper mills in northeastern United States and eastern Canada.
Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee with approximately 39,000 employees globally.
Annual revenue of $18.62 billion in 2024 with operations across North America, Latin America, Europe, and North Africa.
Market capitalization of approximately $19.08 billion as of November 2025.
Largest pulp and paper company in the world supplying renewable fiber-based packaging and pulp products.
International Paper stands as the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and one of the world’s largest recyclers. The company manufactures renewable fiber-based packaging products, pulp, and other fiber-based materials.
With manufacturing operations spanning multiple continents, the firm serves customers worldwide through two primary segments: Industrial Packaging and Global Cellulose Fibers. Products include linerboard, medium, whitetop, recycled materials, and specialty pulps used across industries from consumer goods to construction materials.
The company’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has positioned it as a force in the packaging industry. Through strategic acquisitions and operational improvements, International Paper continues to adapt to changing market demands while maintaining its position as an industry pioneer.
International Paper History
International Paper Co-founders
International Paper Marketcap
The company’s market capitalization stands at approximately $19.08 billion as of November 2025, reflecting its position as one of the world’s most valuable paper and packaging companies.
Market valuation has fluctuated with industry conditions and strategic decisions. The company experienced growth following major acquisitions including the 2012 Temple-Inland purchase and the 2025 DS Smith acquisition.
Recent restructuring efforts under CEO Andrew Silvernail focus on improving profitability through operational efficiency and portfolio optimization. These initiatives aim to strengthen the company’s competitive position in sustainable packaging solutions.
International Paper Acquisitions
Strategic acquisitions have shaped the company’s growth trajectory since its founding. The 1986 purchase of Hammermill Paper Company marked expansion into printing papers and distribution. This was followed by the 1988 Masonite Corporation acquisition, diversifying product offerings.
International expansion accelerated in 1989 with purchases of German company Zanders Feinpapiere AG and French manufacturer Aussedat Rey. The 1996 Federal Paper Board acquisition strengthened domestic production capacity. Major consolidation occurred between 1999 and 2000 through purchases of Union Camp Corporation and Champion International.
The company’s 2005-2006 restructuring involved strategic divestitures of over 6 million acres of forestland, coated paper operations, kraft paper facilities, wood products division, and beverage packaging businesses. This refocused efforts on core packaging operations.
In 2012, the Temple-Inland acquisition for $4.5 billion significantly expanded corrugated packaging capabilities, adding seven mills and 59 converting facilities to operations. The 2021 spinoff created Sylvamo as a standalone printing papers company, further concentrating on packaging solutions.
Most recently, the January 2025 completion of the DS Smith acquisition for $7.2 billion represents the largest transaction in company history. This transformational deal expanded European operations and global market presence, positioning the firm as a dominant force in sustainable packaging across multiple continents. The integration adds substantial containerboard capacity and customer relationships worldwide.
International Paper Revenue
The company generated annual revenue of $18.62 billion in 2024. Revenue performance reflects market conditions, strategic decisions, and operational efficiency improvements across business segments.
Historical revenue peaked at $23 billion in 2018 before declining through 2020 due to market pressures and strategic divestitures. Revenue recovered to $21.161 billion in 2022 before moderating.
Current leadership focuses on value creation through customer segmentation, operational excellence, and sustainable packaging innovation. The Industrial Packaging segment remains the primary revenue driver, serving e-commerce, food and beverage, and industrial markets with corrugated packaging solutions.
International Paper Competitors
The company operates in a highly competitive global packaging and paper market. Competition comes from both integrated manufacturers and specialized packaging producers across geographic markets.
| Competitor | Headquarters | Primary Business |
|---|---|---|
| WestRock (Smurfit Westrock) | Atlanta, Georgia | Corrugated packaging, consumer packaging |
| Packaging Corporation of America | Lake Forest, Illinois | Containerboard, corrugated products |
| Smurfit Kappa | Dublin, Ireland | Paper-based packaging solutions |
| DS Smith | London, United Kingdom | Sustainable packaging solutions |
| Georgia-Pacific | Atlanta, Georgia | Paper products, building materials |
| Mondi | Vienna, Austria | Packaging and paper products |
| Amcor | Zurich, Switzerland | Flexible and rigid packaging |
| Graphic Packaging | Atlanta, Georgia | Paperboard packaging solutions |
| Sonoco Products | Hartsville, South Carolina | Consumer and industrial packaging |
| Kimberly-Clark | Irving, Texas | Personal care and consumer tissue |
Major competitors include WestRock, which merged with Smurfit Kappa in 2024 to form Smurfit Westrock. Packaging Corporation of America competes directly in containerboard and corrugated products markets.
The competitive landscape features ongoing consolidation as companies seek scale advantages and operational efficiencies. Strategic investments in sustainable packaging technologies and digital transformation initiatives differentiate market leaders. Companies compete on factors including product quality, innovation capabilities, customer service, geographic reach, and environmental sustainability credentials. Similar to industry leaders like Procter & Gamble in consumer products, success depends on brand strength and operational excellence.
FAQs
Who founded International Paper and when?
William Augustus Russell and Hugh J. Chisholm founded International Paper on January 31, 1898 through the merger of 17 pulp and paper mills in the northeastern United States and eastern Canada.
What products does International Paper manufacture?
The company produces containerboard, corrugated packaging, linerboard, recycled medium, pulp for tissue products and textiles, and specialty fiber-based products for various industrial and consumer applications worldwide.
Where is International Paper headquartered?
International Paper maintains its global headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee with operations across North America, Latin America, Europe, and North Africa serving customers in more than 30 countries.
Who is the current CEO of International Paper?
Andrew Silvernail serves as CEO since May 1, 2024 and became chairman in October 2024. He succeeded Mark Sutton who led the company for a decade.
What was International Paper’s largest acquisition?
The DS Smith acquisition completed in January 2025 for $7.2 billion represents the largest transaction in company history, significantly expanding European operations and global market presence in packaging solutions.