Greif to Exit Coated Recycled Paperboard Market, Close Georgia Mill

According to industry reports, Greif Inc. plans to exit the coated recycled paperboard (CRB) market and close its Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia, by the end of 2026. The closure will affect approximately 90 employees and remove about 120,000 tons of annual paperboard production capacity.

Sweetwater produces CRB, uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), and gypsum facing and backing paper grades. Greif said the mill’s operating configuration, limited integration within its broader network and cost position have prevented it from establishing a sustainable competitive position in the market.

Greif said the decision is part of a broader strategy to focus resources on businesses and assets where it has a leading market position and a clearer path to long-term value creation. The company will provide severance benefits, career transition resources and other support to employees affected by the closure.

“Our Sweetwater team has worked hard to serve our customers and improve the performance of the mill,” said Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif. “We are grateful for their commitment, professionalism, and many contributions to Greif.”

The company is working directly with affected URB customers to support the transition and plans to continue serving them through its broader North American URB mill network.

Greif said the closure will also allow it to direct investment toward other URB facilities within its network. Gaylord Benner, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Sustainable Fiber Solutions, said the move is intended to strengthen the overall performance of the company’s mill network while allocating capital to assets positioned to support customer demand and profitable growth.

Source: Global Newswire

SUNSHINE Spotlight: Greif will close its Sweetwater mill in Georgia by year-end 2026, ending its CRB business and removing approximately 120,000 tons of annual paperboard production capacity from the market.