23 May 2025: International Paper (IP) is planning to close five of its packaging sites in the United Kingdom by the end of 2025 as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and adapt to challenging market conditions. In total, approximately 300 positions may be affected, the company confirmed in a statement.

The proposed measures also include the relocation of one additional site, a shift from 24/7 to 24/5 operations at another location, and minor headcount reductions at two further UK packaging facilities. These proposals are currently subject to consultation with employees and trade unions.

The announcement follows the completion of IP's USD 7.2bn acquisition of British packaging producer DS Smith earlier this year.

As the company is in a live consultation, no additional information could be provided regarding the specific locations affected by the planned closures and restructuring, a spokesperson told EUWID.

"In what are tough trading conditions for the industry, our goal is to optimise the resources we have, so we can serve our customers even better and ultimately grow our business," said Paul Clarke, Managing Director for the UK and Ireland Packaging Division at DS Smith. He added that the realignment would help the group deliver more sustainable packaging solutions while creating added value for customers, employees, and shareholders.

IP noted that the review is part of its "transformational journey" to become a more resilient and sustainable packaging company. The company has already announced capacity cuts at other sites.

Frauke Schmidt, Euwid?