International Paper, a US-based sustainable packaging solutions provider, has announced the closure of five of its UK packaging sites, leading to a loss of around 300 jobs, reported Reuters.
The company, which recently completed a $7.2bn acquisition of British paper and packaging company DS Smith, is currently undergoing a consultation process with employees and unions.
The closures are part of a strategic review of International Paper’s UK operations.
The company is also considering relocating one site, transitioning another to a five-day continuous operation from a seven-day schedule, and implementing a small number of redundancies at two additional packaging locations.
Specific details about which UK sites are affected have not been disclosed.
International Paper anticipates that these changes will be finalised by the end of the year.
Earlier in the month, the company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.4625 per share for the period from 1 April to 30 June 2025, to be paid on 13 June 2025 to shareholders on record as of 23 May 2025.
Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, International Paper employs over 65,000 individuals globally and operates in more than 30 countries. The company’s EMEA headquarters are located in London.
The company’s net sales in 2024 reached $18.6bn. The acquisition of the UK competitor DS Smith in 2025 has positioned International Paper as a frontrunner in the North American and EMEA packaging markets.
Earlier in the month, International Paper announced its intention to restructure its activities within the Rio Grande Valley area, aiming to enhance service to its customers. As a component of its strategic growth initiative, the firm will repurpose its sheet plant located in Edinburg, US, converting it into a storage and distribution centre.
