International Paper to close Georgetown, S.C. pulp and paper mill

International Paper (IP) announced the permanent closure of its Georgetown, South Carolina mill. The mill will shut down in stages with a full closure expected by the end of 2024. The Georgetown mill produces approximately 300,000 tons of fluff pulp designed for a range of consumer applications from baby diapers to incontinence products. GCF plans to retain 100% of the mill’s fluff pulp capacity by transferring production to other mills. The mill also produces uncoated freesheet papers that it sells to Sylvamo pursuant to a strategic contract, which IP and Sylvamo have mutually agreed to terminate as of December 31. In total, 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees will be impacted. All employees will be offered severance benefits, outplacement services and access to mental health resources.