Greif has confirmed plans to close its Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, GA, by the end of 2026, resulting in the company’s exit from the coated recycled board (CRB) market.
The closure will remove approximately 120,000 tons of annual paperboard production capacity. The Sweetwater facility produces coated and uncoated recycled paperboard, as well as gypsum facing and backing paper grades.
Greif said the decision forms part of its wider strategy to focus resources on businesses and assets where it holds a leading market position. The company cited limited integration within its mill network and the competitive position of the Sweetwater operation among the reasons for the closure.
“We are making deliberate choices about where we compete and where we invest,” said Gaylord Benner, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sustainable Fiber Solutions, Greif. “Closing Sweetwater will strengthen the overall performance of our mill network, while our investments in our URB network will direct capital toward assets that are well positioned to serve our customers and support profitable growth.”
Greif plans to continue serving affected uncoated recycled board customers through its wider North American mill network.
