Greif to exit CRB market and close Sweetwater mill

Greif will exit the coated recycled paperboard (CRB) market with the closure of its Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia. Operations at the facility are expected to cease by the end of 2026. The decision forms part of the company’s strategy to concentrate resources on businesses and assets where it holds a leading market position and sees a clear route to long-term value creation.

Approximately 90 employees will be affected. Greif said it would provide severance benefits, career-transition resources and other support to help employees through the closure.

Ole Rosgaard, President and CEO of Greif, said: “This is a difficult decision because of the impact on our colleagues, their families, and the surrounding community. Our Sweetwater team has worked hard to serve our customers and improve the performance of the mill.”

The Sweetwater mill produces coated recycled paperboard, uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), and gypsum facing and backing paper grades. According to Greif, the facility’s operating configuration, limited integration within the company’s network and cost position prevented it from achieving a sustainable competitive position.

The closure will remove approximately 120,000 tons of annual production capacity. Greif is working with affected URB customers to support an orderly transition and plans to continue serving them through its wider North American URB mill network.

Gaylord Benner, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sustainable Fiber Solutions, said the closure would strengthen the overall performance of the mill network, while investments in the URB network would direct capital towards assets better positioned to serve customers and support profitable growth.