International Paper (IP) has officially completed its $360 million acquisition of North Pacific Paper Company (NORPAC), strengthening its position in the North American sustainable packaging market and expanding its manufacturing footprint on the U.S. West Coast.

The transaction marks another major step in International Paper’s ongoing transformation strategy as the company focuses on growing its packaging business and enhancing service capabilities for customers across North America.

Strategic Expansion into the West Coast Packaging Market

Based in Longview, Washington, NORPAC is a leading producer of lightweight recycled packaging papers and has been operating for nearly 50 years.

The acquisition gives International Paper:

• Greater manufacturing flexibility
• Expanded lightweight packaging capabilities
• Stronger West Coast customer coverage
• Additional recycled paper production capacity
• Enhanced supply chain resilience

According to International Paper, the deal is designed to support growing demand for high-performance fiber-based packaging products.

Why NORPAC Matters

NORPAC specializes in environmentally sustainable lightweight packaging papers that are increasingly used in:

• Corrugated packaging
• E-commerce packaging
• Consumer goods packaging
• Retail shipping solutions
• Sustainable packaging applications

As brands continue replacing plastic packaging with recyclable fiber-based alternatives, lightweight packaging grades have become a key growth segment across the packaging industry.

Leadership Commentary

Tom Hamic, Executive Vice President and President of Packaging Solutions North America at International Paper, described NORPAC as a strong strategic fit.

He noted that the acquisition expands International Paper’s ability to support growing customer demand while improving service levels for West Coast customers.

Meanwhile, NORPAC CEO Craig Anneberg emphasized that joining International Paper provides new opportunities for future growth while maintaining the company’s role as an important employer and community partner in Longview.

Industry Insight

The acquisition reflects a broader trend occurring throughout the global paper and packaging industry.

Major producers are increasingly pursuing:

• Strategic acquisitions
• Packaging-focused investments
• Capacity optimization
• Regional supply chain expansion
• Sustainable packaging growth opportunities

With graphic paper demand continuing to decline globally, many paper companies are shifting investment toward packaging grades that benefit from:

E-Commerce Growth

Online retail continues driving demand for corrugated boxes and protective packaging.

Sustainability Initiatives

Consumer brands are accelerating the transition away from plastic packaging.

Regulatory Changes

New packaging regulations across North America and Europe are increasing demand for recyclable fiber-based solutions.

Strengthening International Paper’s Transformation Strategy

The NORPAC acquisition follows several major investments announced by International Paper in recent months, including:

• A new $225 million corrugated packaging plant in Mississippi
• Ongoing packaging network modernization projects
• Manufacturing automation upgrades
• Sustainable packaging capacity expansion

Together, these investments highlight International Paper’s long-term commitment to becoming a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions.

Market Impact

The addition of NORPAC is expected to improve International Paper’s competitive position in:

• Lightweight containerboard markets
• Recycled packaging papers
• West Coast packaging supply
• Sustainable packaging manufacturing

The acquisition also strengthens the company’s ability to meet growing customer requirements for lower-weight, high-performance packaging products that reduce material consumption while maintaining packaging strength.

Final Thought

The completion of the International Paper NORPAC acquisition represents more than a simple expansion of production capacity. It demonstrates how major paper manufacturers are reshaping their businesses around sustainable packaging growth, regional supply chain strength, and fiber-based alternatives to plastic packaging.

As demand for recyclable packaging continues to accelerate, NORPAC’s lightweight recycled paper expertise is expected to play an increasingly important role within International Paper’s North American packaging platform.

Source: International Paper.

Last Updated on 05/06/2026 by Jota Machinery