SELMA, Alabama — International Paper has completed the US$250 million conversion of Paper Machine No. 16 (PM16) at its Riverdale mill, marking another milestone in the company’s strategy to expand containerboard production as packaging demand continues to outpace printing and writing paper markets.

The project converted the machine from producing uncoated freesheet paper to manufacturing containerboard, further strengthening International Paper’s packaging portfolio.

Shift From Printing Paper to Packaging

The conversion was first announced in 2025 as part of International Paper’s ongoing transformation toward higher-growth packaging markets.

Before the rebuild, PM16 supplied Sylvamo with an estimated 260,000 short tons per year of cut-size uncoated freesheet paper.

Following the conversion, the machine will produce containerboard used in corrugated packaging applications. The company has not yet disclosed the machine’s commercial production capacity or annual output.

Riverdale Mill Continues Packaging Transformation

The PM16 project follows another major investment at the Riverdale facility.

International Paper previously invested approximately US$300 million to convert Paper Machine No. 15 (PM15) from uncoated freesheet production to manufacture whitetop linerboard and containerboard.

Together, the two projects significantly reshape the mill’s production profile, reflecting broader structural changes occurring across the global paper industry.

Industry Continues Capacity Shift

The Riverdale investments mirror an industry-wide trend as paper manufacturers continue converting printing and writing paper machines to packaging grades.

Demand for containerboard has remained relatively resilient, supported by:

• E-commerce growth
• Corrugated packaging demand
• Consumer goods shipments
• Industrial packaging applications

Meanwhile, long-term declines in graphic paper consumption continue to encourage producers to reallocate capacity toward packaging products.

Strategic Investment in Packaging

International Paper has identified corrugated packaging as one of its core growth businesses, with investments aimed at improving operational efficiency while aligning production with changing customer demand.

Although the company has not confirmed PM16’s final production capacity, the completed conversion further strengthens Riverdale’s role as a containerboard manufacturing site and reflects the continuing transition of North America’s paper industry toward fibre-based packaging markets.

Last Updated on 05/08/2026 by Jota Machinery