Greif to Exit Coated Recycled Paperboard Market with Closure of Sweetwater Mill in Georgia 

Greif, Inc., one of the global leaders in industrial packaging products and services, has announced its strategic decision to completely exit the coated recycled paperboard (CRB) market. As part of this exit, the company will permanently close its Sweetwater paperboard mill located in Austell, Georgia, with operations expected to cease before the end of 2026. 

The closure of the Sweetwater facility will remove approximately 120,000 tons of annual CRB manufacturing capacity from Greif’s network. The decision follows a comprehensive review of the asset’s long-term viability, which highlighted limited integration within the company’s broader packaging network and disproportionately high operating costs. 

By exiting the CRB sector, Greif intends to optimise its capital allocation and focus resources on its core uncoated recycled paperboard (URB) network, where it maintains a stronger, more integrated market position. The company is actively working to transition its existing URB customers from the Sweetwater mill to its other manufacturing facilities across North America to ensure uninterrupted supply. 

The closure will impact approximately 90 employees. Greif has stated it is committed to supporting its workforce through the transition, providing severance packages, outplacement services and assistance in finding alternative employment opportunities. 

Further financial implications and details regarding the closure are expected to be discussed in the company’s upcoming quarterly earnings reports.