In 2025, the global pulp and paper industry continues to face significant challenges as mill closures and production cuts mount across key regions. This wave of shutdowns—both permanent and temporary—is unfolding throughout North America, Europe, and the South Pacific.
What’s Driving the Closures?
Several major players have taken decisive steps to streamline operations:
- International Paper shut down its Campti, Louisiana containerboard mill in April.
- Georgia-Pacific announced the closure of the Cedar Springs, Georgia containerboard plant.
- Smurfit WestRock discontinued operations at its St. Paul, Minnesota mill and paused facilities in Forney, Texas.
- Greif permanently closed its recycled paperboard mills in Fitchburg (MA) and Los Angeles (CA).
- Metsä Board and UPM Communication Papers are reducing capacity in Finland and Germany respectively.
- Oji Fibre Solutions halted its Paper Machine 6 at Kinleith Mill (New Zealand) by end of June due to losses.
These closures reflect a broader trend fueled by rising operating costs, weakening market demand, and the imperative to optimize aging infrastructure.
Implications Across the Value Chain
For suppliers, a shrinking number of operating mills means increasingly selective procurement and pressure on pricing and delivery reliability. Paper producers face tighter margins and the urgent need to enhance efficiency—those that can adapt swiftly are best positioned for survival. Meanwhile, investors and analysts must closely monitor capacity trends and the viability of mill assets using advanced benchmarking tools like FisherSolve’s Viability Index.
How Chemical Additives Can Help
In such a challenging environment, mills that remain operational can benefit from optimizing their internal processes. Leveraging solutions like Wet Strength Agent or Sizing Agent can help improve paper quality and reduce waste—even under constrained production setups. These aids enhance sheet strength and surface performance, enabling mills to deliver higher-value products with existing assets.
