Greif to exit coated recycled paperboard, close Austell mill
Greif is exiting its coated recycled paperboard business and will close its paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia, removing about 120,000 tons of annual production capacity. The company expects the mill to cease operations by the end of 2026, with about 90 job losses, as part of a strategy to concentrate on businesses where it holds a leading market position.
Why this mattersThe closure removes capacity from the North American recycled paperboard market and signals Greif's retreat from a segment it deems non-core and uncompetitive.
- Greif will close its coated recycled paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia
- The mill removes about 120,000 tons of annual production capacity
- Operations are expected to cease by the end of 2026
- The closure will result in about 90 job losses
- The mill also produced uncoated recycled paperboard and gypsum facing and backing paper grades
- Greif will serve affected uncoated recycled paperboard customers via its broader North American mill network