Around 409 million metric tons of paper are produced and consumed each year. 58% of paper is globally used for packaging. United States has over 500 paper mills which produce about a third of the world’s output of paper.
1. WestRock
According to Statista, WestRock was the leading paper company in 2022 with an estimated revenue of 21.26 billion dollars. The company is the world’s leading supplier of paper and packaging. WestRock was formed in 2015 after a merger between MeadWestvaco and Rock Tenn. The company employs 58,000 people and has 300 production facilities worldwide.
2. International Paper
International Paper is one of the world’s leading producers of fiber-based, renewable products. The company falls second in the market share size with a revenue of 21.16 billion dollars annually. International Paper was established in 1898 by William Augustus Russell and Hugh J. Chisholm upon the merger of 17 pulp and paper mills in the northeastern United States. International Paper manufactures packaging, paper, pulp and offers recycling solutions.
3. Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark Corporation was founded in 1872 in Neenah, Wisconsin. Today Kiberly-Clark offers products in more than 175 countries. The company employs 45,000 team members worldwide and is a global marketer of a variety of products ranging from family care to professional products. Company’s large portfolio of brands includes Andrex®, Cottonelle®, Depend®, Huggies®, Kleenex®, Poise®, Scott®, U by Kotex® and Wypall®.
4. Georgia-Pacific LLC
Georgia-Pacific’s main headquarters is located in Atlanta, GA. The company was founded in 1927 by Owen Robertson Cheatham in Augusta, Georgia, as the Georgia Hardwood Lumber Co. GP manufactures common household items like Dixie cups and Brawny paper towels, but the company has a very large presence in the building product industry. With over 30,000 employees and 150 locations globally, the company is continuously growing and expanding its market presence.
5. Graphic Packaging International
Graphic Packaging International is one of the largest manufacturers of paper-based packaging for many well-recognized US brands. The company has over 130 facilities worldwide and employs over 24,000 people. This Fortune 500 corporation is based in Atlanta, Georgia, and has been in business for over 100 years.
6. Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America was founded in 1959 and has over 120 locations with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois. PCA is one of the largest producers of corrugated packaging products. In 2021 and 2022, Packaging Corporation of America was included in Forbes magazine’s list of “World’s Best Employers”. In 2023, PCA was listed as one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” by Newsweek magazine. The company employs 15,500 people.
7. Greif
Greif was founded in 1877 by William Greif and Albert Vanderwyst as a cooperage shop, “Vanderwyst and Greif,” in Cleveland, Ohio. Today the company’s main headquarters are located in Delaware, Ohio. Greif is one of the leading suppliers of industrial packaging products with over 12,000 employees spread across 200 locations in 28 countries. During 2022, Greif generated more than $6.34 billion USD in net sales.
8. Domtar
Domtar is one of the largest integrated manufactures of uncoated freesheet paper in Northern America as well as being a leading manufacturer of papergrade, fluff, and airlaid nonwoven materials. Domtar was founded in 1848 and its main headquarter is located in Fort Mill, South Carolina. The company employs 6,400 people and has 20 manufacturing facilities located worldwide. Domtar has a network of 11 pulp and paper mills and 9 manufacturing and converting facilities.
9. Pratt Industries
Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in the US and world’s largest privately held producer of 100% recycled containerboard. The company has over 11,500 employees spread across facilities in 25 states. Pratt Industries was founded in 1948 and is headquartered in Conyers, Georgia. Pratt has been honored by many environmental leaders including former Vice President Al Gore, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and the Climate Group and Global Green for their extensive efforts in making the products eco-friendly.
10. Pactiv Evergreen
Pactiv Evergreen is a public company that employs an estimated 16,000 people at over 50 manufacturing facilities in North America. Pactiv Evergreen is the leading manufacturer of fresh food and beverage packaging. Pactiv Evergreen was established in 2020 through the merger of Evergreen Packaging and Pactiv, an international supplier of food and beverage packaging and storage products.
