International Paper postpones conversion project at Alabama mill

International Paper (IP), Memphis, Tennessee, has announced that it plans to postpone its plans to convert its No. 15 paper machine at its Riverdale Mill in Selma, Alabama, from producing uncoated freesheet to make white-top linerboard and containerboard. 

IP had initially anticipated converting its 235,000 ton-per-year uncoated freesheet machine to have the capacity to produce 450,000 tons per year of containerboard products. The company’s goal as of September 2017 was to have this completed by the third quarter of 2019. 

However, Mark Sutton, chairman and CEO of International Paper, reported on Nov. 28 at the Citi Basic Materials Conference in New York City that the company intends to postpone this project until the first quarter or half of 2020. According to Sutton, it would cost more for IP to complete this project sooner rather than later. He also cited issues with equipment and skilled labor. 

Recycling Today reached out to International Paper about this update, and the company declined to provide any additional comments on this.