Greif to Exit CRB Business, Close Sweetwater Paperboard Mill
Greif will close its Sweetwater mill, cut 120,000 tons of capacity, and shift URB customers to other North American mills.
Rhea-AI Summary
Greif (GEF) will exit the coated recycled paperboard (CRB) market by closing its Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia, which is expected to cease operations by year-end 2026.
The move is part of a strategy to focus on businesses where Greif has a leading position and clear long-term value potential. About 90 employees will be affected, and the closure will remove approximately 120,000 tons of annual production capacity. Greif plans to support affected staff and transition URB customers to its broader North American URB mill network.
Positive
- 120,000 tons of annual capacity removed from a mill the company views as uncompetitive
- Exit from CRB and closure are expected to strengthen overall mill network performance
- Company plans continued investment in its URB network to support profitable growth
Negative
- Closure will affect approximately 90 employees at the Sweetwater mill
- Exit from the CRB market and closure eliminate Sweetwater’s production footprint
- Company will remove about 120,000 tons of annual production capacity from its system
News Explained
Sweetwater also produces gypsum facing and backing paper, and Greif says the mill’s operating configuration, limited integration within its network and cost position prevented a sustainable competitive position.
Key Figures
- Operations deadline
- By the end of the calendar year
- Sweetwater paperboard mill closure
- Affected colleagues
- Approximately 90 colleagues
- Impact from the mill closure
- Production capacity removed
- Approximately 120,000 tons annually
- Capacity removed by the closure
Key Terms
crb technical
AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
DELAWARE, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greif, Inc. (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a global leader in performance packaging products and services, announced today it will exit the coated recycled paperboard (CRB) market with the closure of its Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia. The mill is expected to cease operations by the end of the calendar year.
The decision is part of Greif’s broader strategy to focus its resources on businesses and assets where the company has a leading market position and a clear path to long-term value creation. Approximately 90 colleagues will be affected by the closure. Greif will provide severance benefits, career transition resources, and other support to help affected colleagues navigate the transition.
“This is a difficult decision because of the impact on our colleagues, their families, and the surrounding community,” said President and CEO Ole Rosgaard. “Our Sweetwater team has worked hard to serve our customers and improve the performance of the mill. We are grateful for their commitment, professionalism, and many contributions to Greif.”
Sweetwater produces coated recycled paperboard (CRB), uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), and gypsum facing and backing paper grades. The mill’s operating configuration, limited integration within Greif’s network, and cost position have prevented it from establishing a sustainable competitive position. The closure will remove approximately 120,000 tons of annual production capacity. Greif is working directly with affected URB customers to support an orderly transition and continue serving them through the company’s broader North American URB mill network.
“We are making deliberate choices about where we compete and where we invest,” said Gaylord Benner, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Sustainable Fiber Solutions. “Closing Sweetwater will strengthen the overall performance of our mill network, while our investments in our URB network will direct capital toward assets that are well positioned to serve our customers and support profitable growth.”
About Greif
Founded in 1877, Greif is a global leader in performance packaging located in over 35 countries. The company delivers trusted, innovative and tailored solutions that support some of the world’s most demanding and fastest-growing industries. With a commitment to legendary customer service, operational excellence and global sustainability, Greif packages life’s essentials—and creates lasting value for its colleagues, customers and other stakeholders. Learn more about the company’s Customized Polymer, Sustainable Fiber, Durable Metal and Innovative Closure Solutions at www.greif.com and follow Greif on Instagram and LinkedIn.
Media Contact
Greif Media Relations
communications@greif.com
+1 (234) 221-6001
FAQ
AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.
When will Greif’s Sweetwater paperboard mill cease operations?
The Sweetwater paperboard mill in Austell, Georgia, is expected to cease operations by the end of the calendar year.
What support will affected Greif employees receive from the Sweetwater closure?
Greif will provide severance benefits, career transition resources, and other support to help the approximately 90 affected colleagues navigate the transition.
What products did the Sweetwater mill produce before its closure?
The Sweetwater mill produced coated recycled paperboard (CRB), uncoated recycled paperboard (URB), and gypsum facing and backing paper grades.
How will Greif serve URB customers after closing the Sweetwater mill?
Greif is working directly with affected URB customers to support an orderly transition and intends to continue serving them through its broader North American URB mill network.