International Paper announced that the company has entered into exclusive negotiations with PALM Group of Germany after receiving an irrevocable offer for the purchase of five corrugated box plants in Europe: (i) three plants in Normandy, France (namely, one box plant in Saint-Amand, one box plant in Mortagne, and one sheet plant in Cabourg); (ii) one box plant in Ovar, Portugal; and (iii) one box plant in Bilbao, Spain. Upon completion of the required French works council consultation and/or employee information processes, the parties expect to enter into a definitive share purchase agreement. The closing is expected by the end of the second quarter of 2025. "Finding the right buyer for these five facilities has been a top priority for our team since the completion of the acquisition of DS Smith, and I'm pleased that we have found one in PALM," said International Paper Chairman and CEO Andy Silvernail. "We are grateful for the many contributions the team members at these five plants have made to the company and know they will continue to be successful and deliver value with their new owners." The sale of these plants was agreed to with the European Commission as a remedy for IP's acquisition of DS Smith Plc, as published on the Commission's website on January 24, 2025. The conclusion of the divestment is subject to the European Commission's approval of the proposed purchaser.

PEFC-certified cardboard has replaced the plastic packaging around beverage can packs by Estrella Damm, a leading Spanish beverage producer, leading to big reductions in their plastic use. The decision to completely remove the printed plastic packaging from all six, twelve and twenty-four-can packs reduces plastic use by 99 tons a year. The action is an important step in the company’s sustainability strategy. The new packaging is made from PEFC-certified, natural and renewable fibres. Consumers benefit from the new design with rounded edges and different opening options, making it easier to carry and open.

Koehler Paper’s colorful recycling papers make boxes and filling materials from PresentFill® an environmentally friendly packaging alternative. From packaging materials to gift packaging, a wide selection of products are produced using premium recycling papers from Koehler Paper. The papers, made from 100% secondary fiber material, not only boast the “Blue Angel” and EU ecolabels, but also stand out thanks to their quality, natural feel, and vibrant colors. The market and consumers are increasingly looking for sustainable packaging solutions and PresentFill® is facing ever more intense competition in the area of sustainable packaging solutions papers. In light of this, the product range has continued to grow in recent years in order to meet the demand for more sustainable alternatives.