International Paper notes 125th year with rebranding

International Paper, one of the world’s leading producers of renewable corrugated packaging and cellulose fibers, is marking its 125th annivesary with a new corporate website and a “Creating What’s Next” rebranding.

The company operates a large paper mill at 4600 C St. SW in Cedar Rapids.

International Paper “is meeting today's needs for renewable, fiber-based packaging and pulp while sharpening our focus on the future," said Mark Sutton, the company’s CEO and chairman of the board.

The new website, which launched last week, acts as a one-stop-shop for one of “the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world,” according to a news release.

International Paper, one of North America's largest recyclers, is headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., and employs approximately 39,000 people worldwide. It had net sales of $21.2 billion in 2022.

The company’s Cedar River Paper Mill in southwest Cedar Rapids creates material for fiber-based packaging products.

The company recently was awarded state and city tax incentives for its plan to build a 20,000-square-foot addition that will produce steam power for the paper mill.

The mill has been buying processed steam from Alliant Energy’s Prairie Creek generating station, but that goes away in 2026 when Alliant stops burning coal at that plant.

The new, two-story International Paper addition will house boilers, water treatment systems and support systems to provide steam to the paper mill.

Construction is expected to begin in November 2024 and become operational by the end of 2025.

The project will reduce carbon emissions as the plant transitions away from purchased steam using coal-fired boilers to on-site, natural-gas-powered steam production, according to the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

The city said the paper mill is among its top eight largest water users. The expansion, city officials said, will generate $2.3 million in new taxes over a 10-year period, of which $961,000 will be exempt.