DELAWARE, Ohio (News release) -- Greif, Inc., a global leader in performance packaging products and services, announced 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."