How a 19th-century paper giant built an empire through constant reinvention and massive acquisitions

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 · Updated 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1898, International Paper grew from a merger of regional mills into the world's largest pulp and paper company. By navigating shifting economic tides, labor movements, and massive corporate restructuring, the firm evolved from a newsprint supplier into a global powerhouse of packaging, lumber, and specialized fiber products.

Incorporated on January 31, 1898, the International Paper Company emerged from the consolidation of 17 pulp and paper mills across the northeastern United States and eastern Canada. Early growth was fueled by the invention of the Linotype machine, which expanded newspaper sizes and created a massive demand for newsprint. In its infancy, the company supplied 60 percent of the nation's newsprint, with the Hudson River Mill in Corinth, New York, serving as a critical hub for both production and early labor movement development.

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the company maintained its market position through aggressive expansion and strategic divestment. It acquired major competitors like the Hammermill Paper Company in 1986, Union Camp Corporation in 1999, and Champion International in 2000. These moves were balanced by significant restructuring, such as the 2005 and 2006 sales of over 6,000,000 acres of forestland and various business units. By 2012, the company acquired Temple-Inland for $4.5 billion, and in 2025, it completed the $7.2 billion acquisition of British packaging firm DS Smith.

The company's history is also marked by significant challenges and shifts in corporate identity. For decades, it utilized asbestos insulation in its facilities, a practice that later led to mesothelioma diagnoses among former employees. The firm has also undergone major rebranding efforts, including a 2023 update to its iconic logo, and has navigated complex architectural requirements for its Memphis headquarters. Today, the company continues to refine its focus, recently announcing the 2025 sale of its global cellulose fibers business for $1.5 billion, reflecting its ongoing adaptation to global market demands.

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