International Paper and DS Smith Combine To Create The New Global Leader in Sustainable Packaging Solutions

Rhea-AI Summary

International Paper (NYSE:IP) and DS Smith completed their merger on January 31, 2025, creating a new global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. The combined entity will operate in over 30 countries, primarily focusing on North American and EMEA regions.

The merger aims to accelerate growth and improve profitability by combining the strengths of both companies. Under the leadership of Andy Silvernail, International Paper's Chairman and CEO, the combined company will focus on three key areas: customer experience through responsive and efficient service, innovation in sustainable packaging solutions, and environmental stewardship including forest management and community engagement.

Positive

• Creation of a global leader in sustainable packaging with operations in 30+ countries
• Geographic expansion into strategic North American and EMEA markets
• Enhanced product portfolio and innovation capabilities
• Expected improvement in profitability through combined operations

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

The merger between International Paper and DS Smith marks a transformative deal in the global packaging industry, creating a powerhouse with significant competitive advantages. The combined entity will benefit from enhanced scale economics, complementary geographic footprints and strengthened market positioning in the high-growth sustainable packaging segment.

Several key value drivers emerge from this combination:

• Operational synergies through consolidated manufacturing footprint and optimized supply chain
• Enhanced innovation capabilities by combining R&D resources and expertise
• Improved pricing power and market presence across North America and EMEA
• Strengthened sustainability credentials, increasingly important for customer relationships and regulatory compliance

The timing is particularly strategic given the accelerating shift toward sustainable packaging solutions and increasing regulatory pressure on single-use plastics. The merger positions the combined entity to capitalize on these secular trends while potentially achieving significant cost synergies through operational consolidation.

However, investors should monitor several key aspects:

• Integration execution risks, particularly in harmonizing operations across different regions
• Potential cultural challenges in combining two large organizations
• Regulatory approvals and potential required divestitures
• Impact on working capital and debt levels

Industry Specialist

This merger represents a pivotal shift in the global packaging industry landscape, creating a sustainability-focused powerhouse with enhanced technological capabilities. The combination addresses several critical industry challenges:

• Scale requirements for efficient production and distribution
• Growing demand for innovative sustainable packaging solutions
• Need for robust R&D capabilities to develop eco-friendly alternatives
• Increasing customer demands for global supply chain solutions

The merger's timing aligns with accelerating industry trends toward sustainability and circular economy principles. The combined entity's expanded geographic footprint enables more efficient serving of multinational customers while reducing transportation-related environmental impact.

The integration of both companies' sustainable packaging expertise creates a unique competitive advantage in developing next-generation solutions. This is particularly relevant as global regulations on packaging waste and recycling continue to tighten, requiring more sophisticated and environmentally conscious packaging solutions.

MEMPHIS, Tenn., Feb. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- International Paper (NYSE:IP; LSE: IPC) and DS Smith, two of the leading producers of sustainable packaging, containerboard and pulp products, combined forces on January 31, 2025 to create a new global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, focused on the attractive North American and EMEA regions.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/international-paper/9315251-en-international-paper-ds-smith-expand-sustainable-packaging-solutions

The combination brings together the best of both companies to accelerate growth, improve profitability and serve customers all over the world from operations in more than 30 countries. Together with DS Smith, International Paper will be a great place to work with colleagues who value excellence, ethics and safety above all else.

"With a stronger portfolio of sustainable packaging solutions, the combination of International Paper and DS Smith enhances our offerings, increases innovation and expands our geographic reach," said Andy Silvernail, International Paper Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We will bring together the capabilities and expertise of two experienced teams, with similar cultures to create the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions."

Stronger on Customer Experience: Linking the best elements of both companies, the combination creates the most responsive and efficient service in the industry, providing customers with unparalleled experience and demonstrated value.

Stronger on Innovation: From quality packaging to differentiated processes, the combined company has the very best innovators who relentlessly pursue every new opportunity to create ground-breaking sustainable packaging solutions.

Stronger on Sustainability: Sustainability is a core strength of the newly combined company, which is committed to being a diligent steward of our forests, a responsible custodian of our environment and a force for good in our communities.

Together with our customers, International Paper makes the world safer and more productive one sustainable packaging solution at a time.

About International Paper
International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, we employ more than 65,000 team members and serve customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com

Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect our current expectations and projections about future events. These statements are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. We undertake no obligation to update these statements as a result of new information or future events. For more information on risks facing the Company, please see our reports and press releases filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/international-paper-and-ds-smith-combine-to-create-the-new-global-leader-in-sustainable-packaging-solutions-302365583.html

SOURCE International Paper

FAQ

When did International Paper (IP) complete its merger with DS Smith?

International Paper completed its merger with DS Smith on January 31, 2025.

How many countries will the combined IP-DS Smith company operate in?

The combined company will operate in more than 30 countries, primarily focusing on North American and EMEA regions.

What are the main strategic benefits of the IP-DS Smith merger?

The merger aims to accelerate growth, improve profitability, enhance customer service, increase innovation capabilities, and strengthen sustainable packaging solutions.

Who is leading the combined International Paper and DS Smith company?

Andy Silvernail serves as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the combined company.

What are the key focus areas for the merged IP-DS Smith company?

The company focuses on three main areas: customer experience through efficient service, innovation in sustainable packaging, and environmental stewardship including forest management.