As Korean corrugated base paper inventories fall below normal levels in 2026, unit prices, lead times, and advance ordering for parcel boxes and distribution packaging are becoming critical. This article summarizes the practical points procurement managers should check.
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE: SW), formed in July 2024 through the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, is the world’s largest containerboard and paper-packaging company, with 23M short tons of annual mill capacity and 63 paper mills across 40 countries. This guide covers the company profile, the two legacy groups behind it, the main containerboard grades, the first year of post-merger integration, and what the Korean paper-packaging industry should take away.
Based on International Paper’s Q1 2026 results and EMEA cost reduction plan, this article reviews shifts in global containerboard supply and demand.
Based on the possible sale of Global Sae-A’s paper affiliates, this article reviews Korea’s containerboard supply and packaging procurement risks.
Aseahi Paper’s Sejong plant resumed operations on April 20, while Korea Export Packaging’s Osan fire recovery drags on. A D+40 update on inventory, prices, price negotiations, and remaining risks.
This guide summarizes the business structures of Korea’s five major paper groups that lead the printing paper and containerboard markets. It highlights which groups operate both paper and board businesses and what packaging procurement teams need to know.
International Paper announced on April 16, 2026, its $360 million acquisition of NORPAC (North Pacific Paper Company), a Washington State containerboard mill. The deal strengthens IP’s West Coast footprint and accelerates the shift to lightweight recycled containerboard. We analyze what this means for North American market dynamics and Korea’s paper packaging sector.