Georgia-Pacific LLC

Georgia-Pacific LLC is an American pulp and paper company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of bath tissue, paper towels, napkins, tableware, paper-based packaging, rigid food containers, cling film, cellulose, and building products. Its mission emphasizes responsible stewardship, aiming to maximize recycling, reduce energy use, and uphold sustainable forestry practices, while also striving to improve the lives of its employees, neighbors, and partners.

Georgia-Pacific's diverse product portfolio includes well-known consumer brands such as Angel Soft, Quilted Northern, Brawny, Sparkle, Vanity Fair, and Dixie. Beyond household goods, the company is a significant supplier of building materials, including plywood, oriented strand board (OSB), gypsum boards, and lumber. Its GP PRO division offers commercial solutions like enMotion and Compact dispensers for hygiene in public and commercial settings. Additionally, Georgia-Pacific is a major producer of containerboard, corrugated packaging, and cellulose, and operates one of the world's largest recycling businesses.

In recent leadership news, David Duncan was appointed President & CEO of Georgia-Pacific, effective March 26, 2026. The company has undertaken significant investments, including the opening of a new $425 million Dixie tableware facility in Jackson, Tennessee, in October 2024, and planned capital investments of $90 million for its consumer tissue business in Crossett, Arkansas, and $800 million for its Alabama River Cellulose Mill. However, Georgia-Pacific has also announced facility closures, including a containerboard mill in Cedar Springs, Georgia, affecting 535 employees, and a cellulose mill and innovation center in Memphis, Tennessee, impacting 150 employees, both in 2025. The company also unveiled plans in September 2024 to redevelop its Atlanta headquarters building, the Georgia-Pacific Tower, for mixed-use, including residential and retail spaces, with completion anticipated by fall 2027.

Latest updates

GP PRO's Data-Driven Sustainability Play Gains Traction in Sports Venue Market

Event summary

  • GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific, is showcasing its KOLO® Smart Monitoring System at the 2026 Green Sports Alliance Summit in Cleveland.
  • The KOLO system has enabled venues like Lumen Field, Oracle Park, and Progressive Field to achieve up to 60% reductions in source waste.
  • Lumen Field has reduced upstream waste by 75% using the KOLO system, deploying it across 1,100 dispensers.
  • GP Recycling, a Georgia-Pacific subsidiary, is positioned to assist venues with direct-to-mill materials recovery and supply chain optimization.

The big picture

The sports and entertainment industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, driven by consumer demand and regulatory scrutiny. GP PRO’s KOLO system and GP Recycling’s capabilities position the company to capitalize on this trend by offering a vertically integrated solution that addresses both waste reduction and materials recovery. This move signals a broader shift towards data-driven sustainability initiatives within the sector, moving beyond simple CSR programs to quantifiable operational improvements.

What we're watching

Market Adoption
The success of GP PRO’s strategy hinges on broader adoption of data-driven sustainability solutions within the sports and entertainment venue sector, which remains fragmented and often driven by legacy practices.
GP Recycling Integration
The extent to which GP Recycling can integrate with venue operations to create a closed-loop system will determine the long-term value proposition and potential for recurring revenue for Georgia-Pacific.
Competitive Landscape
The emergence of competing IoT-based waste management solutions could erode GP PRO’s market share and necessitate further innovation or price adjustments to maintain its competitive edge.

Georgia-Pacific Rehires Sales Vet to Drive GP PRO Growth

Event summary

  • Nick Trainer has been appointed Vice President, Market Sales of GP PRO, a division of Georgia-Pacific.
  • Trainer previously held senior sales and marketing roles at Handgards.
  • He previously spent 18 years at Georgia-Pacific, including as VP and GM of the GP PRO Tissue and Wiper business.
  • Trainer's prior role at GP PRO involved driving growth of the Compact tissue business and launching new products.

The big picture

Georgia-Pacific's move to rehire Nick Trainer signals a renewed focus on driving growth within its GP PRO division, which competes in a fragmented market for commercial and industrial paper products. Trainer's experience in both foodservice disposables and tissue/wiper sales provides a unique perspective to address evolving customer needs and competitive pressures. The appointment suggests a desire to accelerate growth beyond existing product lines and potentially explore new market segments.

What we're watching

Sales Execution
Trainer's return suggests a strategic shift within GP PRO, and his success will hinge on rapidly integrating with existing sales teams and executing on new strategies.
Competitive Response
Handgards and other competitors in the foodservice disposable products space will likely monitor Trainer’s initiatives closely and adjust their strategies accordingly.
Innovation Focus
Given Trainer's past experience launching new products, the market should anticipate increased innovation and product development within the GP PRO portfolio.

Georgia-Pacific Realigns Foodservice Leadership Amidst Packaging Consolidation

Event summary

  • Ryan Elwart has been appointed Senior Vice President, Sales and Innovation for GP Foodservice Solutions, a newly formed Georgia-Pacific business unit.
  • GP Foodservice Solutions encompasses the Dixie® and Anchor Packaging brands, signaling a strategic consolidation of foodservice disposables.
  • Elwart previously served as Group President at Mativ and held a senior customer officer role within Georgia-Pacific's Consumer Products Group.
  • Elwart's return to Georgia-Pacific indicates a focus on accelerating growth and strengthening customer partnerships within the foodservice sector.

The big picture

Georgia-Pacific's creation of GP Foodservice Solutions and the appointment of Ryan Elwart signals a renewed commitment to the away-from-home foodservice market, which is recovering from pandemic-era disruptions. The move also reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the packaging industry as companies seek to leverage scale and innovation to meet evolving customer demands and sustainability pressures. Elwart's experience suggests a focus on both commercial growth and operational efficiency within this segment.

What we're watching

Integration Risk
The success of GP Foodservice Solutions hinges on effectively integrating Anchor Packaging's operations and sales teams with Georgia-Pacific's existing infrastructure, which could present operational and cultural challenges.
Customer Retention
Elwart’s focus on strengthening customer partnerships will be critical; any disruption during the integration process could lead to key account churn in a competitive market.
Sustainability Push
Given Elwart’s prior experience leading sustainability initiatives, expect increased pressure on GP Foodservice Solutions to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions, potentially impacting margins and supply chain dynamics.

Georgia-Pacific Funds Rural Alabama Hospitals Amid Systemic Strain

Event summary

  • Georgia-Pacific donated $500,000 to three rural Alabama hospitals: Monroe County Hospital ($225,000), D.W. McMillan Hospital ($225,000), and Atmore Community Hospital ($50,000).
  • The funding is facilitated through Alabama’s Rural Hospital Investment Program (RHIP), which offers tax-credit incentives.
  • Alabama faces a severe rural healthcare crisis, with 84% of hospitals operating at a loss and limited access to birthing centers.
  • Georgia-Pacific employs approximately 12,000 people in Alabama and has invested over $2.5 billion in the state over the past decade.

The big picture

This donation underscores the increasing pressure on rural hospitals and the growing role of corporate social responsibility in addressing systemic healthcare gaps. Georgia-Pacific's investment, facilitated by state tax incentives, is a strategic move to support its workforce and community, but also highlights the broader challenges facing rural healthcare infrastructure. The reliance on corporate philanthropy to sustain these institutions raises questions about long-term stability and the potential for further consolidation within the rural healthcare sector.

What we're watching

Program Sustainability
The long-term viability of Alabama’s RHIP program will determine whether similar corporate contributions become a recurring source of funding for rural hospitals.
Community Dependence
The hospitals’ reliance on corporate philanthropy highlights the fragility of rural healthcare systems and potential risks if these partnerships dissolve.
Operational Impact
How effectively the hospitals deploy the funds will influence future corporate support and demonstrate the program’s overall impact on healthcare delivery.

Georgia-Pacific CEO Transition Signals Koch Influence

Event summary

  • David Duncan, previously Executive VP of Consumer Products, has been appointed CEO of Georgia-Pacific, effective immediately.
  • Mark Luetters, interim CEO since 2025, reverts to his role as Executive VP at Koch, Inc.
  • Vivek Joshi, President of Consumer Tissue, Towel & Napkins, is promoted to Executive VP of Consumer Products.
  • Duncan has held multiple leadership positions within Koch companies for 28 years, including roles at Koch Ventures, Koch Equity Development, Koch Minerals, and INVISTA.
  • Duncan previously led Georgia-Pacific’s building products business (2018-2019).

The big picture

The CEO change at Georgia-Pacific underscores the ongoing influence of Koch Industries, which acquired the company in 2000. Duncan’s extensive experience within Koch’s various divisions suggests a focus on operational improvements and financial discipline. The appointment of Joshi indicates a continued emphasis on the consumer products segment, which generates a significant portion of Georgia-Pacific’s revenue.

What we're watching

Governance Dynamics
Duncan's appointment solidifies Koch Industries' control over Georgia-Pacific, suggesting a focus on operational efficiency and potentially a shift away from consumer-facing brand building.
Strategic Alignment
The transition may signal a realignment of Georgia-Pacific's strategy to better align with Koch's broader portfolio, potentially impacting capital allocation and investment priorities.
Consumer Trends
How Joshi, in his expanded role, navigates evolving consumer preferences and competitive pressures within the tissue, towel, and napkin market will be a key indicator of the company's future performance.

GP PRO's Napkin Dispenser Aims to Reduce Waste, Boost QSR Efficiency

Event summary

  • GP PRO launched the Dixie Ultra® Take-Two Interfold Napkin Dispenser, designed to dispense two napkins per grab.
  • Early adopters, including Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, report a 10% reduction in napkin consumption (20 million napkins in 2025).
  • The dispenser utilizes a single SKU of existing Dixie Ultra® Interfold napkins, simplifying inventory management.
  • GP PRO claims the dispenser reduces napkin waste by 19% based on proprietary research across seven restaurant locations.

The big picture

GP PRO’s innovation addresses a growing demand for operational efficiency and sustainability within the quick-service restaurant industry, where margins are tight and consumer expectations for both speed and environmental responsibility are rising. The single-SKU design and compatibility with existing napkins suggest a deliberate strategy to minimize disruption and maximize adoption, potentially creating a sticky revenue stream for Georgia-Pacific. This move also highlights the increasing importance of minor operational improvements in a highly competitive landscape.

What we're watching

Adoption Rate
The success of the Take-Two dispenser hinges on widespread adoption across the quick-service restaurant sector, which will determine the impact on GP PRO’s overall napkin sales.
Competitive Response
Competitors in the foodservice supply chain may develop similar solutions, potentially eroding GP PRO’s first-mover advantage and necessitating further innovation.
Cost Savings
The realized cost savings for restaurant chains, beyond the reported napkin reduction, will be a key factor in driving continued adoption and justifying the investment in the new dispenser technology.

GP PRO Shuffles Leadership in Key Towel & Napkin Segment

Event summary

  • Ashley Butler has been appointed VP and General Manager of GP PRO’s Towel & Napkin business.
  • Butler previously led GP PRO’s Tissue, Skin Care, and Wiper businesses.
  • She began her 14-year career at GP PRO through the company’s ‘Jumpstarter’ development program.
  • Butler has received recognition as an ISSA Emerging Leader (2024) and ISSA Hygieia Network Rising Star (2025).

The big picture

This leadership change within GP PRO’s Towel & Napkin division, a business likely generating hundreds of millions in annual revenue, highlights the ongoing focus on operational efficiency and customer-centricity within Georgia-Pacific. Butler’s prior success in Tissue, Skin Care, and Wiper suggests a mandate to drive similar growth and innovation in the Towel & Napkin segment, potentially signaling a strategic realignment within the broader GP PRO portfolio.

What we're watching

Customer Focus
Butler’s emphasis on customer-driven innovation suggests GP PRO may shift its product development and marketing strategies to more closely align with end-user needs, potentially impacting pricing and product mix.
Internal Mobility
The company’s practice of promoting from within, particularly through programs like ‘Jumpstarter,’ indicates a focus on talent development and may signal a broader succession planning strategy across GP PRO.
Competitive Landscape
The Towel & Napkin segment is highly competitive; Butler’s success will depend on her ability to differentiate GP PRO’s offerings and maintain market share against established players.

Georgia-Pacific Elevates Sales Leader to Drive GP PRO Growth

Event summary

  • Nate Medina has been appointed Senior Vice President and General Sales Manager of GP PRO, effective immediately.
  • Medina previously held the role of Vice President and General Manager of GP PRO's Towel and Napkin business.
  • He has been with Georgia-Pacific for 14 years, holding various leadership positions across both the Professional and Retail businesses.
  • Medina’s focus will be on accelerating growth, enhancing customer collaboration, and delivering long-term value for GP PRO.

The big picture

This appointment signals Georgia-Pacific’s intent to prioritize growth within its GP PRO division, a key segment serving the commercial and institutional markets. With roughly $12 billion in annual revenue, GP PRO represents a significant portion of Georgia-Pacific’s overall business. Medina’s experience across both Professional and Retail divisions suggests a strategic effort to leverage synergies and optimize the customer experience, though integrating these historically separate functions presents execution challenges.

What we're watching

Execution Risk
Medina’s success will hinge on his ability to integrate field sales, national accounts, and distribution teams, which historically may have operated with distinct priorities.
Customer Dynamics
Given Medina’s prior Retail leadership, the focus on GP PRO’s customer relationships will need to balance B2B and B2C considerations, potentially impacting pricing and service models.
Market Saturation
The commercial paper products market is mature; accelerated growth will require innovation beyond existing product lines or expansion into new geographic regions.
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