Chamber Roundtable + Tour explores responsible manufacturing at International Paper

At the recent Chamber Roundtable + Tour, attendees gained an inside look at the 2025 Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Pillar of the Community, International Paper, which is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

International Paper‘s Springfield facility produces linerboard, a key component of corrugated paper boxes, with recycled and renewable materials. Through presentations and a tour of the Springfield Containerboard Mill, this event highlighted International Paper’s long-standing commitment to responsible operations and community growth, which has established the company as an integral contributor to Springfield’s economy.

Paige Walters, Senior Director of Advocacy & Economic Development at the Springfield Chamber, began the program by recognizing the presenting sponsor, Travel Lane County, and the Chamber’s Impact Investors for supporting Chamber Roundtable and Roundtable + Tour programs. Following this, the program featured presentations by Matthew Vaughn, Mill Manager, and Cynthia Leon, Government Relations Manager, on International Paper’s economic impact, sustainable operations, and policy considerations.

Economic Impact
Through an overview of International Paper’s history and operations, Vaughn explained how the company’s responsible practices have translated into global, regional, and local economic impact.

Established in 1898, International Paper provides sustainable packaging solutions to 53,000 customers across the world. Vaughn noted that, in addition to serving companies on the west coast, the Springfield Containerboard Mill also exports packaging products internationally. He emphasized the global impact of International Paper’s operations, as exemplified by the company’s diverse portfolio of customers, which includes clients such as Amazon and Apple.

“The wood chips are coming from [local sawmills in] about a 100-mile radius. If you think about our impact in the community and county, we are supporting the [saw mill industry] as well.”

– Matthew Vaughn, Mill Manager, International Paper

Vaughn explained how International Paper utilizes regional partnerships to facilitate environmentally conscious practices. As an integrated mill, the Springfield facility develops linerboard by pulping wood chips and recycled fiber and then processing it into paper – all on site. Wood chips are a key input in the pulp production process, and Vaughn highlighted that the Springfield facility imports wood chips from sawmills in a 100-mile radius. By collaborating with sawmills in the area, International Paper strengthens the regional economy through mutually-beneficial partnerships.

On a local scale, International Paper supports the workforce through job opportunities and professional development. Vaughn noted that the mill employs nearly 300 individuals from the area, with training held in-house and extensive opportunities for career advancement within the organization. In addition to direct employees, International Paper also works with local contractors and community partners to support the manufacturing process. This reinforces how the facility provides critical contributions to Springfield’s economy as a leading employer in the community.

Sustainable Operations
Vaughn outlined how International Paper engages in sustainability practices across the linerboard production process to create a circular economy.

For example, International Paper utilizes sustainable methods to cook the regionally-sourced wood chips. The mill recycles and reuses chemicals for breaking the wood chips down into pulp. During the recycling process, International Paper even captures steam produced and converts it into electricity for mill operations.

Vaughn highlighted how the company’s commitment to sustainability extends to later stages of the production process. Each linerboard product undergoes extensive testing to ensure the packaging material meets quality standards. The mill breaks down linerboard that is not approved for distribution and uses the materials for creating new products, which reduces waste and maintains the circularity of operations.

Policy Considerations
After Vaughn’s overview of the manufacturing process, Leon shared how International Paper is adapting to current policies and advocating for business-friendly decisions.

A key focus of International Paper’s policy work is Oregon’s Climate Protection Program (CPP), particularly as the state develops new requirements for emissions-intensive, trade-exposed manufacturers. Leon noted that International Paper operates facilities across the country, making differences in state energy and climate policies an important competitiveness consideration.

Unlike cap-and-invest programs in other West Coast states and parts of Canada, Oregon’s CPP operates independently and cannot be linked with other jurisdictions, limiting opportunities to spread compliance costs across a larger market and resulting in significantly higher costs for Oregon manufacturers. With a broader conversation about Oregon’s approach to carbon regulation anticipated during the 2027 legislative session, International Paper is actively engaging with legislators and rulemaking bodies to ensure the perspective of large manufacturers is part of that discussion.

“If we’re going to be treated differently, we want to be part of the solution.”

– Cynthia Leon, Government Relations Manager, International Paper

Leon also discussed the Oregon Recycling Modernization Act, which has introduced fees for International Paper’s customers and a verification requirement for the mill to source recycled materials. The legislation also impacts International Paper’s recycling center next to the mill, as the act determines where materials are eligible to go after being processed at the facility.

Leon emphasized that, for both the Oregon Recycling Modernization Act and the Climate Protection Program, International Paper is focused on educating legislators about challenges the policies present to businesses.

International Paper’s commitment to advocating for business interests aligns with the Springfield Chamber’s ongoing business advocacy efforts. The Chamber has been tracking the Climate Protection Plan during recent state legislative sessions. As talks about the Climate Protection Program and cap and invest programs progress further, member businesses will be notified of opportunities to weigh in on the impact to your business. Visit the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy webpage for more information about how to stay informed and engaged.

Facility Tour
Following the presentations, Vaughn and other International Paper employees led a tour of the Springfield Containerboard Mill, where attendees learned how the facility transforms recycled fiber into packaging products.

Through an up-close view of the machinery and expansive operations, participants watched the impressive process that International Paper conducts to produce 38 miles of linerboard per hour. During the tour, International Paper representatives answered questions regarding the complex development and testing of products.

Conclusion
Across its decades-long presence in the community, International Paper has remained committed to maintaining sustainable operations and supporting economic growth. This Chamber Roundtable + Tour provided participants with an exciting opportunity to learn about one of Springfield’s leading manufacturers through insightful presentations and an exclusive tour of the facility. Attendees left the event with a first-hand perspective on sustainable packaging production and a practical understanding of responsible manufacturing.

The Springfield Chamber would like to thank International Paper for hosting this engaging event. Additionally, thank you to the 2026 Chamber Roundtable sponsor, Travel Lane County and the Chamber’s Impact Investors, whose generous dollars support Chamber Roundtable and Roundtable + Tour programs, year-round.