Paper production holds a special place in Fullerton's history. For decades, a large tissue mill operated in the city, employing thousands and producing household paper products sold across the western United States. While the industrial landscape has changed, demand for paper goods in Fullerton is as strong as ever, from corrugated boxes used by distribution centers to tissue products used by homes, offices, and restaurants.
The rise of e-commerce has made paper packaging more important than ever, and sustainability concerns are pushing many businesses to replace plastic with fiber-based alternatives. Here are ten paper goods manufacturers that serve Fullerton with reliable products and responsible practices.
Paper Goods in Fullerton's Economy
North Orange County is home to numerous warehouses, fulfillment centers, and food producers that consume large volumes of corrugated packaging. Restaurants and offices also depend on paper towels, napkins, and tissue products, while schools and universities use large quantities of printing and writing paper.
California's emphasis on recycling and waste reduction gives paper an advantage, since fiber-based products are widely recyclable and compostable. Manufacturers that use recycled fiber and responsibly sourced wood are especially attractive to local buyers.
How We Selected These Companies
Our selection is based on product quality, breadth of offerings, sustainability certifications, supply reliability in Southern California, and reputation among commercial and residential customers.
The Top 10 Paper Goods Manufacturers Serving Fullerton
1. Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark, maker of Kleenex, Scott, and Cottonelle, has a long history in Fullerton through its former tissue mill. Its professional division supplies washroom and wiping products to offices, schools, and healthcare facilities throughout Orange County, with a strong focus on hygiene and efficiency.
2. Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific produces tissue, towels, cups, and packaging. Brands like Brawny and Quilted Northern are household staples, and its commercial dispensers are common in restaurants and public buildings across Fullerton.
3. International Paper
International Paper is one of the largest producers of corrugated packaging in the world. Its box plants in Southern California serve e-commerce, food, and industrial customers, providing custom packaging designed to protect products during shipping.
4. Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock manufactures corrugated and consumer packaging, including folding cartons for food and retail products. Its design teams help brands create attractive, sustainable packaging that stands out on shelves.
5. Procter & Gamble
Procter & Gamble produces Charmin and Bounty, two of the most popular paper brands in America. Fullerton households trust these products for softness and absorbency, and P&G continues to invest in responsible fiber sourcing.
6. Essity
Essity, through its Tork brand, provides professional hygiene solutions including towels, tissue, and dispensers. Its data-driven washroom systems help facility managers reduce waste and ensure supplies are always available.
7. Clearwater Paper
Clearwater Paper focuses on paperboard and private-label tissue products sold through major retailers. Its products reach Fullerton shoppers through grocery and warehouse stores, offering quality at competitive prices.
8. Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America is a leading producer of containerboard and corrugated packaging. Its regional facilities serve manufacturers and distributors with reliable supply and custom box designs.
9. Pratt Industries
Pratt Industries manufactures corrugated packaging from 100 percent recycled paper. Its strong sustainability story appeals to California companies looking to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising strength.
10. Sonoco
Sonoco produces paper-based tubes, cores, composite cans, and protective packaging. Its products are used in food packaging, textiles, and industrial applications, and the company is expanding its fiber-based alternatives to plastic.
Trends in the Paper Goods Industry
E-commerce growth continues to drive corrugated packaging demand, while brands increasingly redesign packaging to reduce void fill and right-size boxes. Fiber-based replacements for plastic, such as paper mailers and molded fiber containers, are gaining traction. Manufacturers are also investing in recycled fiber and certified forestry to meet customer sustainability expectations.
Tips for Choosing Paper Goods Suppliers
Identify the products you use most and compare quality, cost per use, and sustainability certifications. For packaging, ask about custom sizing and printing options. For washroom products, consider dispenser systems that reduce waste. Reliable delivery and local distribution are essential to avoid running out of critical supplies.
Understanding Paper Grades and Certifications
Not all paper products are created equal. Corrugated boxes are rated by edge crush strength and wall construction, with single, double, and triple wall options for increasingly heavy loads. Tissue and towel products vary by ply, fiber blend, and basis weight, which affect softness, absorbency, and cost per use. Printing papers differ in brightness, weight, and finish.
Certifications offer a quick way to evaluate environmental responsibility. Labels from forest stewardship programs indicate wood fiber from responsibly managed forests, while recycled content claims show the percentage of post-consumer fiber used. For Fullerton businesses reporting on sustainability goals or serving eco-conscious customers, these certifications provide credible proof of responsible purchasing decisions.
Final Thoughts
Paper goods remain a cornerstone of daily life and business in Fullerton, a city with a proud paper-making heritage. The manufacturers above offer quality products and growing sustainability commitments. Confirm current offerings and distribution options directly, and select suppliers that align with your operational needs and environmental values.