Few cities of its size have as strong a connection to the paper and packaging industry as Sandy Springs. Several of the largest paper-based packaging and distribution companies in North America have headquarters or major offices in the city and greater Atlanta.
From corrugated boxes and folding cartons to tissue and specialty papers, the ten manufacturers below supply products that are essential to e-commerce, food service, healthcare, and retail.
Why Sandy Springs Is a Paper Industry Hub
Georgia has abundant managed forests, a strong logistics network, and decades of experience in pulp and paper production. Corporate headquarters in Sandy Springs and Atlanta manage manufacturing operations across the country.
The growth of e-commerce has increased demand for corrugated packaging, while sustainability goals have elevated paper as a renewable, recyclable alternative to many plastics.
The Top 10 Paper Goods Manufacturers in Sandy Springs
1. Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock was formed by combining Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, which was headquartered in Sandy Springs. It is one of the largest paper and packaging companies in the world, producing corrugated packaging, containerboard, and consumer packaging.
2. Graphic Packaging International
Graphic Packaging is headquartered in the Sandy Springs area and is a leading producer of paperboard packaging. Its folding cartons and cups are used by major food, beverage, and consumer brands.
3. Veritiv
Veritiv, headquartered in Sandy Springs, is a leading distributor of packaging, facility solutions, and print products. It helps businesses source and design packaging and supplies efficiently.
4. Georgia-Pacific
Atlanta-based Georgia-Pacific manufactures tissue, paper towels, packaging, and building products. Its consumer brands, including Angel Soft, Brawny, and Dixie, are household names.
5. Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark maintains a significant campus in Roswell, Georgia. It produces personal care and tissue products under brands such as Kleenex, Scott, and Huggies.
6. Pratt Industries
Pratt Industries, with headquarters in Conyers, Georgia, is a leading manufacturer of recycled paper and packaging. Its operations emphasize using recycled fiber and clean energy.
7. International Paper
International Paper operates mills and box plants in Georgia. It is one of the world's largest producers of fiber-based packaging, pulp, and paper products.
8. Sonoco
Sonoco produces paper-based packaging, tubes, cores, and composite cans. Its sustainable packaging solutions serve consumer and industrial customers across the Southeast.
9. Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America operates corrugated box plants that serve the Southeast. It produces containerboard and custom corrugated packaging for businesses of all sizes.
10. Rayonier Advanced Materials
Rayonier Advanced Materials operates a major mill in Jesup, Georgia. It produces high-purity cellulose used in specialty products, including filters, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.
The Corporate Footprint in Sandy Springs
The paper and packaging industry is one of the defining sectors of the Sandy Springs economy. Corporate campuses near Perimeter Center and along the Abernathy Road corridor house executive leadership, finance, sales, engineering, and supply chain teams that manage mills and converting plants across North America and beyond.
These headquarters bring high-paying professional jobs to the city and support restaurants, hotels, and service providers throughout the area. They also make Sandy Springs a natural meeting point for customers, suppliers, and industry partners, reinforcing the region's reputation as a capital of fiber-based packaging.
Sustainability and Responsible Forestry
Georgia's working forests are a renewable resource when managed responsibly. Many of the companies on this list participate in certified forestry programs, invest in replanting, and use mill residues for renewable energy. Paper packaging also enjoys some of the highest recycling rates of any material in the United States.
For Sandy Springs businesses that want to reduce plastic use or meet customer expectations for eco-friendly packaging, fiber-based solutions offer a practical path, especially when combined with right-sized box designs that reduce shipping waste.
How to Choose a Paper Goods Supplier
Evaluate product quality, sustainability certifications, recycled content, design capabilities, and delivery reliability. For packaging, structural design and branding options can significantly affect customer experience.
Distributors such as Veritiv help smaller businesses access a wide range of products, while larger companies may work directly with manufacturers for custom solutions.
Paper and Packaging Trends
E-commerce packaging, plastic replacement, recycled fiber, right-sized boxes, and sustainable forestry are major trends. Companies are also investing in automation and energy efficiency in mills and converting plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many paper companies based in metro Atlanta?
Georgia's forest resources, transportation networks, and long industry history make the region a natural base for paper and packaging companies.
Is paper packaging more sustainable than plastic?
Paper is renewable and widely recyclable, but sustainability depends on sourcing, manufacturing energy, and end-of-life recycling. Many businesses choose paper to meet environmental goals.
Can small businesses get custom boxes?
Yes. Distributors and box manufacturers offer custom sizes and printing, often with reasonable minimum quantities.
Final Thoughts
Sandy Springs is a true capital of the paper and packaging industry. These ten companies supply innovative, sustainable products that support businesses and consumers around the world.