Paper Goods and High Point's Supply Chain
Every day, thousands of boxed furniture items, accessories, and consumer products leave High Point warehouses. Most of them travel in corrugated cartons produced by paper goods manufacturers in the Southeast. Paper products are also essential for offices, restaurants, hotels, and health care facilities that rely on tissue, towels, cups, and printing paper.
The Southeastern United States is one of the world's leading regions for paper and packaging production thanks to abundant forests and established mills. This guide highlights ten paper goods manufacturers that serve High Point businesses and the wider Piedmont Triad.
Why Paper Packaging Matters to Local Businesses
The rise of direct-to-consumer furniture sales has increased demand for strong, well-designed corrugated packaging that protects heavy items during parcel shipping. Paper-based packaging also appeals to consumers because it is widely recyclable. Choosing the right manufacturer can reduce damage claims, lower freight costs, and support sustainability goals.
The Top 10 Paper Goods Manufacturers Serving High Point
1. International Paper
International Paper is one of the largest producers of corrugated packaging in the world. Its box plants and mills across the Southeast supply furniture, food, and e-commerce customers with custom packaging solutions.
2. Smurfit Westrock
Smurfit Westrock was formed through the combination of two global packaging leaders. It produces corrugated packaging, paperboard, and retail displays and serves customers across the Carolinas.
3. Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific manufactures tissue, towels, cups, plates, and packaging. Its commercial products are widely used in High Point offices, showrooms, and hospitality venues.
4. Domtar
Domtar produces printing and writing papers as well as pulp and packaging materials. It has a long presence in the Carolinas and supplies businesses with office paper and specialty products.
5. Sonoco
Sonoco produces paper tubes, cores, and composite packaging. Its industrial paper products are used by textile and film manufacturers, making it relevant to High Point's fabric and furniture supply chain.
6. Graphic Packaging International
Graphic Packaging International specializes in paperboard packaging for food, beverage, and consumer products. Its folding cartons are found on grocery store shelves across the country.
7. Packaging Corporation of America
Packaging Corporation of America manufactures containerboard and corrugated products. Its customer-focused box plants provide custom designs and responsive service for regional businesses.
8. Pratt Industries
Pratt Industries is known for producing packaging from recycled paper. Its sustainability-focused approach and modern box plants make it a popular choice for companies seeking environmentally responsible packaging.
9. Greif
Greif manufactures paper-based industrial packaging such as fiber drums and tubes, along with containerboard. It serves chemical, food, and industrial customers with durable shipping solutions.
10. Kimberly-Clark Professional
Kimberly-Clark Professional supplies tissue, towels, wipers, and hygiene products for workplaces. Its products help High Point manufacturers, offices, and restaurants maintain clean and safe environments.
How to Choose a Paper Goods Supplier
Start by identifying your primary needs, whether that is shipping cartons, retail packaging, or facility paper products. For packaging, request structural design support, testing for compression and drop resistance, and samples before committing. Ask about recycled content, forest certification, and lead times. For facility products, compare dispenser systems, product quality, and total cost per use.
Paper Industry Trends in High Point
Many furniture companies are redesigning packaging to replace foam with molded pulp and corrugated inserts. Right-sized packaging that reduces wasted space is helping lower shipping costs. Digital printing on corrugated boxes allows brands to create attractive unboxing experiences for direct-to-consumer customers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Goods Manufacturers
What types of corrugated boxes do furniture companies use?
Furniture companies often use double-wall or triple-wall corrugated boxes for heavier items, along with custom die-cut inserts that hold components securely. Ready-to-assemble furniture typically ships in flat boxes designed for parcel networks, while large upholstered items may use corrugated caps and corner protectors combined with film wrapping.
Is paper packaging more sustainable than plastic?
Paper packaging is widely recyclable and made from renewable resources, which makes it attractive to many consumers. However, sustainability depends on factors such as weight, transportation emissions, and product protection. The best solution balances recyclability with performance to prevent product damage.
How can businesses improve packaging performance?
Businesses can work with packaging engineers to conduct drop, vibration, and compression testing. Many paper goods manufacturers offer design centers that create prototypes and test them under real shipping conditions, helping companies reduce damage and optimize material use.
Why is the Southeast a major paper producing region?
The Southeast has abundant managed forests, established mill infrastructure, access to water resources, and strong transportation networks. These factors make it one of the most productive paper and packaging regions in the world, giving High Point businesses convenient access to a wide range of paper products.
Shorter shipping distances from regional box plants also mean faster turnaround on custom packaging, which is especially useful when furniture brands launch new collections after each High Point Market.
Final Thoughts
Paper goods manufacturers keep High Point's products protected and its workplaces running smoothly. The companies on this list offer the scale, expertise, and sustainability focus that local businesses need to thrive in a competitive marketplace.