SC Forestry Faces Market Challenges as Mill Closures Reshape Industry

South Carolina’s forestry industry, a significant economic driver and top job provider for the state, is currently navigating substantial challenges. Recent paper mill closures have severely impacted markets for pulpwood, making timber cultivation economically difficult for landowners.

The history of paper mills in South Carolina dates back to the early 19th century, with initial operations around 1810 near Columbia. The industry expanded in the 20th century, particularly with the establishment of major players like West Virginia Pulp and Paper Company (later Westvaco) in Charleston in 1937 and International Paper Company in Georgetown that same year. These mills, along with others like Bowater (now New Indy Containerboard) in Catawba, transformed South Carolina’s pine forests into a vital source for pulp and paper production, with kraft paper for bags and boxes becoming a specialty.

However, the past few decades have seen a significant shift. Over the last 30 years, South Carolina has experienced multiple paper mill closures, notably the recent shutdown of the International Paper Mill in Georgetown by the end of 2024, impacting nearly 700 jobs and the WestRock mill in North Charleston, which ceased operations in August 2023, affecting approximately 500 jobs. These closures have removed substantial capacity from the state’s pulp market, creating a surplus of timber and putting downward pressure on prices for landowners.

Amidst these challenges, the New Indy Containerboard plant in Catawba, South Carolina, remains a crucial and consistent market for the state’s forestry products. This facility is a significant producer of containerboard, essential for the packaging industry, with an annual production capacity of approximately 900,000 tons. New Indy is also a vital local employer, providing around 450 jobs directly at its Catawba facility. These positions span a range of skilled roles in manufacturing, engineering, operations, and administration, contributing significantly to the economic well-being of the immediate area and the broader region.

The ongoing operation of facilities like New Indy is critical for the state’s timber sector. Efforts to secure and expand markets for South Carolina’s timber are also being explored, including the use of private terminals in Charleston to facilitate pulpwood shipping, which is considered the most cost-effective method for large volumes. Additionally, the potential conversion of former mill sites into biomass plants is being examined, which would create new local demand for pulpwood by using it to generate energy.

Ultimately, the future of South Carolina’s forestry relies on its ability to adapt to these shifting market dynamics. The state’s collective efforts to diversify demand for its timber, coupled with the continued operation of key facilities like New Indy, will be crucial in sustaining this foundational industry and the communities it supports.