International Paper SWOT Analysis, Competitors & USP

International Paper

Parent Company

International Paper Company

Category

Paper and packaging solutions

Sector

Manufacturing

USP

Standardized manufacturing across the globe

STP

Segment

Industrial packaging, printing papers, distribution, and consumer packaging.

Target Group

Newspaper houses, Book publication houses

Positioning

Global provider of paper and packaging solutions to various industries

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

1. The largest paper and pulp company in the world with over 60,000 employees
2. It operates 25 pulp, paper and packaging mills, 180+ converting and packaging plants, recycling plants and bag facilities in the US
3. Eco friendly manufacturing techniques 
4. Economies of scale are its greatest strength due to which it can raise finance any time at a low rate of interest and longer pay period

5. High Research & Development investment, and standardized manufacturing across the globe facilitated by latest machines which has led to strong brand image of International Paper

6. High growth rate recorded in recent times

7. Strong legacy since 1898

Weaknesses

1. Bad press, it is blamed for deforestation in America
2. Paper making factories are associated with pollution and causing harm to adjacent areas

Opportunities

1. The increase in e-commerce industry has resulted in high demand for packaging solutions
2. Consolidation and expansion of business in other geographies through acquisition route
3. Due to scale of International Paper, it would have the backing of the government for expansion

Threats

1. Focus on digitalizing all mass media content which will ultimately lead to decrease in consumption of paper and related items
2. Destruction of rain forests in Amazon basin which forms the main source of raw material for manufacturing
3. Considerable resources in Russia which may be affected due to global crisis and US stance against Russia

4. Impact of environmental laws could be harmful to the company

Competition

Competitors

1. Asia Pulp and Paper 
2. Stora Enso Group
3. Smurfit Kappa Group