Big Island Paper Mill, Virginia

The Big Island Paper Mill is a pulp and paper mill that makes containerboard for packaging and other applications. The Mill is one of more than a dozen paper plants operated by the Georgia-Pacific Company, often ranked as the second largest paper producer in the US. It is based in Atlanta, and owned by the Koch brothers (Koch Industries) since 2005. GP started out as a lumber company, and it still is. It moved into paper production by opening a massive pulp and paper mill in Toledo, Oregon in the 1950s, then expanding further by acquisitions. Its purchase of the Fort James Corporation in 2000 moved it deeper into toilet paper and paper towel production, including the widely distributed Quilted Northern and Brawny brands, as well as the Dixie brand of paper plates and cups. GP started phasing out “communication paper” (including office paper) production in 2019, focusing more on things like containerboard for making boxes; rigid paper for paper plates and cups; tissue for making diapers, paper towels, toilet paper; and wood products, including plywood.