Kraton and International Paper Announce Strategic Partnership for Pine Chemicals Industry

Kraton Corporation has executed a strategic continuity of services agreement with International Paper to maintain uninterrupted site services at its Savannah, Georgia facility. The agreement ensures reliable supply and operational continuity while Kraton invests in future infrastructure. The partnership reflects a shared vision to strengthen the pine chemicals value chain and ensure stable supply to customers globally.

Kraton Corporation and International Paper (NYSE: IP) have executed strategic agreements to ensure uninterrupted site services at Kraton's Savannah, Georgia facility. The partnership aims to maintain operational continuity and supply reliability, while Kraton invests in future infrastructure. The agreement underscores both companies' commitment to the pine chemicals industry's long-term health.

The arrangement, announced on August 21, 2025, sees International Paper continuing to provide essential site services to Kraton, enabling uninterrupted production and delivery of critical pine chemical products. This supports Kraton's efforts to sustain operations without disruption as it invests in long-term independent operations at the Savannah facility [2].

Minco van Breevoort, President of Kraton Pine Chemicals, stated, "Securing this agreement reinforces our unwavering commitment to our customers and the pine chemicals industry. It's business as usual. Our teams are fully aligned to ensure reliable operations, and this agreement provides continuity of supply to pine chemical markets as we invest in our long-term capabilities" [2].

Chris Roeder, Vice President and General Manager, Pine Chemicals and Low Carbon Solutions at International Paper, added, "We are pleased to renew and extend our partnership with Kraton. This arrangement confirms our long-standing relationship with Kraton and our commitment to being a reliable, long-term partner to Kraton and participant in the pine chemicals markets for years to come" [2].

The strategic partnership reflects a shared vision between Kraton and International Paper to strengthen the pine chemicals value chain and ensure stable supply to customers across key global markets. This agreement not only supports Kraton's transition towards independent operations but also secures a stable revenue stream for International Paper, aligning with its broader strategy to diversify revenue sources beyond traditional paper products [1].

For investors in International Paper, this represents a positive short-term revenue assurance in its specialty chemicals segment, though with acknowledgment of potential long-term changes as Kraton develops its independent capabilities [1].

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/IP/kraton-and-international-paper-execute-strategic-continuity-of-6x1hq24lumqu.html
[2] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kraton-and-international-paper-execute-strategic-continuity-of-services-agreement-302536016.html