ND Paper Company Profile

Background

ND Paper LLC, headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of high-quality and sustainable pulp, packaging, and paper products. As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nine Dragons Paper (Holdings) Limited, the largest containerboard producer in Asia, ND Paper operates several integrated mills across the United States. The company's mission is to invest in the growth and safety of its employees, scale operations for customers and markets, improve industry sustainability, and build lasting community partnerships. ND Paper's vision is to be a competitive and innovative business, known for its experience, expertise, and superior customer service.

Key Strategic Focus

ND Paper's strategic focus centers on expanding its product portfolio, enhancing sustainability, and modernizing operations. The company specializes in producing various paper products, including printing and writing papers, packaging papers, and market pulp. Key technologies utilized include advanced papermaking processes and recycling facilities to produce sustainable products. Primary markets targeted include retailers, publishers, packaging converters, commercial printers, and manufacturers requiring pulp.

Financials and Funding

ND Paper has raised a total of $1 million in funding over one round, with the latest funding round occurring on December 9, 2022. The company's revenue is estimated to be between $100 million and $250 million. The capital raised is intended to support the company's expansion and modernization efforts, including the conversion of paper machines to produce packaging grades and the construction of recycling facilities.

Pipeline Development

ND Paper is actively developing its pipeline by converting existing paper machines to produce packaging grades. For instance, at the Biron Division in Wisconsin, the company plans to convert its B26 paper machine from producing coated mechanical papers to lightweight, high-strength recycled packaging products by the end of 2022. This conversion includes the construction of a new recycling facility to process Old Corrugated Containers (OCC) into renewable fiber-based pulp.

Technological Platform and Innovation

ND Paper employs several notable technological platforms and proprietary technologies:

Recycling Facilities: The company has established state-of-the-art pulping facilities that process OCC into renewable fiber-based pulp, supporting the production of sustainable, lightweight packaging papers.

Advanced Papermaking Processes: ND Paper utilizes integrated paper and pulp facilities to produce a range of paper products, including unbleached softwood kraft and recycled pulp.

Leadership Team

The leadership team at ND Paper includes:

Ken Liu: Group Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Ken Liu has been instrumental in leading the company's strategic initiatives and expansion efforts.

Leadership Changes

As of December 12, 2025, Yiu Kin Lam, Independent Non-Executive Director, retired from the company. Additionally, Lianru Zhang, Executive Director, left the company on October 9, 2025.

Market Insights and Competitor Profile

The pulp and paper industry is experiencing a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly products, driven by increasing consumer demand for environmentally responsible materials. This trend presents opportunities for companies like ND Paper to expand their offerings in recycled and sustainable paper products. Key competitors in the industry include:

International Paper: A global leader in the paper and packaging industry, offering a wide range of products and services.

Georgia-Pacific: A major manufacturer of paper products, including tissue, pulp, and packaging materials.

Norske Skog: A Norwegian company specializing in newsprint and magazine paper, with a focus on sustainable production.

Strategic Collaborations and Operational Insights

ND Paper's acquisition of the Fairmont, West Virginia mill from Resolute Forest Products in 2018 has enhanced its capacity to produce recycled pulp, aligning with its strategy of environmentally sustainable papermaking. The company's focus on sustainability and modernization, including the conversion of paper machines to produce packaging grades and the construction of recycling facilities, positions it to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ND Paper's ongoing investments in sustainable practices and product diversification provide opportunities for expansion into new markets and the development of innovative products. The company's commitment to environmental sustainability and operational efficiency positions it well to capitalize on future industry trends.