International Paper has confirmed a proposal to close five of its Packaging sites in the UK.

In a statement, the US company said the move was “to improve efficiencies and to respond to the evolving needs of our customers in what are tough trading conditions for the industry”.

Additional proposals also include the relocation of one site, the move from 24-7 to 24-5 operations at one site, and a small headcount reduction at two further Packaging sites in the UK.

International Paper said it expected the proposals would be implemented by the end of this calendar year and that approximately 300 roles may be affected.

“Although the proposals result from a strategic review by the UK business, as part of International Paper’s transformational journey to become a stronger sustainable packaging solutions company, they constitute an update to the intentions with respect to DS Smith set out in the Offer Documentation,” the company stated.