According to a report published this past week by Recycling Today magazine on its online news portal, International Paper, Memphis, Tenn., USA, has announced plans to permanently close its recycling facilities in Denver, Colo., and in Memphis by the end of the first quarter of 2015. The closings will affect approximately 25 employees at each facility.

IP says the decision to shut down the two facilities followed thorough analyses and reviews of the company’s operations.

"We recognize the significant impact on our team members and their families," says Tom Cleves, IP vice president and general manager of containerboard and recycling. "We will work to assist affected team members with a search for other opportunities within our company and with outplacement services, severance pay and other benefits."

IP reported that other operations in Memphis will not be affected by the closure.