Firmly Rooted in Our Heritage of Sustainability

Finding sustainable solutions while protecting our long-term prosperity began almost a century and a half ago, when the paper we first produced was used to create handbills for the reelection campaign of an incumbent president of the United States (Abe Lincoln). The core values that drove us then are still part of the Glatfelter tradition today. It’s the combination of our heritage and these values that have made Glatfelter the sustainable company our customers have come to rely upon for decades.

As the company has continued to grow, we have acquired facilities with strong and long-lived heritages similar to our own, helping make the transition process seamless. The Gernsbach, Germany facility, in business since 1881 and acquired in 1998, is a prime example of transforming our company to become the global supplier of choice in Specialty Papers and Engineered Products. In the Gernsbach facility, we found a strong management team, highly specialized papermaking capabilities and leadership positions in key global markets. Most importantly, we found a dedicated workforce with core values that were closely aligned with our own. The Lydney, U.K. facility, established in 1856 and acquired in 2006, demonstrates similar commitments with its safety achievements, community support and dedication to customer intimacy.

Over our history, we have faced many serious challenges and have flourished while others have not. We believe that there are clearly defined reasons behind the sustainability of our enterprise and they begin with the core values that are the foundation of our organization. Executing sound business practices has enabled us to survive the tough times and thrive in the good times. Our established policies, guidelines and procedures ensure that we conduct business in a manner that protects the environment, is financially responsible and preserves our current and future generations.

Read an inspiring letter (142 KB PDF) from George Glatfelter about the company’s heritage, our core values and our commitment to all aspects of sustainability.