GP Tests Construction Monitoring Drone System At Alabama Mill Atlanta, Georgia based Georgia-Pacific is testing an auton- omous drone system at its Alabama River Cellulose mill in Perdue Hill, Alabama, to monitor construction progress on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. The initiative marks the company’s first reported use of an autonomous drone for this type of industrial appli- cation. Until now, image collection relied on an individual drone operator, meaning that differences in flight paths, altitude and camera positioning could affect successive captures and make progress comparisons less consistent. Standardizing Construction Monitoring Georgia-Pacific began evaluating an automated ap- proach to standardize the way images are collected, re- duce manual work and limit pilots’ exposure to potential hazards within the industrial environment. The system is designed to provide project leaders and other decision-makers with more regular and consistent information on construction progress. At the same time, the technology is expected to allow employees to spend more time on higher-value activities. “Innovation is taking flight. For the first time in our his- tory, an autonomous drone system is being tested at Ala- bama River Cellulose. This is creating a safer, smarter way to track progress and giving teams more time to focus on what matters most. The future of work is already in mo- tion,” Georgia-Pacific said. The company said approximately 1,500 drone inspec- tions have been conducted across its operations, although it did not specify the period covered by that figure. Geor- gia-Pacific added that, as resources become increasingly constrained, new technologies must demonstrate measur- able value and an adequate return on investment. The autonomous drone project is also part of a broad- er digital delivery program focused on reality capture, three-dimensional modelling and integrated data work- flows. The longer-term objective is to develop a connect- ed digital twin capable of supporting safer project execu- tion, faster decision-making and greater operational value. Alabama River Cellulose is a Georgia-Pacific pulp mill located in Perdue Hill. The company acquired the facility in 2010, and the mill produces bleached softwood kraft pulp, supplied as market pulp in bales and fluff pulp in rolls. The facility is currently undergoing an $800 million modernization and expansion program announced in 2025 and is scheduled to continue through 2027.
AICC Announces Over 30K Packaging Courses Completed AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, an- nounced today that personnel of AICC member compa- nies have completed more than 30,000 courses through AICC’s Packaging University, marking a significant mile- stone in the association’s commitment to workforce ed- ucation and professional development across the pa- per-based packaging industry.
With more than 150 courses across nine colleges of study, Packaging University provides members with con- venient, industry-specific training designed to build tech- nical knowledge, strengthen leadership skills, and support professional growth. “This milestone reflects the value our members place on accessible, industry-specific education,” said Rebecca Rendon, AICC’s Director of Education & Leadership Devel- opment. “Packaging University provides a practical way to build a knowledgeable, skilled workforce.” Unlike general online learning platforms, Packaging University is designed specifically for the paper-based packaging industry. Courses cover topics relevant to corrugated packaging, folding cartons, recycling, labels, graphic communications, operations, safety, logistics, leadership, and other areas essential to packaging profes- sionals. The platform combines microlearning, industry exper- tise, and practical education to help team members apply what they learn directly to their work. The milestone also reflects AICC’s ongoing investment in keeping its educational resources current. In 2026, AICC focused on updating and improving existing Packag- ing University courses, including technical content, videos, and learning materials, while continuing to enhance the learning platform and user experience. “Education cannot stand still when our industry is changing,” said Mike D’Angelo, President of AICC. “We are continually evaluating and updating our content so that students can access relevant, accurate information that helps them perform their jobs and advance their careers.” Packaging University provides AICC member employ- ees with accessible, industry-specific training, from the plant floor to the executive office. Spanish-language re- sources further expand access across the workforce. For more information about AICC Packaging University, visit www.aiccbox.org/packaging-university . To become a donor to the Foundation, visit www.packaginged.org .
56 September 28, 2026
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