Specializing in high-purity cellulose specialties,[3] RYAM produces natural polymers extensively used in manufacturing filters, food, pharmaceuticals, and various industrial applications.

[4] Rayonier Advanced Materials roots are traced back to 1926 with the founding of Rainier Pulp and Paper Company in San Francisco, California.

The mill used Tsuga heterophylla (western hemlock) trees to create a premium bleached paper pulp.

As World War II ended, Rayonier began making large land purchases in the Pacific Northwest.

In March 2008, the company purchased 56,300 acres (228 km2) for $215 million in southwest Washington state from Sierra Pacific [8] In March 2013, the company sold its wood products division, including its mills in Baxley, Swainsboro, and Eatonton, Georgia, to British Columbia-based International Forest Products (Interfor) for $80 million.

[9] In April 2013, the company increased its shareholding in the joint venture Matariki Forestry Group in New Zealand from 26% to 65% for $140 million.

[1] In June 2014, the company split its operations into two independent companies: Performance Fibers on one hand is named Rayonier Advanced Materials (NYSE: RYAM) and Forest Resources together with Real Estate as a REIT on the other hand continues as Rayonier, Inc., headed by David L. Nunes as its new CEO.