Buckeye Announces Officer Retirement.

Business Editors

MEMPHIS, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 2003

Buckeye Technologies Inc. (NYSE:BKI) today announced the retirement of Mr. George B. Ellis, Senior Vice President, Cotton Cellulose, effective December 31, 2003 after more than 41 years with Buckeye and its predecessor Company.

Mr. Ellis began his career in Memphis in 1962 as a project engineer following his graduation from North Carolina State University. He has had numerous assignments that have drawn on his outstanding engineering talent and he has held a variety of positions in Engineering, Operations and Manufacturing. Mr. Ellis served as the Foley, Florida, Plant Manager from 1977 to 1982. Prior to Buckeye becoming an independent company in 1993, Mr. Ellis served as Vice President, Product Supply of Procter & Gamble Cellulose. After the formation of the new Company, Mr. Ellis served as Senior Vice President, Manufacturing, Specialty Cellulose until 2001 when he assumed his current leadership position in Cotton Cellulose.

Mr. Ellis has been instrumental in the success of Buckeye's manufacturing operations. He was a key leader in the transition from a subsidiary of Procter & Gamble to the new Buckeye Cellulose Corporation and later to Buckeye Technologies Inc. He was the Company's champion for reliable operations and provided the leadership to develop and implement the organization's "Reliability Essentials". Under his guidance, Buckeye has been recognized for world class excellence in manufacturing reliability and productivity.

Buckeye, a leading manufacturer and marketer of specialty cellulose and absorbent products, is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. The Company currently operates facilities in the United States, Germany, Canada, Ireland and Brazil. Its products are sold worldwide to makers of consumer and industrial goods.

Certain matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors affecting the Company's operations, financing, markets, products, services and prices, and other factors. For further information on factors which could impact the Company and the statements contained herein, please refer to public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.