<PAGE>
                                      FORM
                                      10-K
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

 X  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
--- OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2001

    OR

    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
    ACT OF 1934
    For the transition period from _____________ to _______________

                          COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-9915

                          GAYLORD CONTAINER CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                             36-3472452
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of                               (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                               Identification No.)

500 Lake Cook Road, Suite 400, Deerfield, Illinois                 60015
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office)                          (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code:            (847) 405-5500

           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

                                                        Name of each exchange on
Title of each class                                             which registered
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A COMMON STOCK, $.0001 PAR VALUE PER SHARE         AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
(55,993,550 shares outstanding as of November 27, 2001)

REDEEMABLE EXCHANGEABLE WARRANTS                         AMERICAN STOCK EXCHANGE
(230,591 warrants outstanding as of November 27, 2001)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  X   No
                                       ---     ---

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant, computed on the basis of the closing price of such stock as reported
on the composite tape on November 27, 2001, was approximately $53 million.

                       DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

                                 Not Applicable.


<PAGE>

PART 1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 1.  BUSINESS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DEVELOPMENT Gaylord Container Corporation (including its subsidiaries, the
Company) acquired the business in 1986 for approximately $260 million. Since its
inception, the Company has expanded its business through strategic acquisitions
and capital investments. The Company financed the acquisitions and capital
expenditures with cash provided by operations, borrowings under its credit
agreements and the issuance of debt and equity securities. At September 30,
2001, the Company's facilities consisted of three containerboard and unbleached
kraft paper mills, thirteen corrugated container plants, five corrugated sheet
feeder plants, two multiwall bag plants, five retail bag plants, a cogeneration
facility and through a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary, a
specialty chemical facility.
     Since its inception in 1986, the Company has made significant capital
expenditures primarily to expand capacity, install advanced papermaking
technology, improve product quality, realize operating efficiencies and maintain
its existing facilities. The Company believes that all of its mills are low-cost
producers in their respective products and that its Bogalusa mill is one of the
premier mills in the industry. Fiscal 2002 and beyond capital spending is
expected to be in the range of $25 to $30 million, annually. However, capital
spending will be adjusted as market conditions and available cash flows dictate.
     On September 27, 2001, the Company and Temple-Inland Inc. (Temple-Inland)
announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement (Merger Agreement). If
all conditions to the Merger Agreement are satisfied, the Company and
Temple-Inland would be merged (Merger). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
Temple-Inland extended cross-conditional tender offers for all of the Company's
outstanding shares of stock and senior and senior subordinated notes
(collectively, the Notes). Consummation of the Merger is contingent upon, among
other things: (i) at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Company's
stock being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date of
the offer, and (ii) at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes of each series being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior
to the expiration of the offer. The transaction is also subject to regulatory
approval and satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.
     On December 3, 2001, Temple-Inland announced revised terms of the Merger
and extended the expiration date of its offers until January 7, 2002. If the new
offer is accepted, each holder of common stock will receive $1.25 per share.
Holders of the 9 3/8% senior notes due 2007 and the 9 3/4% senior notes due 2007
will receive $875 per $1,000 principal amount and holders of the 9 7/8% senior
subordinated notes due 2008 will receive $400 per $1,000 principal amount. If
the Merger is consummated, indentures governing each issue of the Notes will be
amended to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants. For further
information, see the Company's Schedule 14D-9, as amended, dated December 3,
2001.

GENERAL Corrugated containers are a safe and economical way to transport
manufactured and bulk goods. Increasingly, corrugated containers are also used
as integrated transportation and marketing devices in the form of point-of-sale
displays. The major corrugated container end-use markets are food, beverage and
agricultural products; paper and fiber products; petroleum, petrochemical
resins, plastics and rubber products; glass and metal containers; electronic
appliances; and electrical and other machinery. Most corrugated containers are
produced and sold according to individual customer specifications.

                                       1
<PAGE>

     Corrugated containers and sheets are primarily delivered by truck because
of the large number of customers and demand for timely service. The dispersion
of customers and the high bulk, low density and value of corrugated products
make shipping costs a relatively high percentage of total costs. As a result,
corrugated plants tend to be located close to customers to minimize freight
costs.
     Containerboard, consisting of linerboard and corrugating medium, is the
principal raw material used in the manufacture of corrugated containers.
Linerboard provides the strength component of a container while corrugating
medium provides rigidity. Corrugating medium is fluted and laminated to
linerboard to produce corrugated sheets, which are subsequently printed, cut,
folded and glued to produce corrugated containers, in corrugated container or
sheet plants.
     To reduce the cost of shipping containerboard from mills to widely
dispersed corrugated plants, vertically integrated containerboard manufacturers
routinely exchange containerboard with other manufacturers from mills in one
location for containerboard having a similar value from mills located elsewhere
in the United States. Containerboard producers also exchange containerboard to
take advantage of manufacturing efficiencies resulting from operating paper
machines in their most efficient basis-weight ranges and trim widths and to
obtain paper grades they do not produce.
     Multiwall bags are used by producers in such industries as pet food,
chemical, agricultural, food, metal, plastics and rubber. Retail bags are used
by supermarkets, quick-service restaurants and non-food mass merchandisers.
Multiwall and retail bags are manufactured through a process of printing,
cutting, folding and gluing kraft paper to meet customer specifications.
Unbleached kraft paper is the principal raw material used in the manufacture of
multiwall and retail bags.
     Cellulose fiber produced from wood chips and recycled fiber is the primary
raw material used in the manufacture of containerboard and kraft paper. Fiber
costs are generally the largest cost component in the manufacture of
containerboard and unbleached kraft paper.
     Calendar 2001 U.S. containerboard and unbleached kraft paper capacities are
estimated by industry trade associations to be 37.3 million tons and 1.9 million
tons, respectively. In calendar 2000, industry trade associations estimated U.S.
corrugated product sales and multiwall bag sales to be $24.6 billion and $1.2
billion, respectively. Unbleached kraft containerboard and unbleached kraft
paper capacity utilization rates in the U.S. have been estimated to average 85
percent and 80 percent, respectively, for the first nine months of calendar 2001
and 91 percent and 87 percent, respectively, in calendar 2000.
     Demand for the Company's products is affected by the level of economic
activity and the strength of the U.S. dollar. Reduced capacity utilization
rates, coupled with the rationalization of capacity associated with industry
consolidation activities over the past several years and limited new
containerboard capacity have resulted in relatively balanced industry
supply/demand conditions, despite recent declining demand.
     For further information regarding the industry and factors that influence
prices and the demand for paper packaging products, see "Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - General."

SALES Collectively, corrugated containers and sheets, multiwall and retail bags,
solid fiber products, containerboard and unbleached kraft paper represented
approximately 99 percent of the Company's net sales. Sales of the Company's
products are not seasonal to any significant degree. Corrugated products are
generally produced to customer order for delivery from one to ten days after
receipt of the order. As a result, the Company's backlog generally does not
exceed 3 percent of annual corrugated product sales.

                                       2
<PAGE>


     The Company sells its products to thousands of customers, with the ten
largest, excluding sales to its affiliates, accounting for approximately 15
percent of net sales in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 1999 and 14 percent in fiscal
2000. Excluding sales to affiliates, the Company's largest customer accounted
for approximately 2 percent of the Company's net sales in each of fiscal 2001,
fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999.
     Each corrugated converting facility has its own sales force that is
responsible for marketing and distribution to local customers. A national
account sales force handles corrugated converted product sales to large
customers who utilize centralized purchasing for multiple locations. The
Company's corrugated converted products sales force at September 30, 2001
consisted of approximately 99 salespersons. The kraft paper converting
facilities have national sales forces in different geographic regions that are
responsible for marketing and distribution to local customers in that region. At
September 30, 2001, the kraft paper converted sales force consisted of
approximately 30 salespersons.
     Sales and exchanges of containerboard and unbleached kraft paper are the
responsibility of a small, centralized marketing and sales group.
     The Company exports linerboard and unbleached kraft paper, certain
converted products and specialty chemicals. Such sales totaled $51.5 million,
$69.6 million and $59.9 million in fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999,
respectively.

PRODUCTS Corrugated Products. The Company produces many varieties of corrugated
containers and sells the majority of its production to manufacturing end-users.
The Company also produces corrugated sheets, which are subsequently converted
into corrugated containers by independent corrugated sheet plants. Corrugated
shipments were 14.9 billion square feet in fiscal 2001, a decrease of
approximately 4 percent from the prior year. The Company operates on a
53/52-week fiscal year. Fiscal 2001 was a 53-week year while fiscal 2000 and
fiscal 1999 were 52-week years. Adjusting for the additional week in fiscal
2001, sales decreased by approximately 6 percent. Corrugated shipments in fiscal
2000 increased approximately 3 percent from fiscal 1999.
     Containerboard. The Company's containerboard mills in the aggregate have
the ability to manufacture containerboard in a broad spectrum of grades and
weights. The Company consumed the equivalent of approximately 89 percent in both
fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000 and 84 percent in fiscal 1999 of the Company's
containerboard production and purchase commitments. Containerboard production
decreased approximately 2 percent in fiscal 2001 to 1,219,200 tons from
1,242,400 tons in the prior year primarily as a result of taking market-related
downtime. Adjusting for the additional week in fiscal 2001, production decreased
by approximately 4 percent. Production of containerboard decreased approximately
4 percent in fiscal 2000 compared to production of 1,293,600 tons in fiscal
1999. The Company has agreements with two suppliers to purchase at market prices
24,000 tons and 36,000 tons of corrugating medium annually through March of 2004
and October of 2004, respectively.
     Multiwall Bags. The Company produces a variety of multiwall bags and sells
them to manufacturers and processors. The Company's multiwall bag shipments
increased approximately 10 percent in fiscal 2001 to 64,000 tons from 58,000
tons in fiscal 2000. Adjusting for the additional week in fiscal 2001, shipments
increased by approximately 8 percent. The Company's multiwall bag shipments
increased 8 percent in fiscal 2000 compared to shipments of 53,500 in fiscal
1999.
     Retail Bags. The Company produces retail bags in a variety of sizes and
sells them to wholesale and retail distributors. In fiscal 2001, the Company
shipped approximately 239,000 tons as compared to 236,000 tons in fiscal

                                       3
<PAGE>

2000. S&G Packaging was acquired and consolidated with the Company's operations
on October 28, 1999.
     Unbleached Kraft Paper. The Company is a supplier of unbleached kraft paper
to its retail bag converting facilities, its multiwall bag converting facilities
and to independent retail bag and multiwall bag converters. The Company's bag
plants consumed the equivalent of more than 100 percent in fiscal 2001 and
approximately 97 percent and 69 percent, respectively, in fiscal 2000 and fiscal
1999 of its unbleached kraft paper production and purchase commitments. The
increase in integration from 1999 to 2000 is attributable to the acquisition of
S&G Packaging in October 1999. During fiscal 2001, the Company produced 236,000
tons of unbleached kraft paper. This compares with 263,200 tons and 263,800 tons
in fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively.
     Specialty Chemicals. Gaylord Chemical Corporation, a wholly owned,
independently operated subsidiary of the Company, utilizes a process stream from
the Bogalusa, Louisiana paper mill manufacturing operations to produce dimethyl
sulfide (DMS) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). DMS is a low boiling-point liquid
used as a presulfiding agent for catalysts for the petroleum industry, a
processing aid in ethylene production and a feedstock for the manufacture of
DMSO. DMSO is used as a solvent for a wide range of complex manufacturing
processes used in the chemical, electronics, agricultural and pharmaceutical
industries. Gaylord Chemical Corporation also markets dimethyl sulfone (DMSO2),
a high-temperature solvent. Management believes that Gaylord Chemical
Corporation produces approximately 65 percent of the domestic supply of DMSO and
35 to 40 percent of the world's supply of DMSO.
     Other Products. At its Bogalusa, Louisiana corrugated container plant, the
Company produces solid fibre products, which are primarily used as beverage
carriers and pallet substitutes. Solid fibre is produced using technology and
manufacturing processes similar to those used for corrugated containers.

RAW MATERIALS Fiber costs represented approximately 32 percent of the Company's
containerboard and unbleached kraft paper costs in fiscal 2001. The Company had
contracts that covered approximately 50 percent of its pulpwood and wood chip
requirements and approximately 70 percent of its recycled fiber requirements in
fiscal 2001.
     The Bogalusa, Louisiana mill used approximately 78 percent pulpwood and
wood chips in the manufacture of containerboard and unbleached kraft paper in
fiscal 2001 and 70 to 75 percent in fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively,
of which approximately 51 percent in fiscal 2001 and approximately 55 percent
and 35 percent in fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively, were supplied by a
single supplier. The remainder was purchased on the open market. The Company has
certain agreements through 2016, pursuant to which a single supplier is
committed to supply the Company with significant quantities of wood chips,
roundwood and stumpage at market prices at the time of delivery. Recycled fiber,
which consists primarily of old corrugated containers (OCC) and double-lined
kraft clippings (DLK), accounts for the remainder of the mill's fiber
requirements. In fiscal 2001, the Bogalusa mill had contracts that covered 96
percent of its OCC requirements, while its DLK requirements were purchased on
the open market.
     The Antioch, California mill uses 100 percent recycled fiber, consisting
primarily of OCC. In fiscal 2001 approximately 58 percent and in fiscal 2000 and
fiscal 1999 approximately 50 percent of the OCC was supplied under annual
contracts with several suppliers at market prices, while the remainder of its
fiber needs were purchased on the open market. Upon expiration of such
contracts, the Company believes it will be able to negotiate new contracts with
these or other suppliers to provide sufficient quantities of OCC at market
prices.

                                       4
<PAGE>
     The Pine Bluff, Arkansas mill used wood chips of approximately 70 to 75
percent of which approximately 43 percent, 48 percent and 32 percent in fiscal
2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively, was purchased pursuant to a
single supply contract. The remainder was purchased under annual contracts with
a number of different chip suppliers. The contract with this single supplier
provides for wood chips at market prices through June 30, 2003, at which time
the Company anticipates it will be renegotiated. Recycled fiber, primarily DLK,
accounts for the remainder of the mill's fiber requirements. The Pine Bluff mill
purchased 100 percent of its DLK requirements on the open market.
     The fiber market is difficult to predict and there can be no assurance of
the future direction of OCC, DLK and wood chip prices. Future increases in fiber
prices would adversely affect the Company's results of operations.

ENERGY The operations of the Company's mills require significant amounts of
steam, electricity and natural gas. Energy costs accounted for approximately 18
percent of the Company's containerboard and unbleached kraft paper production
costs in fiscal 2001 and 11 percent and 10 percent in fiscal 2000 and fiscal
1999, respectively. In fiscal 2001 the Bogalusa mill produced all of its steam
and generated approximately 71 percent of its electricity requirements. The Pine
Bluff mill produces all of its own steam, but purchases all of its electricity
from a local public utility. During the same period, the Antioch mill produced
all of its steam and electricity needs.
     The paper mills use natural gas to generate heat, steam and electricity
which is used throughout the papermaking process. As a result of a volatile
natural gas market in fiscal 2001, the Company entered into fixed price supply
contracts for a substantial portion of its natural gas requirements through
March of 2002. Currently, natural gas futures prices as quoted on the New York
Mercantile Exchange have returned to near pre-fiscal 2001 levels.
     The Company has a supply agreement through 2003 at the Bogalusa mill,
pursuant to which a single supplier will provide at contractual prices hog fuel
(consisting of bark and other residual fiber from trees), which is used to
generate steam. The remainder of the hog fuel used by the Bogalusa mill is
either purchased on the open market or is generated at several chip mills with
which the Company has long-term supply agreements.
     The Company operates a natural gas powered cogeneration facility at its
Antioch, California mill, which produces steam and electricity for the mill and
to sell to Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E). The Company has a contract with PG&E
to sell electricity from its cogeneration facility through 2013. The contract
requires the Company to supply electricity during June, July and August at
specified rates with a penalty for non-compliance of approximately $7 million.
When PG&E filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in
April 2001, the Company had an outstanding receivable, for electricity sales of
$6.5 million. In July 2001, the Company entered into a one-year agreement with
PG&E, approved by the Bankruptcy Court, which provides that the Company will
continue to sell PG&E electricity under the terms of the original contract.
After July 2002, the Company currently believes that sales to PG&E will be at or
near terms of the original contract. Electricity sales pursuant to this
agreement were $13.9 million, $9.8 million and $8.2 million in fiscal 2001,
fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively.
     Certain aspects of the energy operations of the Bogalusa mill and the
Antioch mill are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Prices
for energy are difficult to predict and there can be no assurance of future
direction of prices. Future increases in energy prices would adversely affect
the Company's results of operations.

                                       5
<PAGE>

COMPETITION Many of the Company's competitors are substantially larger and have
significantly greater financial resources; however, the most important
competitive factors are price, quality and service. The manufacture of
containerboard and unbleached kraft paper is capital-intensive with high
barriers to entry, because new facilities require substantial capital and can
take at least two years to design and construct. Many of the Company's larger
competitors own timberlands. Although the Company does not own timberlands, it
has wood fiber supply agreements with forest products companies. See "Raw
Materials."
     In contrast to paper mills, which manufacture containerboard and unbleached
kraft paper, converting facilities, which consume the containerboard and
unbleached kraft paper to produce corrugated products, multiwall bags and retail
bags, have comparatively low barriers to entry. Competition in corrugated
products and, to a lesser extent, multiwall bags and retail bags is primarily
localized, with proximity to customers an important factor in minimizing
shipping costs. There are a substantial number of competitors in each of the
geographic areas in which the Company's converting facilities are located.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS Compliance with federal, state and local environmental
requirements, particularly relating to air and water quality and waste disposal,
is a significant factor in the Company's business. In fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000
and fiscal 1999, the Company made capital expenditures for environmental
purposes of approximately $11 million, $10 million and $4 million, respectively.
Currently, the Company believes that it is in compliance in all material
respects with current applicable federal, state and local environmental
regulations. Future expenditures, primarily of a capital nature, for
environmental compliance are estimated to be, in total, approximately $30
million over the next 5 years, including approximately $16 million to comply
with the Cluster Rule as described below. Although future environmental
regulations cannot be predicted with any certainty because of continuing changes
in laws, the Company believes that compliance with such environmental
regulations will not have a material adverse effect upon its financial position.
     In November 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated new air
standards for pulping processes together with new water quality discharge
limitations into what are commonly referred to as the "Cluster Rule" regulations
for pulp and paper mills. Regulations for Phase I of the Cluster Rule, including
the Maxiumum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) I and MACT III Standards,
pertaining to air quality are applicable to kraft, soda, sulfite or
semi-chemical pulping processes; mechanical pulping processes and processes
using secondary or non-wood fibers, including unbleached paper mills of the type
the Company operates. The Company met regulatory deadline requirements and is
currently in compliance with the Cluster Rule MACT I and MACT III Standards
pertaining to air quality. Compliance with these initial standards was achieved
at a capital cost of approximately $10 million through fiscal 2001.
     Not included in the Phase I regulations, as promulgated, was the MACT II
Standard for the control of hazardous air pollutant emissions from pulp and
paper combustion sources. The MACT II rule was subsequently promulgated by the
EPA in January 2001 and contains standards for particulate matter emissions from
existing sources, including combustion sources of the type the Company operates.
Regulatory review of Company emission sources, in context with the newly
promulgated MACT II requirements, indicates that capital costs associated with
achieving compliance will not be significant and most of which have been
captured in the expenditure estimates noted above.
     Also not included in the Phase I Cluster Rules were new effluent (water)
quality standards for unbleached paper mills. The EPA maintains that Phases II

                                       6
<PAGE>

and III of the Cluster Rule, which deal with requirements for the Pulp, Paper,
and Paperboard category under the NPDES program, are expected to be promulgated
by 2003. Preliminary estimates indicate that the Company could be required to
make total capital expenditures of approximately $16 million (included in the
overall number above) over three years following issuance of these final rules,
with approximately 75 percent to be spent in the first two years.
     The ultimate financial impact to the Company of these regulations cannot be
predicted with certainty and will depend upon several factors, including an
unforeseen change in final rules, the outcome of litigation, new developments in
process-control technology and the impact of inflation.

EMPLOYEES At September 30, 2001, the Company employed approximately 4,800
people. Approximately 71 percent of the Company's employees are hourly wage
employees, who are members of various labor unions. In fiscal 2001, labor
contracts covering approximately 32 percent of the Company's union employees
expired, and were renegotiated. By the end of fiscal 2002, labor contracts
covering 14 percent of the Company's union employees are scheduled to expire and
be renegotiated, including the Pine Bluff Mill contract that will expire on
March 31, 2002.
   The Company believes that it has satisfactory relations with its employees
and their unions and, based on previous experience, does not anticipate any
significant difficulties in renegotiating labor contracts as they expire.

                                       7
<PAGE>


Item 2.  PROPERTIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MANUFACTURING PROPERTIES The Company's plants are maintained in generally good
condition and management believes they are suitable for their specific purposes.
Set forth below is certain information concerning these facilities at September
30, 2001:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               OWNED/
PLANT                            PRODUCTS                                      LEASED
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>                                           <C>
Mills:
Antioch, California              Containerboard                                Owned
Bogalusa, Louisiana              Containerboard and unbleached kraft paper     Owned
Pine Bluff, Arkansas             Unbleached kraft paper and containerboard     Owned

Corrugated Plants:
Antioch, California              Corrugated containers                         Owned
Atlanta, Georgia                 Corrugated containers                         Owned
Bogalusa, Louisiana              Corrugated containers and solid fibre         Owned
Carol Stream, Illinois           Corrugated containers                         Owned
City of Industry, California     Corrugated sheets                             Owned
Dallas, Texas                    Corrugated containers                         Leased
Gilroy, California               Corrugated containers                         Leased
Greenville, South Carolina       Corrugated containers                         Owned
Marion, Ohio                     Corrugated containers                         Owned
Newark, Delaware                 Corrugated containers                         Owned
Phoenix, Arizona                 Corrugated containers                         Owned
Raleigh, North Carolina          Corrugated containers                         Owned
St. Louis, Missouri              Corrugated sheets                             Owned
San Antonio, Texas               Corrugated containers                         Leased
San Antonio, Texas               Corrugated sheets                             Owned
Sunnyvale, California            Corrugated sheets                             Owned
Tampa, Florida                   Corrugated containers                         Leased
Tipton, Indiana                  Corrugated sheets                             Leased

Bag Plants:
Alsip, Illinois                  Retail bags                                   Leased
Elizabeth, New Jersey            Retail bags                                   Leased
Hodge, Louisiana                 Retail bags                                   Leased
Pine Bluff, Arkansas             Multiwall bags                                Owned
Plainfield, Illinois             Retail bags                                   Leased
Tolleson, Arizona                Retail bags                                   Leased
Twinsburg, Ohio                  Multiwall bags                                Leased

Other Facilities:
Antioch, California              Electricity cogeneration                      Owned
Bogalusa, Louisiana              Specialty chemicals                           Owned
</TABLE>



       The Bogalusa mill has five paper machines with the capacity to produce
linerboard, corrugating medium and unbleached kraft paper. The mill uses
softwood and hardwood pulp and recycled fiber.
       The Antioch mill has one paper machine with the capacity to produce
recycled linerboard and corrugating medium using 100 percent recycled fiber.
       The Pine Bluff mill has one paper machine with the capacity to produce
unbleached kraft paper and linerboard. The mill uses softwood pulp and recycled
fiber. See "Business - Products."

                                       8
<PAGE>


OTHER PROPERTIES The Company leases its executive and general and administrative
offices in Deerfield, Illinois. It also leases numerous warehouse facilities and
sales offices throughout the United States.


Item 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings other than litigation
incidental to normal business activities, except as described in "Note 15 of
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements." The Company believes the outcome of
such litigation will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial position, results of operations or cash flows.


Item 4.  SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2001.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT Marvin A. Pomerantz has served as Chairman,
Chief Executive Officer and a director of the Company since its organization in
1986. Since 1960, Mr. Pomerantz has served as Chairman or President and a
director of Mid-America Group, Ltd. From 1980 to 1982, he served as President of
the Diversified Group, and later as Executive Vice President of Navistar
International Corp., a truck manufacturer. Mr. Pomerantz formerly served as
President of the Board of Regents for the state universities in Iowa and
formerly served on the Board of Directors of Stone Container Corporation, a
manufacturer of paper packaging products. He has served on the Board of
Directors of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa since 1998, Wells Fargo
Bank Iowa, N.A. since 1975 and Pure Fishing, a sporting goods manufacturer,
since 1976. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the American Forest &
Paper Association and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Institute of
Paper Sciences and Technology. Age 71.
       Daniel P. Casey has served as director of the Company since April 2000
when he was elected Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. He served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company from 1990 to
April 2000 and from 1988 through 1990 as Senior Vice President-Financial and
Legal Affairs. Mr. Casey joined the Company in 1987 as Vice President-Financial
and Legal Affairs. Age 59.
       Michael J. Keough has served as President and Chief Operating Officer of
the Company since April 2000. From 1993 to April 2000, he served as the
Company's Vice President and General Manager-Container Operations and from 1991
to 1993 as Vice President and General Manager-Bag Operations. He also served as
a general manager and, subsequently, regional manager in the Container Division
from 1986 to 1991. Age 50.
       Lawrence G. Rogna has served as Senior Vice President of the Company
since February 1990. From December 1988 through February 1990, Mr. Rogna served
as Vice President-Human Resources of the Company. From 1981 to 1988 he was
employed by Rohr Industries, Inc., a manufacturer of components for aircraft and
space vehicles, where he served as Vice President, Human Resources from 1983 to
1988. Age 55.

                                       9
<PAGE>

PART 2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK, WARRANTS AND
         RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company had 511 and 10 holders of record of its Class A Common Stock,
par value $.0001 per share (Class A Common Stock) and redeemable exchangeable
Warrants (Warrants), respectively, at November 27, 2001.
     The Company's Class A Common Stock and Warrants are listed and traded on
the American Stock Exchange under the symbols GCR and GCRWS, respectively. On
July 31, 1996, all outstanding Warrants became exercisable and could be
exchanged for one share of Class A Common Stock. As of September 30, 2001, the
Company had outstanding 55,980,272 shares of Class A Common Stock (including
827,135 shares held in trust for the benefit of the Warrant holders) and 827,135
Warrants. See "Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
     Information with respect to quarterly high and low stock prices for the
Company's Class A Common Stock and Warrants for each quarterly period for fiscal
2001 and fiscal 2000 is contained in "Note 21 of Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements."
     The Company's Board of Directors authorized in fiscal 1996 the repurchase
of up to 6 million shares of the Company's Class A Common Stock. The shares may
be repurchased from time to time on the open market and will be used for general
corporate purposes, including issuance in connection with the Company's employee
stock option plans and employee stock purchase plan. No shares were repurchased
in fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 or fiscal 1999.
     The Company neither declared nor paid any dividends on its common stock
during fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 or fiscal 1999. The Company does not currently
intend to pay cash dividends on its Class A Common Stock, but intends instead to
retain future earnings for reinvestment in the business and for repayment of
debt.
     The Company's ability to declare or pay dividends or distributions on its
capital stock or to repurchase or redeem shares of its capital stock is limited
under the terms of its debt agreements. See "Note 8 of Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements."

                                       10
<PAGE>


Item 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated financial data
for the Company. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the
Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
included herein.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                Year Ended September 30, (1)
INCOME STATEMENT DATA:                       -------------------------------------------------------------
In millions, except per share data                  2001         2000         1999       1998        1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
Net sales                                         $1,104.3     $1,167.6     $  870.6   $  842.6    $ 759.3
Cost of goods sold                                   944.5        972.8        757.5      758.0      717.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross margin                                         159.8        194.8        113.1       84.6       42.0
Selling and administrative costs                    (102.7)      (113.9)       (98.4)     (91.3)     (81.1)
Non-recurring operating income (charges) (2)         (11.6)        14.4           --         --         --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating earnings (loss)                             45.5         95.3         14.7       (6.7)     (39.1)
Interest expense - net                               (91.2)       (91.7)       (85.4)     (82.1)     (80.7)
Other income (expense) - net                           2.2          1.5         (4.5)      (4.2)      (1.6)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before income taxes                    (43.5)         5.1        (75.2)     (93.0)    (121.4)
Income tax benefit (provision)                        16.1         (2.7)        28.8       35.6       47.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
   items and accounting change                       (27.4)         2.4        (46.4)     (57.4)     (74.3)
Extraordinary loss (3)                                  --           --           --      (25.1)      (7.7)
Accounting change (4)                                  0.1           --           --         --         --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net income (loss)                                 $  (27.3)    $    2.4     $  (46.4)  $  (82.5)   $ (82.0)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Earnings (loss) per share:
   Basic:
      Income (loss) before extraordinary
         items and accounting change              $  (0.49)    $   0.05     $  (0.87)  $  (1.08)   $ (1.40)
      Extraordinary loss (3)                            --           --           --      (0.47)     (0.15)
      Accounting Change (4)                             --           --           --         --         --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income (loss)                              $  (0.49)    $   0.05     $  (0.87)  $  (1.55)   $ (1.55)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Diluted (5):
      Income (loss) before extraordinary
         items and accounting change              $  (0.49)    $   0.05     $  (0.87)  $  (1.08)   $ (1.40)
      Extraordinary loss (3)                            --           --           --      (0.47)     (0.15)
      Accounting Change (4)                             --           --           --         --         --
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income (loss)                              $  (0.49)    $   0.05     $  (0.87)  $  (1.55)   $ (1.55)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common
   shares outstanding                                 55.7         53.8         53.4       53.2       52.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted average common and common
   share equivalents                                  55.7         54.0         53.8       53.9       53.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:                                                    September 30,
                                              ------------------------------------------------------------
In millions                                         2001         2000         1999         1998      1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Current assets                                   $  263.6     $  261.1     $  240.1     $  210.8   $ 204.2
Property - net                                      539.4        575.0        558.9        573.4     586.1
Other assets                                        212.9        198.1        219.0        195.6     139.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets                                     $1,015.9     $1,034.2     $1,018.0     $  979.8   $ 929.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Current liabilities                              $  141.0     $  162.3     $  144.4     $  127.3   $ 167.3
Long-term debt (less current
   maturities)                                      936.5        911.2        924.8        863.3     701.7
Other long-term liabilities                          52.8         47.5         39.6         36.7      26.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities                                 1,130.3      1,121.0      1,108.8      1,027.3     895.3
Stockholders' equity (deficit)                     (114.4)       (86.8)       (90.8)       (47.5)     34.6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and
   stockholders' equity (deficit)                $1,015.9     $1,034.2     $1,018.0     $  979.8   $ 929.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) The Company operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year. Fiscal 2001 was a 53-week
year, while fiscal 1997 through fiscal 2000 were 52-week years.

                                       11
<PAGE>



(2) In fiscal 2001, the Company recorded an $11.6 million charge associated with
a fixed asset impairment writedown of the Company's retail bag operations.
    In fiscal 2000, the Company recorded a $14.4 million gain on the sale of
emission credits that were held in California.

(3) In fiscal 1998, the Company issued $200 million principal amount of 9 3/8%
Senior Notes due in 2007 and $250 million principal amount of 9 7/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due in 2008 and used the proceeds to redeem and retire all of
the then outstanding senior subordinated debentures ($404.3 million principal
amount) due in 2005. The early retirement of debt resulted in an extraordinary
loss of $23.9 million, net of an income tax benefit of $14.8 million. In
addition, in fiscal 1998, the Company refinanced its bank credit facility
establishing a term loan and a new revolving credit facility. The Company used
the proceeds to retire a revolving loan, repay a portion of the Trade Receivable
Facility and for general corporate purposes. In conjunction with this
refinancing, an extraordinary loss of $1.2 million was recognized, net of an
income tax benefit of $0.7 million.

    In fiscal 1997, the Company issued $225 million principal amount of 9 3/4%
Senior Notes due in 2007 and used the proceeds to redeem and retire all of the
then outstanding senior notes ($179.7 million principal amount) due in 2001 and
to repay borrowings under the revolving portion of its credit facilities. The
early retirement of debt resulted in an extraordinary loss of $7.7 million, net
of an income tax benefit of $5.0 million.

(4) Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", as amended, which establishes accounting and reporting standards
for derivative instruments. The cumulative effect of this accounting change was
the recognition of income (net of taxes) of $0.1 million.

(5) Basic and diluted loss per common share are equal in fiscal 2001, fiscal
1999, fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1997 due to the antidilutive effect of the common
share equivalents.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 7.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
         CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL Demand for brown paper packaging has corresponded primarily to changes
in the rate of growth of the manufacturing sector in the U.S. economy and the
strength of the U.S. dollar. The rationalization of capacity associated with
industry consolidation activities and reduced capacity utilization rates over
the past several years combined with limited new containerboard capacity have
resulted in relatively balanced industry supply/demand conditions despite recent
declining domestic and export demand.
     Demand for unbleached kraft paper has declined in recent years due to
displacement by plastics. The Company can vary its production of unbleached
kraft paper, depending on market conditions, because all four of the Company's
paper machines that regularly produce unbleached kraft paper also have the
capability to produce containerboard.
     At the end of fiscal 2001, published prices for linerboard declined
approximately 9 percent from fiscal 2000 year-end due to weaker domestic
economic conditions and the strength of the U.S. dollar versus foreign
currencies. Fiscal 2000, fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998 year-end published
linerboard prices increased year over year by approximately 6 percent, 16
percent and 12 percent, respectively, from a cyclical low in fiscal 1997.

                                       12
<PAGE>

Fiscal 2001 year-end published grocery sack paper prices decreased 3 percent
from fiscal 2000 and increased year-end-over-year-end 9 percent and 3 percent
for fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Year ended September 30, 2001 (fiscal 2001) Compared with
Year ended September 30, 2000 (fiscal 2000). Net sales for fiscal 2001 were
$1,104.3 million, a decrease of 5.4 percent compared with net sales of $1,167.6
million in fiscal 2000. Operating income for fiscal 2001 was $45.5 million
compared with $95.3 million in fiscal 2000. Fiscal 2001 resulted in a net loss
of $27.3 million, or $0.49 per share, compared to net income of $2.4 million, or
$0.05 per share in fiscal 2000.
     Sales in fiscal 2001 were unfavorably affected by lower volume ($57
million) and lower average net selling prices ($6 million) for most of the
Company's paper products. Weakened domestic economic conditions and the relative
strength of the U.S. dollar versus foreign currencies were the primary causes of
the reduced volume and lower selling prices.
     Gross margin decreased to $159.8 million in fiscal 2001 from $194.8 million
in the prior year primarily due to higher energy costs ($37 million), lower
volume ($21 million) and lower average net selling prices ($14 million,
including $8 million of higher containerboard and kraft paper costs) partially
offset by lower fiber costs ($40 million).
     Corrugated shipments decreased approximately 4 percent in fiscal 2001, a
53-week year, to 14.9 billion square feet compared to 15.6 billion square feet
in fiscal 2000, a 52-week year, primarily as a result of weaker domestic
economic conditions in the last three quarters of fiscal 2001. Adjusting for the
additional week in fiscal 2001 corrugated shipments declined approximately 6
percent. Industrial and retail bag shipments increased to 303.2 thousand tons in
fiscal 2001 from 294.6 thousand tons in the prior year. S&G Packaging was
acquired and consolidated with the Company's operations on October 28, 1999.
Total mill production decreased by 5 percent to 3,922 tons per day (TPD,
calculated on the basis of the number of days in the period) in fiscal 2001
compared to 4,137 TPD in fiscal 2000, primarily as a result of market-related
downtime. Containerboard production decreased approximately 4 percent to 3,286
TPD in fiscal 2001 compared to 3,414 TPD in fiscal 2000. Unbleached kraft paper
production decreased approximately 12 percent to 636 TPD in fiscal 2001 compared
to 723 TPD in fiscal 2000.
     Average selling prices remained relatively unchanged for corrugated
products, increased approximately 5 percent for multiwall bags and decreased 5
percent for retail bags in fiscal 2001 compared to fiscal 2000. Average selling
prices increased for the Company's unbleached kraft paper by approximately 6
percent and decreased for the Company's domestic linerboard and export
linerboard, by approximately 7 percent and 14 percent, respectively, in fiscal
2001 compared to fiscal 2000.
     Fiber costs decreased primarily due to lower average delivered costs for
wood chips and recycled fiber (which consist primarily of old corrugated
containers (OCC) and double-lined kraft (DLK) clippings). The average delivered
cost of wood chips decreased by 4 percent while the average delivered cost for
OCC and DLK decreased approximately 40 percent and 48 percent, respectively, in
year over year comparisons.
     Commencing in fiscal 2001, natural gas market prices became extremely
volatile due to supply/demand imbalances and increased dramatically. To mitigate
this volatility, the Company entered into a series of fixed price supply
contracts through March 2002 for a substantial portion of its natural gas
requirements at its paper mills. Despite these efforts, the Company's cost of
natural gas increased by approximately $35 million, an increase of approximately
117 percent over the preceding year.
     Selling and administrative costs were $102.7 million in fiscal 2001
compared to $113.9 million in fiscal 2000. This decrease was due primarily to
staff reductions, reduced use of outside consultants, tightening of

                                       13
<PAGE>

incentive programs and the elimination of non-essential travel, all resulting
from the Company's cost reduction program.
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, a review of the Company's retail bag
operations resulted in a fixed asset impairment writedown of $11.6 million. In
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, emission credits in California with a book
value of $5.6 million were sold for $20.1 million. This resulted in a gain of
$14.4 million after deducting costs associated with the sale of approximately
$0.1 million.
     Net interest expense was essentially flat year over year as higher average
debt levels were offset by lower interest rates.
     The Company recorded a tax benefit of $16.1 million in fiscal 2001 compared
to a tax provision of $2.7 million in fiscal 2000. The effective tax rate was
approximately 37 and 53 percent in fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000, respectively.
The unusually high tax rate in fiscal 2000 was the result of the relatively high
level of permanent differences between book and taxable income compared to the
low level of pre-tax income.

Year ended September 30, 2000 (fiscal 2000) Compared with Year ended September
30, 1999 (fiscal 1999). Net sales for fiscal 2000 were $1,167.6 million, an
increase of 34 percent compared with net sales of $870.6 million in fiscal 1999.
Operating income for fiscal 2000 was $95.3 million compared with $14.7 million
in fiscal 1999. Fiscal 2000 resulted in a net profit of $2.4 million, or $0.05
per share, compared to a net loss of $46.4 million, or $0.87 per share in fiscal
1999.
     Sales in fiscal 2000 were favorably affected by higher average net selling
prices and higher corrugated shipments, which increased net sales by
approximately $139.5 million and approximately $14.0 million, respectively.
Also, the acquisition of S&G Packaging increased net sales $143.6 million in
fiscal 2000.
     Gross margin increased to $194.8 million in fiscal 2000 from $113.1 million
in the prior year primarily due to higher prices for the Company's products of
$118 million net of $22 million of higher containerboard and kraft paper costs.
The higher prices were somewhat offset by higher fiber costs of $25 million and
higher energy costs of $8 million.
     Corrugated shipments increased approximately 3 percent in fiscal 2000 to
15.6 billion square feet compared to 15.2 billion square feet in fiscal 1999,
primarily as a result of increased demand for our products. Multiwall bag
shipments increased approximately 8 percent to 58.0 thousand tons in fiscal 2000
compared to 53.5 thousand tons in the prior year. Total mill production
decreased by 3.3 percent to 4,137 tons per day in fiscal 2000 compared to 4,279
TPD in fiscal 1999 as a result of the Company taking market related downtime.
Containerboard production decreased approximately 4 percent to 3,414 TPD in
fiscal 2000 compared to 3,554 TPD in fiscal 1999. Unbleached kraft paper
production remained relatively unchanged at 723 TPD in fiscal 2000 compared to
725 TPD in fiscal 1999.
     Average selling prices increased approximately 17 percent for corrugated
products and increased approximately 4 percent for multiwall bags in fiscal 2000
compared to fiscal 1999. Average selling prices increased for the Company's
domestic linerboard, export linerboard and unbleached kraft paper by
approximately 27 percent, 24 percent and 19 percent, respectively, in fiscal
2000 compared to fiscal 1999.
     Fiber costs increased primarily due to higher average delivered costs for
recycled fiber. The average delivered cost for OCC and DLK increased
approximately 45 percent and 46 percent, respectively, in fiscal 2000 compared
to fiscal 1999, primarily due to increased global demand. In contrast, the
average delivered cost for wood chips decreased by approximately 7 percent in
fiscal 2000 compared to the prior year.
     Selling and administrative costs were $113.9 million in fiscal 2000
compared to $98.4 million in fiscal 1999. This increase was due primarily to the

                                       14
<PAGE>

inclusion of selling and administrative costs of S&G Packaging and management
reorganization costs.
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, emission credits in California with a
book value of $5.6 million were sold for $20.1 million. This resulted in a gain
of $14.4 million after deducting costs associated with the sale of approximately
$0.1 million.
     Net interest expense increased to $91.7 million in fiscal 2000 from $85.4
million in fiscal 1999. Higher average debt levels increased interest expense by
approximately $5.8 million and higher average borrowing rates increased interest
expense by approximately $0.5 million.
     The Company recorded a tax provision of $2.7 million in fiscal 2000
compared to a tax benefit of $28.8 million in fiscal 1999. The effective tax
rate was approximately 53 and 38 percent in fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999,
respectively. The unusually high tax rate in fiscal 2000 was the result of the
relatively high level of permanent differences between book and taxable income
compared to the low level of pre-tax income.


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL The Company has historically financed its operations through cash
provided by operations, borrowings under its credit agreements and the issuance
of debt and equity securities. The Company's principal uses of cash are to pay
operating expenses, fund capital expenditures and service debt. The Company is
currently prohibited from paying dividends and making purchases of additional
common stock by the terms of its bank credit agreement and public debt
securities.
     Net cash provided by operations for fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000 was $3.3
million and $65.0 million, respectively. The decrease was mainly due to reduced
operating earnings as a result of weaker industry and economic conditions and
higher working capital requirements as lower trade payables and accrued
salaries, wages and benefits were only partially offset by reduced inventories
and trade receivables. In addition, when PG&E filed for protection under Chapter
11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in April 2001, the Company had an outstanding
receivable, for electricity sales of $6.5 million. The Company continues to
believe all amounts due from PG&E will be collected.
     Since its inception in 1986, the Company has made significant capital
expenditures primarily to expand capacity, install advanced papermaking
technology, improve product quality, realize operating efficiencies and maintain
its existing facilities. Capital expenditures were $27.8 million in fiscal 2001
and $34.6 million in fiscal 2000 a decrease of $6.8 million. Fiscal 2002 and
beyond capital spending is expected to be in the range of $25 to $30 million,
annually. However, capital spending will be adjusted as market conditions and
available cash flows dictate.

LIQUIDITY At September 30, 2001, the Company had cash and equivalents of $9.2
million, an increase of $8.5 million from September 30, 2000 as cash provided by
operations and financing exceeded cash used in investing activities. Total debt
of $959.9 million increased by $31.8 million from $928.1 million at September
30, 2000. The increase in borrowings was primarily due to decreased earnings
from operations and increased working capital needs. At September 30, 2001, the
Company had approximately $167 million of revolver borrowings outstanding and
approximately $85 million available under the revolving portion of its credit
agreements.
     Consolidation among major containerboard industry producers has resulted in
the reduction of domestic containerboard capacity. This rationalization,
combined with limited new containerboard capacity additions and market related
downtime has resulted in relatively balanced industry supply/demand

                                       15
<PAGE>
conditions despite recent weak domestic and export demand. Due to the weak
demand, published industry prices for linerboard declined $15 per ton in January
2001, an additional $5 per ton in April, July and August 2001 and $10 in
September 2001. In December 2001, low-end published linerboard prices declined
by $5 per ton. In the third fiscal quarter of 2001 published industry prices for
kraft paper declined $20 per ton.
     In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001, average delivered costs for wood
chips decreased by approximately 1 percent compared to the third quarter of the
fiscal year. Average delivered prices for OCC and DLK decreased approximately 2
and 1 percent, respectively, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 compared to
the third quarter of fiscal 2001. Fiber markets are difficult to predict, and
there can be no assurance of the future direction of wood chip, OCC and DLK
prices.
     To manage exposures to natural gas price increases during fiscal 2001, the
Company entered into a series of fixed price purchase contracts for delivery of
natural gas to two of its mills. The contracts, which expire at various dates
through March 2002, were accounted for under the normal purchase exception of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 133 "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended, (SFAS 133) and, accordingly,
are recorded as a cost when the natural gas is delivered. The Company also
entered into a series of natural gas financial swap agreements to manage
exposures to natural gas price increases at one of its mills. Such contracts,
which expire at various dates through March 2002, were accounted for as cash
flow hedges and, accordingly, are recorded at market value as an asset or a
liability at the balance sheet date. Changes to the fair value of such
derivative contracts are recorded to Other comprehensive income (loss). At
September 30, 2001, these derivative contracts represented a liability of $2.3
million with a corresponding unrealized holding loss, net of tax, of $1.1
million included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Under the
terms of the fixed price contacts and the natural gas financial swap agreements
the Company had on deposit at September 30, 2001, approximately $10.8 million
and was classified as a prepaid expense on the balance sheet.
     Average quoted prices for natural gas declined in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2001 by 38 percent when compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2001. In
addition, average quoted natural gas prices declined another 15 percent in the
first three months of fiscal 2002. The natural gas market is difficult to
predict, and there can be no assurance of its future direction.
     In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company renegotiated its credit
agreement to modify the financial covenants to provide it with continued
financial flexibility. In addition to the modifications of the financial
covenants, the amendment immediately reduced the revolving loan facility
commitment by $17.5 million and restricts the availability of an additional
$17.5 million. It also requires the term loan facility and the revolving loan
facility be repaid, as defined, by $20 million on March 31, 2002, and $100
million on December 31, 2002. Finally, the amendment synchronizes the
termination date of the term loan facility with the revolving loan to June 2003
from June 2004. The Company paid an amendment fee of 0.50 percent on the
outstanding commitments and will pay an additional fee of 0.25 percent on May
15, 2002. The amendment increases the borrowing margins to Eurodollar rate plus
5.0 percent, and prime plus 4.0 percent with additional increases of 0.25
percent on each of March 31, 2002, and September 30, 2002. At December 10, 2001,
the Company had approximately $64 million of capacity under its revolving credit
facilities, of which $17.5 million was restricted in its availability.
     Based on current prices for converted and primary products (including the
impact of the December decline in published prices), raw materials and energy
(including current natural gas commitments), and assuming maintenance levels of
capital spending, the Company believes that cash provided by

                                       16
<PAGE>

operations and borrowings available under its credit agreements and asset sales,
will provide adequate liquidity to meet debt service obligations and other
liquidity requirements over the next 18 months. The Company will be required to
refinance its then outstanding bank credit agreement debt by June 2003.


PENDING ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 142,
"Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets", which establishes accounting and
reporting for goodwill and other intangible assets. The Company will adopt this
statement in fiscal 2003 and does not expect the adoption will have a material
impact on its results of operations or financial position.
     In August 2001, FASB issued SFAS 144 "Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets", that is effective for all fiscal years beginning
after December 15, 2001. The purpose of the SFAS 144 is to establish a single
accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale. SFAS 144
establishes that all long-lived assets classified as held for sale are measured
at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell and to cease
depreciation. SFAS 144 also applies to assets held within discontinued
operations, which were formerly measured on a net realizable basis. In addition,
SFAS 144 intends to resolve significant implementation issues related to SFAS
121 "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of". The
Company has not yet assessed the impact of adopting SFAS 144 on its results of
operations or financial position.


Item 7A.  QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interest Rate:

The Company is subject to market risk associated with changes in interest rates
due to its variable rate debt. The impact on the Company's cash flows and
pre-tax results of operations from a 1 percentage point change in interest rates
is approximately $2.6 million.


Derivative Instruments:

The Company entered into a series of natural gas financial swap agreements to
manage exposures to natural gas price increases. The contracts, which expire at
various dates through March 2002, were accounted for as cash flow hedges and
accordingly are recorded as an asset or a liability at the balance sheet date
equal to their market value. Changes to the fair value of such derivative
contracts are recorded to Other comprehensive income (loss).
         The potential change in fair value resulting from a 10 percent change
in the underlying natural gas price would be approximately $0.5 million.

                                       17
<PAGE>









                      -------------------------------------


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS IN THIS FILING, INCLUDING THOSE IN THE FOOTNOTES TO
THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, ARE MADE PURSUANT TO THE SAFE HARBOR PROVISIONS OF THE
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995. WHEN USED IN THIS FILING, THE
WORDS "BELIEVES," "PROJECTED," "EXPECTS," "ANTICIPATES," "ESTIMATES" AND SIMILAR
EXPRESSIONS ARE INTENDED TO IDENTIFY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. SUCH
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES AND ACTUAL
RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY. SUCH RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE
NOT LIMITED TO, GENERAL ECONOMIC AND BUSINESS CONDITIONS BOTH IN THE U.S., AND
GLOBALLY, COMPETITIVE MARKET PRICING, INCREASES IN RAW MATERIAL, ENERGY AND
OTHER MANUFACTURING COSTS, FLUCTUATIONS IN DEMAND FOR THE COMPANY'S PRODUCTS,
POTENTIAL EQUIPMENT MALFUNCTIONS, PENDING LITIGATION AND TIMING AND COMPLETION
OF TEMPLE-INLAND'S ANNOUNCED TENDER OFFERS FOR THE COMPANY'S SECURITIES AND THE
RELATED MERGER TRANSACTION.

                                       18
<PAGE>


Item 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


                 Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries


INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                                                            Page
Independent Auditors' Report                                                 20
 ................................................................................
Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2001 and 2000                   21
 ................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years
Ended September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999                                      22
 ................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the Years
Ended September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999                                      23
 ................................................................................
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years
Ended September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999                                      24
 ................................................................................
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                   25
 ................................................................................


                                       19
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT


Gaylord Container Corporation:

       We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Gaylord
Container Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company") as of September 30,
2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, of
stockholders' equity (deficit) and of cash flows for each of the three years in
the period ended September 30, 2001. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule of the Company for each of the three years in the period
ended September 30, 2001, listed in Item 14a. These financial statements and the
financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
financial statement schedule based on our audits.
       We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
       In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of Gaylord Container Corporation
and its subsidiaries at September 30, 2001 and 2000, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
September 30, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement
schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial
statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information shown therein.



Deloitte & Touche LLP

Chicago, Illinois
October 31, 2001 (December 10, 2001, as to Notes 1, 8, 11, 12 and 15)


                                       20
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAYLORD CONTAINER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SEPTEMBER 30, 2001 AND 2000

<Table>
<Caption>

In millions                                                                                       2001               2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                             <C>                <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and equivalents                                                                          $ 9.2              $ 0.7
   Trade receivables (less allowances of $8.1 and
       $7.8, respectively) (Note 8)                                                              138.6              149.6
   Inventories (Note 4)                                                                           84.1               92.6
   Prepaid expenses                                                                               16.3                5.5
   Other                                                                                          15.4               12.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total current assets                                                                        263.6              261.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Property - net (Notes 2, 5 and 13)                                                               539.4              575.0
Other assets:
   Deferred charges (Note 6)                                                                      15.4               19.1
   Deferred income taxes (Note 7)                                                                165.9              147.1
   Other (Notes 3 and 8)                                                                          31.6               31.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                                        $ 1,015.9          $ 1,034.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
   Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 8)                                                $ 23.4             $ 16.9
   Trade payables                                                                                 45.1               59.9
   Accrued interest payable                                                                       15.7               16.7
   Accrued and other liabilities (Note 9)                                                         56.8               68.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total current liabilities                                                                   141.0              162.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-term debt (Note 8)                                                                          936.5              911.2
Other long-term liabilities (Note 9)                                                              52.8               47.5
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)                                                              -                  -
Stockholders' equity (deficit) (Notes 10, 11 and 12)
   Class A common stock                                                                              -                  -
   Capital in excess of par value                                                                180.3              179.1
   Accumulated deficit                                                                          (283.5)            (254.9)
   Common stock in treasury - at cost                                                             (8.8)             (10.3)
   Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss):
     Unrealized holding loss (Note 20)                                                            (1.1)                 -
     Minimum pension liability (Note 14)                                                          (1.3)              (0.7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total stockholders' equity (deficit)                                                       (114.4)             (86.8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total                                                                                        $ 1,015.9          $ 1,034.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                       21
<PAGE>
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAYLORD CONTAINER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, 2000, AND 1999

<Table>
<Caption>

In millions, except per share data                                                      2001              2000            1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                  <C>               <C>               <C>
Net sales                                                                            $ 1,104.3         $1,167.6          $870.6
Cost of goods sold                                                                       944.5            972.8           757.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Gross margin                                                                          159.8            194.8           113.1
Selling and administrative costs                                                        (102.7)          (113.9)          (98.4)
Non-recurring operating income (charges)(Note 2)                                         (11.6)            14.4               -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Operating earnings                                                                     45.5             95.3            14.7
Interest expense - net (Note 8)                                                          (91.2)           (91.7)          (85.4)
Other income (expense) - net                                                               2.2              1.5            (4.5)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Income (loss) before taxes and
      accounting change                                                                  (43.5)             5.1           (75.2)
Income tax benefit (expense) (Note 7)                                                     16.1             (2.7)           28.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Income (loss) before accounting change                                                (27.4)             2.4           (46.4)
Accounting change (Note 20)                                                                0.1                -               -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income (loss)                                                                   $ (27.3)           $ 2.4          $(46.4)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income (loss) per common share (Note 21):
   Basic and diluted:
     Income (loss) before accounting change                                            $ (0.49)          $ 0.05          $(0.87)
     Accounting change (Note 20)                                                             -                -               -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income (loss)                                                                   $ (0.49)          $ 0.05          $(0.87)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.



                                       22
<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAYLORD CONTAINER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, 2000, AND 1999
<Table>
<Caption>
                                        Common stock                                                      Accumulated
                                    -------------------                                                      other        Total
                                         Class A         Capital in   Accumulated      Treasury stock    comprehensive stockholders'
                                    -------------------  excess of     earnings     --------------------     income      equity
Dollars in millions                 Shares      Dollars  par value     (deficit)    Shares       Dollars     (loss)     (deficit)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>       <C>         <C>           <C>          <C>       <C>            <C>
Balance at
October 1, 1998                   54,786,492     $ -      $ 177.4     $ (210.6)     1,512,564    $ (11.2)  $ (3.1)        $ (47.5)
Comprehensive income (loss)
  Net loss                                 -       -            -        (46.4)             -          -        -           (46.4)
  Other comprehensive income:
    Adjustment of minimum
      pension liability                    -       -            -            -              -          -      2.0             2.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total comprehensive income (loss)        -       -            -        (46.4)             -          -      2.0           (44.4)
Options exercised                    168,151       -          0.6            -              -          -        -             0.6
Restricted stock - net                 4,650       -          0.2            -              -          -        -             0.2
Other                                 32,116       -            -            -        (44,598)       0.3        -             0.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at
September 30, 1999                54,991,409       -        178.2       (257.0)     1,467,966      (10.9)     (1.1)         (90.8)
Comprehensive income
  Net income                               -       -            -          2.4              -          -         -            2.4
  Other comprehensive income:
    Adjustment of minimum
      pension liability                    -       -            -            -              -          -       0.4            0.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total comprehensive income               -       -            -          2.4              -          -       0.4            2.8
Options exercised                     29,235       -          0.2            -              -          -         -            0.2
Restricted stock - net               196,100       -          0.7            -              -          -         -            0.7
Other                                  6,950       -            -         (0.3)       (73,373)       0.6         -            0.3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at
September 30, 2000                55,223,694       -         179.1       (254.9)    1,394,593      (10.3)      (0.7)        (86.8)

Comprehensive (loss)
  Net loss                                                       -        (27.3)            -          -                    (27.3)
  Other comprehensive loss:
    Adjustment of minimum
      pension liability                                                                                        (0.6)         (0.6)
    Unrealized holding loss                                      -            -             -          -       (1.1)         (1.1)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total comprehensive loss                 -       -             -        (27.3)            -          -       (1.7)        (29.0)
Restricted stock - net             1,942,000       -           1.2            -             -          -          -           1.2
Other                                      -       -             -         (1.3)     (209,171)       1.5          -           0.2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at
September 30, 2001                57,165,694     $ -       $ 180.3      $ (283.5)   1,185,422     $ (8.8)     $ (2.4)     $(114.4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                       23
<PAGE>

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAYLORD CONTAINER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001, 2000, AND 1999
<Table>
<Caption>

In millions                                                                   2001             2000       1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                         <C>              <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATIONS:
Net income (loss)                                                          $ (27.3)        $    2.4   $  (46.4)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
  cash provided by (used in) operations:
    Asset impairment (Note 2)                                                 11.6               -          -
    Depreciation and amortization                                             54.9             53.1       53.0
    Deferred tax expense (benefit)                                           (16.1)             2.3      (28.8)
    Acquisition restructuring expenditures                                    (1.8)            (1.5)      (0.4)
    Change in current assets and liabilities,
      excluding acquisitions and dispositions:
        Receivables                                                           11.0             15.2      (27.4)
        Inventories                                                            8.5              3.2        6.1
        Prepaid expenses and other current assets                            (15.0)            (1.1)      (3.0)
        Accounts payable and other accrued liabilities                       (28.6)           (13.9)      17.8
    Other - net                                                                6.1              5.3        7.4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) operations                                      3.3             65.0      (21.7)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTMENTS:
  Capital expenditures                                                       (27.8)           (34.6)     (19.7)
  Capitalized interest                                                        (0.6)            (0.5)      (0.6)
  Proceeds from asset sales                                                    2.3               -          -
  Acquisition - net                                                             -               1.4         -
  Other investments - net                                                      0.5             (0.8)      (2.2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investments                                                 (25.6)           (34.5)     (22.5)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING:
  Senior debt repayments (Note 17)                                           (17.8)           (63.7)      (9.5)
  Debt issuance costs                                                           -              (1.8)        -
  Revolving credit agreement borrowings - net (Note 17)                       49.3             23.0       56.5
  Other financing - net                                                       (0.7)             2.3        1.9
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing                                      30.8            (40.2)      48.9
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents                                8.5             (9.7)       4.7
Cash and equivalents, beginning of year                                        0.7             10.4        5.7
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and equivalents, end of year                                         $    9.2         $    0.7   $   10.4
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>
See notes to consolidated financial statements.


                                       24
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries



1. GENERAL/SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
         Pending Merger - On September 27, 2001, the Company and Temple-Inland
Inc. (Temple-Inland) announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement
(Merger Agreement). If all conditions to the Merger Agreement are satisfied, the
Company and Temple-Inland would be merged (Merger). Pursuant to the Merger
Agreement, Temple-Inland extended cross-conditional tender offers for all of the
Company's outstanding shares of stock and senior and senior subordinated notes
(collectively, the Notes). Consummation of the Merger is contingent upon, among
other things: (i) at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Company's
stock being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date of
the offer, and (ii) at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes of each series being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior
to the expiration of the offer. The transaction is also subject to regulatory
approval and satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.
         On December 3, 2001 Temple-Inland announced revised terms of the
Merger and extended the expiration date of its offers until January 7, 2002. If
the new offer is accepted, each holder of common stock will receive $1.25 per
share. Holders of the 9 3/8% senior notes due 2007 and the 9 3/4% senior notes
due 2007 will receive $875 per $1,000 principal amount and holders of the 9 7/8%
senior subordinated notes due 2008 will receive $400 per $1,000 principal
amount. If the Merger is consummated, indentures governing each issue of the
Notes will be amended to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive
covenants.
         Nature of Operations - Gaylord Container Corporation (including its
subsidiaries, the Company) is engaged in the integrated production, conversion
and sale of brown paper packaging products. The Company is a major national
manufacturer and distributor of corrugated containers, corrugated sheets,
containerboard, unbleached kraft paper, multiwall and retail bags, and, through
a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary, specialty chemicals.
Collectively corrugated containers and sheets, multiwall and retail bags, solid
fibre products, containerboard and unbleached kraft paper represent
approximately 99 percent of the Company's net sales. Corrugated containers are
produced to customer order primarily for use in shipping their products and as
point-of-sale displays. Containerboard, consisting of linerboard and corrugating
medium, is the principal raw material used to manufacture corrugated containers
and corrugated sheets. The Company also produces unbleached kraft paper, which
it converts into multiwall and retail bags or sells to independent converters.
       At September 30, 2001, the Company's facilities, which are located
throughout the United States, consisted of three containerboard and unbleached
kraft paper mills, thirteen corrugated container plants, five retail bag plants,
five corrugated sheet feeder plants, two multiwall bag plants, a cogeneration
facility and, through a wholly owned, independently operated subsidiary, a
specialty chemical facility.
         Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements
in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
amounts reported and disclosed in the financial statements and accompanying
notes. Such estimates include allowance for bad debts, credit memos, cash
discounts, LIFO valuation, recovery of long lived assets, insurance reserves,
and realization of deferred tax assets. Actual results may differ from such
estimates.
         Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - The Company's accounting
policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America. Significant policies followed are described below:




                                       25
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

         Basis of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements at
September 30, 2001 and 2000, and for the years ended September 30, 2001 (fiscal
2001), September 30, 2000 (fiscal 2000), and September 30, 1999 (fiscal 1999),
include all the accounts of the Company after elimination of intercompany
transactions and balances. The Company operates on a 52/53-week fiscal year.
Fiscal 2001 was a 53-week fiscal year while fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999 were
52-week fiscal years.
         Revenue Recognition - Sales are recognized when the Company's products
are shipped. Shipments to companies with which the Company has reciprocal
purchase agreements (Exchange Partners) are not recognized as sale transactions
in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. In the Consolidated Balance
Sheets, however, trade receivables due from and trade payables due to Exchange
Partners are not eliminated because a contractual right of offset does not
exist.
         Valuation of Long-Lived Assets - The Company reviews its long-lived
assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable (see Note 2).
         Cash and Equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid debt
instruments, including time deposits, bank repurchase agreements and commercial
paper, with an original or purchased maturity of three months or less, to be
cash equivalents.
         Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost
includes materials, transportation, direct labor and manufacturing overhead.
Cost is determined by the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of inventory
valuation.
         Property is stated at cost and includes interest capitalized during
construction periods. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred.
         Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over estimated
useful lives ranging from 10 to 45 years for buildings and improvements and
three to 20 years for machinery and equipment.
         Deferred Financing Costs - Costs incurred in connection with the
issuance of long-term debt or other financing arrangements are capitalized.
Amortization of deferred financing costs is computed using the effective
interest rate method over the term of the related debt and is classified as
interest expense.
         Investment in Affiliates - The equity method of accounting is applied
to affiliates in which the Company's ownership interest is greater than 20
percent but less than or equal to 50 percent. The cost method of accounting is
applied to affiliates in which the Company's ownership interest is less than or
equal to 20 percent.
         Derivatives - At the beginning of fiscal 2001, the Company adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) 133 "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" (SFAS 133), as amended, which establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments and for hedging
activities. SFAS 133 requires that an entity recognize derivatives as either
assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure those instruments at fair
value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative depends on
the intended use of the derivative and the resulting designation.
         The Company designates its derivatives based upon criteria established
by SFAS 133. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective
portion of the derivative's gain or loss is initially reported as a component of
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassified
into cost of goods sold as the hedge and the underlying exposure lapse. The
ineffective portion of the gain or loss is immediately reported in Cost of goods
sold (see Note 20).



                                       26
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries


         Income Taxes - Deferred income taxes are provided using the liability
method for those items for which the period of reporting differs for financial
reporting and income tax purposes in accordance with SFAS 109, "Accounting for
Income Taxes" (see Note 7).
         Earnings Per Common Share is calculated in accordance with SFAS 128,
"Earnings Per Share", (see Note 18).
         Pending Accounting Standards The Company will adopt SFAS 142 "Goodwill
and other Intangible Assets," which establishes accounting and reporting for
goodwill and other intangible assets. Adoption of this statement in fiscal 2003
will not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations or
financial position.
         In August 2001, Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS
144 "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," that is
effective for all fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. The purpose of
SFAS 144 is to establish a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be
disposed of by sale. SFAS 144 establishes that all long-lived assets classified
as held for sale are measured at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value
less cost to sell and to cease depreciation. SFAS 144 also applies to assets
held within discontinued operations, which were formerly measured on a net
realizable basis. In addition, SFAS 144 intends to resolve significant
implementation issues related to SFAS 121 "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived assets to be Disposed Of". The Company has not yet assessed the
impact of adopting SFAS 144 on its results of operations or financial position.

2. NON-RECURRING OPERATING ITEMS
         In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2001 the Company, pursuant to the
requirements of SFAS 121, "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets",
determined that an impairment of the fixed assets of its retail bag operations
had occurred.
         The amount of the impairment was determined based on a market value
from a third party. Based on the third party value, an impairment charge of
$11.6 million was recorded to operating income.
         In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, emission credits in California
with a book value of $5.6 million were sold for $20.1 million. This resulted in
a gain of $14.4 million after deducting costs associated with the sale of
approximately $0.1 million.

3. INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES
         The Company owns a 50 percent interest in Gaylord Central National,
Inc. (GCN), a joint venture formed with Central National-Gottesman, Inc. GCN is
the primary agent for the Company's export sales of containerboard. Product
sales to GCN during fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999 were approximately
$13.9 million, $24.0 million and $20.9 million, respectively.
         At September 30, 2001 the Company also had a 50 percent ownership
interest in a joint venture that, through a wholly owned subsidiary, produced
corrugated sheets and corrugated containers in Mexico. Product sales to the
joint venture during fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, were
approximately $5.3 million, $4.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively. In
October 2001, the Company sold its 50 percent interest to the joint venture
partner for $10 million and will report a pretax gain of approximately
$3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2002.





                                       27
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries


4. INVENTORIES
Inventories consist of:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                 September 30,
                                                                           ---------------------------
In millions                                                                 2001                 2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>                 <C>
Finished products                                                          $ 21.9              $ 29.1
In process                                                                   51.0                53.2
Raw materials                                                                 9.6                 6.7
Supplies                                                                     16.0                14.9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                             98.5               103.9
LIFO valuation adjustment                                                   (14.4)              (11.3)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                                                    $ 84.1              $ 92.6
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

         As a result of a LIFO inventory liquidation in fiscal 2001 and fiscal
2000, the Company's "Cost of goods sold" was $0.2 and $0.1 million higher,
respectively, than it would have been had a liquidation not occurred.



5. PROPERTY - NET
Property consists of:
<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                         September 30,
                                                                                   -------------------------
In millions                                                                          2001             2000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>                <C>
Land                                                                               $ 18.4            $ 18.4
Buildings and improvements                                                          161.5             164.8
Machinery and equipment                                                             945.3             977.8
Construction-in-process                                                               9.9              18.9
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  1,135.1           1,179.9
Accumulated depreciation                                                           (595.7)           (604.9)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                                                            $539.4            $575.0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

         Depreciation expense was $50.0 million, $49.5 million and $49.2 million
in fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively.

6. DEFERRED CHARGES
Deferred charges consist of:
<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                                          September 30,
                                                                                     ------------------------
In millions                                                                           2001             2000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                 <C>              <C>
Deferred financing costs                                                             $ 25.3           $ 25.5
Intangibles                                                                             4.7              4.7
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       30.0             30.2
Accumulated amortization                                                              (14.6)           (11.1)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total                                                                              $ 15.4           $ 19.1
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

         Amortization of deferred charges during fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and
fiscal 1999 was approximately $3.5 million, $2.7 million and $2.8 million,
respectively. Included in these amounts is amortization of deferred financing
costs incurred during fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, and recognized
in interest expense - net, of approximately $2.9 million, $2.3 million and $2.5
million, respectively. In fiscal 2000, the Company deferred approximately $1.8
million of total financing fees in connection with the extension and expansion
of its Trade Receivable Facility (see Note 8) and the amendment of the Credit
Facility covenants.



                                       28
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries


7. INCOME TAXES
The net deferred current and non-current income tax assets, result from the tax
effects of the following temporary differences:

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                                           September 30,
                                                                                    ----------------------------
In millions                                                                            2001             2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                    <C>             <C>
CURRENT
Deferred tax assets:
   Inventory valuation                                                                   $ 1.5            $ 3.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current deferred tax asset                                                               $ 1.5            $ 3.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-CURRENT
Deferred tax assets:
   Net operating loss                                                                   $275.8           $261.5
   Asset write-down                                                                       40.1             39.2
   Debt restructuring expenses                                                             0.3              0.6
   Other long-term liabilities                                                             2.4              2.2
   Deferred compensation                                                                  17.6             18.1
   Other                                                                                  10.1              7.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Sub-total                                                                           346.3            328.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deferred tax liabilities:
   Depreciation                                                                          165.1            166.8
   Capitalized interest                                                                   13.9             13.6
   Other                                                                                   1.4              1.4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Sub-total                                                                           180.4            181.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net non-current deferred tax asset                                                      $165.9           $147.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

       For fiscal 2001 and fiscal 1999 there was no current income tax
provision, while the current income tax provision for fiscal 2000 was $0.4
million and related principally to federal Alternative Minimum Taxes (AMT) and
state income taxes. The payment of AMT results in an AMT credit that may be used
to offset regular federal income taxes when they become payable in the future.
Such AMT credits may be carried forward indefinitely until utilized.
       The deferred income tax benefit for fiscal 2001 and fiscal 1999 was $16.1
million and $28.8 million, respectively. In fiscal 2000 the deferred income tax
provision was $2.3 million including an AMT credit carry-forward. Due to
adjustments to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in fiscal 2001 and
in fiscal 2000, there was a $1.1 million increase and a $0.2 million decrease,
respectively, in the net non-current deferred tax asset (see Note 14 and Note
20). Deferred income taxes result from temporary differences in the period of
reporting revenues, expenses and credits in the financial statements and income
tax return.



                                       29
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries


       Such temporary differences for fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999
and their related deferred income tax benefit (expense) follow:

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                                       Year Ended September 30,
                                                                                -------------------------------------
In millions                                                                        2001          2000          1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                               <C>            <C>           <C>
Depreciation expense                                                               $ 1.7          $4.5          $0.7
Asset write-down                                                                     0.9           0.4          (2.5)
Debt restructuring expenses                                                         (0.3)         (0.4)         (0.3)
Inventory differences                                                               (1.6)          2.5           0.6
Net operating (income) loss                                                         14.3         (14.1)         30.5
Other - net                                                                          1.1           4.8          (0.2)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total deferred income tax benefit (expense)                                      $16.1        $ (2.3)       $ 28.8
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

       Although realization is not assured, management believes it is more
likely than not that all of the Company's deferred tax assets will be realized.
Management believes future taxable income, including but not limited to the
generation of future operating income and reversal of existing temporary
differences and implementation of tax planning strategies and other strategic
alternatives, if needed, will be sufficient to allow the future realization of
the September 30, 2001 deferred tax assets.
       At September 30, 2001, the Company had cumulative regular net operating
loss carry forwards of approximately $676 million, which may be carried forward
and expire beginning in 2008 through the year 2020. At September 30, 2001, AMT
net operating losses of approximately $448 million are available to be carried
forward through the year 2020.

       A reconciliation of income tax (expense) benefit to the amount computed
by applying the statutory federal income tax rates to the income or loss before
income taxes follows:
<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                                 Year Ended September 30,
                                                         -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  2001                     2000                      1999
                                                         ---------------------- --------------------------- ----------------------
                                                                Percentage of             Percentage of             Percentage of
                                                                  loss before             income before               loss before
                                                                       income                    income                    income
In millions                                              Amount         taxes      Amount         taxes      Amount         taxes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>       <C>            <C>         <C>          <C>
Federal statutory income tax                              $15.2           35%       $(1.8)         35%        $26.3         35%
State income taxes - net of
   Federal benefit                                          2.0             5        (0.2)           3          2.5           3
Other, primarily permanent
   differences                                             (1.1)           (3)       (0.7)          15            -           -
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total income tax (expense) benefit                     $16.1            37%      $(2.7)          53%       $28.8          38%
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>


                                       30
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries


8. LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt consists of the following:

<Table>
<Caption>


                                                                                                      September 30,
                                                                                                 ---------------------
In millions                                                                                        2001          2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                <C>        <C>
Trade Receivable Facility, due May 2005 (a)                                                      $  80.3      $  98.0
Revolving Credit Facility, due June 2003 (b)                                                        87.0         20.0
Term Loan, due June 2003 (b)                                                                        94.3        103.0
Senior Notes, 9 3/8%, due June 2007 (c)                                                            200.0        200.0
Senior Notes, 9 3/4%, due June 2007 (c)                                                            225.0        225.0
Pollution control and industrial revenue bonds,
   interest at 5.7% to 8.3%, due at various dates to 2008 (d)                                        7.1          9.4
Capital lease obligations, interest at 8.3%, due at
   various dates to 2011 (e)                                                                         7.5          9.6
Other senior debt, interest at 9.5% to 12.0%, due at various
   dates to 2011 (f)                                                                                 8.7         13.1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total Senior debt                                                                               709.9        678.1
Senior Subordinated Notes, 9 7/8%, due February 2008 (g)                                           250.0        250.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total debt                                                                                      959.9        928.1
Less current maturities                                                                            (23.4)       (16.9)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                                                                                         $ 936.5      $ 911.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

         On December 10, 2001, the Company renegotiated its credit agreement to
modify the financial covenants to provide it with continued financial
flexibility. In addition to the modifications of the financial covenants, the
amendment immediately reduced the revolving loan facility commitment by $17.5
million and restricts the availability of an additional $17.5 million. It also
requires the term loan facility and the revolving loan facility be repaid, as
defined, by $20 million on March 31, 2002, and $100 million on December 31,
2002. Finally, the amendment synchronizes the termination date of the term loan
facility with the revolving loan to June 2003 from June 2004. The Company paid
an amendment fee of 0.50 percent on the outstanding commitments and will pay an
additional fee of 0.25 percent on May 15, 2002. The amendment increases the
borrowing margins to Eurodollar rate plus 5.0 percent, and prime plus 4.0
percent with additional increases of 0.25 percent on each of March 31, 2002, and
September 30, 2002. The balance sheet classification of debt incorporates the
effect of this amendment. At December 10, 2001, the Company had approximately
$64 million of capacity under its revolving credit facilities, of which $17.5
million was restricted in its availability.

       Scheduled aggregate annual principal payments, (reflecting the amended
Credit Facility described above), due on long-term debt during each of the next
five years are (in millions) $23.4, $168.8, $2.6, $1.7 and $1.4, respectively.
These amounts include the debt that was outstanding under the trade receivable
facility and the revolving credit facility at September 30, 2001. The Company
intends to extend or replace these facilities at or prior to their respective
termination dates.

       On September 27, 2001, the Company and Temple-Inland Inc. (Temple-Inland)
announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement (Merger Agreement). If
all conditions to the Merger Agreement are satisfied, the Company and
Temple-Inland would be merged (Merger). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
Temple-Inland extended cross-conditional tender offers for all of the Company's
outstanding shares of stock and senior and senior subordinated notes
(collectively, the Notes). Consummation of the Merger is contingent upon, among
other things: (i) at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the




                                       31
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

Company's stock being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration
date of the offer, and (ii) at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes of each series being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior
to the expiration of the offer. The transaction is also subject to regulatory
approval and satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.
     On December 3, 2001 Temple-Inland announced revised terms of the Merger and
extended the expiration date of its offers until January 7, 2002. If the new
offer is accepted, each holder of common stock will receive $1.25 per share.
Holders of the 9 3/8% senior notes due 2007 and the 9 3/4% senior notes due 2007
will receive $875 per $1,000 principal amount and holders of the 9 7/8% senior
subordinated notes due 2008 will receive $400 per $1,000 principal amount. If
the Merger is consummated, indentures governing each issue of the Notes will be
amended to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants.

     Upon consummation of the Merger, the outstanding Credit Facility and other
senior debt obligations (other than outstanding Notes) of the Company will be
paid or otherwise satisfied.

         (a) In fiscal 1993, the Company established a wholly owned,
special-purpose subsidiary, Gaylord Receivables Corporation (GRC). Concurrently,
GRC and a group of banks established a $70 million trade receivables-backed
revolving credit facility (the Trade Receivable Facility) due in July 2001. In
August 2000 the Company refinanced and expanded the facility. The refinancing
extended the facility to May 2005 and expanded the facility to $125 million. The
additional available liquidity is used for general corporate purposes, including
repayment of the bank revolver, working capital needs and capital expenditures.
Under this program, GRC purchases on an on-going basis substantially all of the
accounts receivable of the Company and transfers the accounts receivable to a
trust in exchange for trust certificates representing ownership interests in the
accounts receivable. The trust certificates received by GRC from the trust are
solely the property of GRC. In the event of liquidation of GRC, the creditors of
GRC would be entitled to satisfy their claims from GRC's assets prior to any
distribution to the Company.
     Various interest rate options are available for Trade Receivable Facility
borrowings based on one or a combination of the following two rates: (i) prime
rate loans at the higher of (a) the prime rate in effect from time to time or
(b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50 percent per annum, or (ii) LIBOR rate loans
at the relevant LIBOR rate plus a borrowing margin of 0.60 percent per annum for
interest periods of one, two or three months. GRC pays a commitment fee of 0.50
percent per annum on the unused credit available under the Trade Receivable
Facility. Credit available under the Trade Receivable Facility is on a
borrowing-base formula. As a result, the full amount of the facility may not be
available at all times. At September 30, 2001, $80.3 million was outstanding and
$6.4 million was available for additional borrowing under the Trade Receivable
Facility. The highest outstanding principal balance under the Trade Receivable
Facility during fiscal 2001 was $102.5 million, and the weighted average
interest rate was 6.27 percent in fiscal 2001 and 6.78 percent in fiscal 2000.
At September 30, 2001 and 2000, the Company's consolidated balance sheet
included $130.9 million and $136.4 million, respectively, of accounts receivable
sold to GRC.

     (b) At September 30, 2001, the Company's bank credit agreement included the
Term Loan Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility (collectively, the Credit
Facility). The Company entered into the Credit Facility in June 1998



                                       32
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

and used the proceeds from the Term Loan Facility to: (i) retire the outstanding
balance on a revolving loan; (ii) repay a portion of the Trade Receivable
Facility; (iii) pay fees and expenses; and (iv) for general corporate purposes.
     Substantially all of the Company's assets, except for the accounts
receivable sold to GRC described in (a) above, are encumbered by liens under the
Credit Facility. The Credit Facility contains normal and customary terms and
conditions including restrictions on: liens, additional indebtedness,
investments, pre-payment of debt, declaration and payment of dividends,
repurchases of stock, guarantees, equity offerings, change of control, capital
expenditures, and asset sales. The Credit Facility also contains covenants
requiring the Company to achieve certain financial criteria each quarter and to
permanently pre-pay the Revolving Loan Facility and the Term Loan Facility with
the proceeds of certain asset dispositions, equity offerings or certain property
insurance and condemnation recoveries. In addition, the Company may be required
to permanently pre-pay a portion of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term
Loan Facility with 50 percent of excess cash flow (as defined). Under the terms
of this provision no payments were required for fiscal 2001, however, a $7.5
million payment was made to the Term Loan Facility in January 2001 relating to
this computation for fiscal 2000. In October 2001, the Company prepaid $10
million of the Term Loan Facility with proceeds from the sale of its interest in
the Mexico joint venture described in Note 3. This $10 million payment is
included in the current maturity of Long Term Debt of the financial statements.
In September 2000, the Company prepaid $20.1 million of the Term Loan Facility
with proceeds from the sale of emission credits (see Note 2).
     During fiscal 2001, interest rate options available on Term Loan Facility
borrowings consisted of one or a combination of the following rates: (i) the
greater of (a) the prime rate plus a borrowing margin of 2.625 percent per annum
or (b) the federal funds rate plus 3.125 percent per annum or (ii) the
Eurodollar rate plus a borrowing margin of 3.625 percent per annum for periods
of one, two, three or six months. In fiscal 2002 and beyond, due to the
amendment described above, these borrowing margins increased. The weighted
average interest rate on the Term Loan Facility was 9.4 percent in fiscal 2001
and 9.5 percent in fiscal 2000.
     At September 30, 2001, the Revolving Credit Facility provided borrowings up
to a maximum of $175 million and repayments in whole or in part without a
prepayment penalty. The same interest rate options are available under the
Revolving Credit Facility as the Term Loan Facility discussed above. The
Revolving Credit Facility also permits issuance of up to $30 million of letters
of credit that reduce the available balance by an equal amount. The Company pays
a commitment fee of 0.50 percent per annum on the unused portion of the
Revolving Credit Facility. The Company's highest outstanding principal balance
during fiscal 2001 was $105.5 million. The weighted average interest rate was
8.8 percent in fiscal 2001 and 9.6 percent in fiscal 2000. At September 30,
2001, $87 million was outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility, $9
million of undrawn standby letters of credit were outstanding and $79 million of
credit was available.

     (c) In fiscal 1998, the Company issued $200 million principal amount of 9
3/8% Senior Notes due June 15, 2007 (the 9 3/8% Notes and together with the 9
3/4% Notes (defined below), the Senior Notes). The 9 3/8% Notes are subject to
redemption on or after June 15, 2002, at the option of the Company, in whole or
in part, at declining redemption prices commencing at 104.688 percent of the
principal amount and declining to 100 percent of the principal amount at June
15, 2005, and thereafter, plus accrued interest to the date of redemption.




                                       33
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

     In fiscal 1997, the Company issued $225 million principal amount of 9 3/4%
Senior Notes due on June 15, 2007 (the 9 3/4% Notes). The 9 3/4% Notes are
subject to redemption on or after June 15, 2002, at the option of the Company,
in whole or in part, at declining redemption prices commencing at 104.875
percent of the principal amount and declining to 100 percent of the principal
amount at June 15, 2005, and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the
date of redemption.
     The Senior Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company and rank
pari passu in right of payment to all senior indebtedness of the Company,
including indebtedness under the Credit Facility. The Senior Notes rank senior
in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Notes (defined below). Interest
on the Senior Notes is payable semi-annually on June 15 and December 15. In
addition, upon the occurrence of a change of control (as defined) each holder of
the Senior Notes has the right to require the Company to repurchase such
holder's notes at a price equal to 101 percent of the principal amount, plus
accrued and unpaid interest to the date of the repurchase. Finally, the Company
would be required to make an offer to repurchase the Senior Notes at 100 percent
of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
repurchase, in the event of certain asset sales.

     (d) The pollution control and industrial revenue bonds were assumed by the
Company at its formation. The Company simultaneously acquired notes receivable
from the previous holder of those bonds for an amount and with terms identical
to those of the bonds. At September 30, 2001 and 2000, such remaining unpaid
notes receivable were approximately $7.1 million and $9.4 million, respectively
and were classified as "Other assets."

     (e) The capital leases have initial terms ranging from five to 14 years.
The capital leases contain covenants, which are standard for these types of
obligations, but do not contain any operating or financial covenants.

     (f) The other senior debt instruments were incurred to acquire certain
assets and are secured by those assets. They have terms ranging from four to 15
years. The other senior debt instruments contain covenants, which are standard
for these types of obligations, but do not contain any operating or financial
covenants.

     (g) In fiscal 1998, the Company issued $250 million principal amount of 9
7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due February 15, 2008 (the Senior Subordinated
Notes). The Senior Subordinated Notes are general unsecured obligations of the
Company and are subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Debt (as defined)
of the Company, including indebtedness under the Credit Facility and the Senior
Notes. The Senior Subordinated Notes would rank pari passu in right of payment
to any future senior subordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Senior
Subordinated Notes rank senior in right of payment to all subordinated
indebtedness. Interest on the Senior Subordinated Notes is payable semi-annually
on February 15 and August 15. The Senior Subordinated Notes are subject to
redemption on or after February 15, 2003, at the option of the Company, in whole
or in part, at declining redemption prices commencing at 105.063 percent of the
principal amount and declining to 100 percent of the principal amount at
February 15, 2006 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date
of redemption. Upon a change of control (as defined), each holder of the Senior
Subordinated Notes has the right to require the Company to repurchase such
holder's Senior Subordinated Notes at a price equal to 101 percent of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
repurchase. Finally, the Company would be required to make an offer to
repurchase the Senior Subordinated



                                       34
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes at 100 percent of the principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest
to the date of repurchase, in the event of certain asset sales.
     The Company has various restrictions under (b), (c) and (g), which limit,
among other things, its ability to (i) incur additional indebtedness, (ii)
create certain liens on the Company's assets, (iii) create guarantees, (iv)
acquire the assets or capital stock of other businesses, (v) dispose of any
material assets, (vi) make any voluntary prepayments of any indebtedness for
money borrowed, (vii) pay, declare, or distribute dividends on or repurchase its
capital stock or warrants and (viii) enter into certain transactions with
affiliates.


9. ACCRUED AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Accrued and other liabilities consist of the following:

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                                            September 30,
                                                                                 -------------------------------
In millions                                                                             2001             2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                   <C>               <C>
CURRENT
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits                                                    $ 26.8           $ 35.4
Sales, property and other taxes                                                            7.8              8.1
Other                                                                                     22.2             25.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total current                                                                        $ 56.8           $ 68.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM
Accrued pension and post-retirement expense                                             $ 48.5           $ 43.6
Other                                                                                      4.3              3.9
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total long-term                                                                        52.8             47.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Total                                                                                $109.6           $116.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>

10. PREFERRED STOCK
The Company is authorized to issue up to 25,000,000 shares of preferred stock.
The right of the holders of Class A Common Stock (see Note 11) voting as a class
are not to be limited by the grant of voting rights to any series of preferred
stock. The Company's Certificate of Incorporation prohibits the issuance of
non-voting preferred stock.

11. COMMON STOCK
On September 27, 2001, the Company and Temple-Inland Inc. (Temple-Inland)
announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement (Merger Agreement). If
all conditions to the Merger Agreement are satisfied, the Company and
Temple-Inland would be merged (Merger). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement,
Temple-Inland extended cross-conditional tender offers for all of the Company's
outstanding shares of stock and senior and senior subordinated notes
(collectively, the Notes). Consummation of the Merger is contingent upon, among
other things: (i) at least two-thirds of the outstanding shares of the Company's
stock being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior to the expiration date of
the offer, and (ii) at least 90% in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding Notes of each series being validly tendered and not withdrawn prior
to the expiration of the offer. The transaction is also subject to regulatory
approval and satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions.
     On December 3, 2001, Temple-Inland announced revised terms of the Merger
and extended the expiration date of its offers until January 7, 2002. If the new
offer is accepted, each holder of common stock will receive $1.25 per share.
Holders of the 9 3/8% senior notes due 2007 and the 9 3/4% senior notes due 2007
will receive $875 per $1,000 principal amount and holders of the 9 7/8% senior
subordinated notes due 2008 will receive $400 per $1,000 principal amount. If
the Merger is consummated, indentures governing each issue of the Notes will



                                       35
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

be amended to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants.
       At September 30, 2001 and 2000, the Company had authorized capital stock
of 125,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share
(Class A Common Stock), of which 57,165,694 shares and 55,223,694 shares were
issued, respectively, and 55,980,272 shares and 53,829,101 shares were
outstanding, respectively.
       At September 30, 2001 and 2000, the Company had authorized capital stock
of 15,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share (Class
B Common Stock), of which no shares were issued and outstanding.
       The Company has outstanding Warrants to obtain one share of Class A
Common Stock per Warrant. At the time the Company issued the Warrants, it also
issued an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock to the Warrant Trustee
for issuance upon exercise of the Warrants (the Trust Stock). The Warrants are
exercisable only for the shares of Trust Stock held by the Warrant Trustee and
the Company has no obligation to issue or deliver shares of stock pursuant to
the Warrants. The Warrant Trustee has agreed to hold the Trust Stock in trust
and to deliver shares of Trust Stock upon exercise of the Warrants by the
holders thereof or exchange of the Warrants on behalf of the Company. The
Warrant Trustee will vote all shares of Trust Stock in proportion to all other
votes by holders of the Common Stock, except upon the occurrence of certain
votes (as defined).
       At September 30, 2001 and 2000, the Company had 827,135 and 843,035
Warrants outstanding, respectively. All of the Company's outstanding Warrants
became exercisable on July 31, 1996, and expire on November 2, 2002. Each
Warrant is exercisable into one share of Class A Common Stock at an exercise
price of $0.0001 per Warrant, which amount was paid at the time of issuance and
is non-refundable. The Company has the option to redeem at any time, all of the
unexercised Warrants in exchange for Class A Common Stock for an amount based on
$16.65 per share divided by the then-current market price of the Class A Common
Stock.
       In fiscal 1996, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
repurchase of up to 6 million shares of Class A Common Stock and canceled a
February 1989 authorization for the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of Class
A Common Stock. No shares were repurchased on the open market in fiscal 2001,
fiscal 2000 or fiscal 1999. At September 30, 2001 and 2000, 1,185,422 shares and
1,394,593 shares, respectively, of Class A Common Stock were held as treasury
stock.
       In June 1995, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a stockholder
Rights Agreement that provides for the distribution of one Preferred Share
Purchase Right for each share of Class A Common Stock. In general, the rights
become exercisable after a person or group announces a tender offer for, or
acquires, 15 percent or more of the outstanding Class A Common Stock. In the
event a right becomes exercisable, the holder of the right may purchase for $50,
one one-hundredth of a share of junior participating preferred stock. If 15
percent of the outstanding Class A Common Stock is acquired, the rights (other
than the rights held by the acquiring person) can be exercised at a price of $50
to purchase shares of Class A Common Stock with a market value of $100. The
rights will expire on June 30, 2005 and may be redeemed by the Company at any
time for $0.0001 per right. In September 2001, the Board of Directors amended
the Rights Agreement to exclude the Temple-Inland offer.
       In July 1994, the Company established a stock purchase plan (the Plan)
for all full-time employees. The Plan permits employees to invest up to 10
percent of their after-tax compensation (as defined) in shares of Class A Common
Stock. All brokerage fees for the purchase of such shares are paid by the
Company. During fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999 the Company issued
209,171 shares, 73,373 shares and 44,598 shares, respectively,



                                       36
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

of Class A Common Stock held as treasury stock to satisfy employee purchases
pursuant to the Plan.
       The Company neither declared nor paid dividends on its Common Stock
during fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 or fiscal 1999. The Company does not currently
intend to pay cash dividends on its Common Stock, but intends instead to retain
future earnings for reinvestment in the business and for repayment of debt. At
September 30, 2001, the Company was prohibited from declaring or paying cash
dividends or repurchasing or redeeming shares of its Common Stock by some of its
debt agreements (see Note 8).

12. STOCK OPTION PLANS
The Company maintains one stock-based plan, the 1997 Long-Term Equity Incentive
Plan (the 1997 Plan), pursuant to which stock options may be granted.
       1997 Plan - The 1997 Plan authorizes the Company to grant stock options
(including both incentive stock options within the meaning of section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), and non-qualified stock
options), stock appreciation rights in tandem with options, restricted stock,
performance awards and any combination of the foregoing to certain directors,
officers and key employees of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company has
granted only non-qualified stock options and restricted stock under the 1997
Plan.
       The Company has reserved 3,500,000 shares of Class A Common Stock for
issuance pursuant to the 1997 Plan. At September 30, 2001, the Company had
outstanding non-qualified stock options under the 1997 Plan covering 932,566
shares at exercise prices ranging from $1.09 to $9.06 per share. During fiscal
2001, the Company granted non-qualified stock options under the 1997 Plan
covering 56,000 shares of Class A Common Stock at an exercise price of $1.09 per
share. The options have 10 year terms and generally vest at the rate of 33 1/3
percent per year commencing one year after the date of grant providing that the
optionee remains continuously in the employ of the Company or one of its
subsidiaries. The options vest 100 percent immediately upon a change in control
of the Company (as defined) or the optionee's death or disability.
       At September 30, 2001, options to purchase 738,107 shares of Class A
Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.63 to $9.06 per share were
exercisable, 9,501 had been exercised and 402,433 shares were available for
future grants.
       During fiscal 2001, the Company granted 1,954,000 restricted shares of
Class A Common Stock under the 1997 Plan. Such shares are restricted in that
unvested shares will be forfeited in the event that the optionee's employment
terminates other than due to death, disability or retirement. The restricted
shares will vest 100 percent in the event of a change in control of the Company
(as defined) or upon the recipient's retirement, death or disability. The
1,954,000 shares of restricted stock granted in 2001 will become 100 percent
vested in fiscal 2006. As to the 211,500 restricted shares granted prior to
fiscal 2001 (10,000 of which were forfeited), 30,000 were 100 percent vested at
September 30, 2001 and 158,500 shares and 13,000 shares will become 100 percent
vested in fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2003, respectively. The pretax compensation
expense recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Operations was $1.2 million
in fiscal 2001, $0.6 million in fiscal 2000 and de minimus in fiscal 1999.
       1989 Plan - The 1989 Plan was terminated according to its terms in fiscal
1999 and no additional options may be granted. At September 30, 2001, the
Company had outstanding non-qualified stock under the 1989 Plan covering 760,237
shares of Class A Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.56 to $11.63
per share.



                                       37
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

       At September 30, 2001, options to purchase 739,736 shares of Class A
Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $2.56 per share to $11.63 per share
were exercisable.
       In general, the outstanding options have 10-year terms and vest at the
rate of 33 1/3 percent per year commencing one year after the date of grant
providing that the optionee remains continuously in the employ of the Company or
one of its subsidiaries. The options vest 100 percent immediately upon a change
in control of the Company (as defined) or the optionee's death or disability.
       At September 30, 2001, the Company had granted 702,400 restricted shares
of Class A Common Stock (132,275 of which have been forfeited under the 1989
plan). Such shares are restricted in that unvested shares will be forfeited in
the event that the optionee's employment terminates other than due to death,
disability or retirement. The restricted shares will vest 100 percent in the
event of a change in control of the Company (as defined) or upon the recipient's
retirement, death or disability. As to the 570,125 restricted shares granted
prior to fiscal 2001, 569,125 were 100 percent vested at September 30, 2001 and
1,000 shares will become 100 percent vested in fiscal 2002. The pretax
compensation expense relating to restricted stock, which was recognized in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations, was $0.1 million in fiscal 2001 and
fiscal 2000 and $0.2 million in fiscal 1999.
       1987 Plan - The 1987 Plan was terminated according to its terms in fiscal
1997 and no additional options may be granted. At September 30, 2001, the
Company had outstanding non-qualified stock options under the 1987 Plan covering
161,600 shares of Class A Common Stock at exercise prices ranging from $3.63 to
$8.94 per share that were exercisable. In general the options have 10-year terms
and vest at the rate of 33 1/3 percent per year commencing one year after the
date of grant, providing that the optionee remains continuously in the employ of
the Company or one of its subsidiaries. The options vest 100 percent immediately
upon a change in control of the Company (as defined) or the optionee's death or
disability.

       The following table details stock option activity (excluding restricted
stock) for fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999:

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                    Stock Options         Exercise Price
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                  <C>                  <C>
Balance at October 1, 1998                                              3,055,091         $2.56 - $12.50
   Grants                                                                 349,900         $2.50 - $ 9.63
   Exercises                                                             (168,151)        $2.56 - $ 7.00
   Forfeitures                                                           (143,033)        $2.50 - $12.50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 1999                                           3,093,807         $2.56 - $11.63
   Grants                                                                 143,500         $2.63 - $ 8.19
   Exercises                                                              (29,235)        $2.56 - $ 3.87
   Forfeitures                                                           (132,000)        $2.56 - $10.88
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2000                                           3,076,072         $2.56 - $11.63
   Grants                                                                  56,000         $1.09
   Exercises                                                                    -           -
   Forfeitures                                                         (1,277,669)        $2.56 - $11.63
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2001                                           1,854,403         $1.09 - $11.63
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>







                                       38
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

Additional information regarding options outstanding as of September 30, 2001 is
as follows:

<Table>
<Caption>
                                   Options Outstanding                                      Options Exercisable
                                -----------------------------------------------         -----------------------------
                                                     Weighted
                                                      Average          Weighted                              Weighted
                                                    Remaining           Average                               Average
Range of                             Number       Contractual          Exercise               Number         Exercise
Exercise Prices                 Outstanding       Life (years)            Price          Exercisable            Price
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>                 <C>              <C>                <C>                <C>
$1.09 - $ 3.88                      685,237              4.35             $3.23              510,776            $3.36
$4.00 - $ 5.63                       37,333              3.93             $4.74               34,000            $4.65
$6.13 - $ 8.25                      797,000              5.92             $7.02              780,831            $7.01
$8.50 - $11.63                      334,833              5.06             $9.81              313,836            $9.84
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1.09 - $11.63                    1,854,403              5.15             $6.08            1,639,443            $6.37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>



The following table details restricted stock activity for fiscal 2001, fiscal
2000 and fiscal 1999:



<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                                    Restricted Stock
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                         <C>
Balance at October 1, 1998                                                                                    580,875
   Grants                                                                                                      42,400
   Forfeitures                                                                                                (37,750)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 1999                                                                                 585,525
   Grants                                                                                                     200,500
   Forfeitures                                                                                                 (4,400)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2000                                                                                 781,625
   Grants                                                                                                   1,954,000
   Forfeitures                                                                                                (10,000)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at September 30, 2001                                                                               2,725,625
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>



       The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS 123,
"Accounting for Stock-based Compensation". SFAS 123 requires pro forma
recognition of compensation expense for stock options awarded based on the fair
value of the options at the date of grant. The fair value of each option grant
is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.
The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants in fiscal 2001:
expected volatility of 76 percent; risk-free interest rate of 5.4 percent; and
expected lives of 5 years. The weighted-average assumptions used for grants in
fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999 were: expected volatility of 69 and 55 percent,
respectively; risk-free interest rate of 5.9 percent in fiscal 2000 and 5.0
percent in fiscal 1999; and expected lives of 5.0 years in both years. The
weighted-average fair value per share of options granted was $1.09, $2.73 and
$2.92 per share in fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. The
weighted-average fair value per share of awards of restricted stock issued in
fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999 was $1.89, $6.20 and $4.38 per share,
respectively.

The pro forma impact on net loss and basic and diluted loss per share of
computing compensation cost for the Company's stock options based on the fair
value on the date of grant follows:
<Table>
<Caption>
                                                                                      September 30,
                                                                       -----------------------------------------
In millions, except per share data                                           2001          2000           1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                       <C>             <C>            <C>
Net income (loss):
    As reported                                                             $(27.3)         $2.4         $(46.4)
    Pro forma                                                                (27.5)          1.1          (48.3)
Basic and diluted income (loss) per share:
    As reported                                                             $(0.49)       $ 0.05         $(0.87)
    Pro forma                                                                (0.49)         0.02          (0.91)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</Table>


                                       39
<PAGE>
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

The pro forma effects on net income (loss) and basic and diluted income (loss)
per share may not be representative of the effects on reported net income or
loss in future years.

     Pursuant to the Merger Agreement as amended, Temple-Inland has an option to
purchase up to 19.9% of the Company's outstanding Class A Common Stock at a
purchase price of $1.25 per share. Temple-Inland may exercise the option if it
has accepted for payment in the tender offer more than 66 2/3% but less than 90%
of the Class A Common Stock outstanding on the date of the exercise, and
exercising the option would result in Temple-Inland holding at least 90% of the
Class A Common Stock outstanding.

13.  LEASES
The Company has capital leases for certain equipment and leasehold improvements
included in "Property - net." The present value of future minimum lease payments
relating to these assets are capitalized based on the lease contract provisions.
Capitalized amounts are amortized over either the term of the lease or the
normal depreciable lives of the assets. All other leases are defined as
operating leases. Lease payments related to operating leases are charged to
expense as incurred. Future minimum lease payments at September 30, 2001 are as
follows (in millions):


                                                           Operating   Capital
Fiscal Year                                                   Leases    Leases
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2002                                                          $ 16.6     $ 1.1
2003                                                            12.8       1.1
2004                                                             8.0       1.1
2005                                                             4.7       1.1
2006                                                             3.4       1.1
2007 and thereafter                                             19.3       5.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total future minimum lease payments                         $ 64.8     $11.3
================================================================================
    Less interest                                                          3.8
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Present value of future minimum lease payments                         $ 7.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     Rent expense for fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999 was $19.4
million, $16.9 million and $14.2 million, respectively.

14.  EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Pension Plan - The Company has a qualified noncontributory defined benefit
pension plan covering substantially all employees who are age 21 or older with
one or more years of service. Pension benefits provided for certain union hourly
employees are established pursuant to the collective bargaining agreements in
effect with their respective unions. For hourly employees the normal retirement
benefit is determined by multiplying years of benefit service by a dollar-amount
benefit factor separately determined for each bargaining unit. For salaried
employees, the plan generally provides a normal retirement benefit equal to the
greater of the benefit accrued at June 30, 1987 or 1.0 percent of final average
earnings (as defined) multiplied by years of credited service before January 1,
1994, plus 1.25 percent of final average earnings multiplied by years of
credited service after December 31, 1993, less 1.0 percent of primary Social
Security benefits for each year of credited service. The Company has a
non-qualified excess benefit plan covering certain designated employees of the
Company whose earned pension benefits would otherwise be restricted by maximum
benefit limitations imposed by Internal Revenue Service regulations.


                                       40
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

The components of net periodic pension cost for the defined benefit plan follow:

                                                  Year Ended September 30,
                                           -------------------------------------
IN MILLIONS                                  2001          2000           1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost                                $  5.0        $  5.4         $  4.8
Interest cost                                 14.0          12.4           11.0
Expected return on plan assets               (15.1)        (14.1)         (12.3)
Net amortization and deferral                 (0.6)          0.2            0.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net periodic pension cost                 $  3.3        $  3.9         $  3.6
================================================================================

Assumptions used to develop the net periodic pension cost were:

                                                  Year Ended September 30,
                                           -------------------------------------
                                             2001          2000           1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Discount rate                                7.50%         8.00%          7.00%
Expected rate of return on plan assets       9.00%         9.00%          9.00%
Expected rate of salary increases            5.00%         5.00%          5.00%

The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation and the plan assets from
the beginning of the fiscal year to the end of the fiscal year follows:

                                                               September 30,
                                                          ----------------------
IN MILLIONS                                                 2001          2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year          $174.7        $166.4
Service cost                                                  5.0           5.4
Interest cost                                                14.0          12.4
Plan amendments                                               1.9           0.6
Actuarial (gain) loss                                        10.0         (10.7)
S&G acquisition                                                -           11.1
Special termination expense                                   0.5            -
Benefits paid                                               (11.4)        (10.5)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation at end of year                $194.7        $174.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year             $166.7        $165.9
Actual return                                                39.0           3.9
Company contributions                                          -            0.2
S&G acquisition                                                -            7.2
Benefits paid                                               (11.4)        (10.5)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year                   $194.3        $166.7
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The funded status of the plan and the amount reported in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets as part of other long-term liabilities for the defined benefit
plan follows:

                                                               September 30,
                                                          ----------------------
IN MILLIONS                                                 2001          2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status                                              $  0.4        $  8.0
Unrecognized net gain                                        42.8          29.7
Unrecognized prior service cost                              (7.4)         (5.8)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued pension liability                                  $ 35.8        $ 31.9
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The Company's funding policy is to contribute annually, amounts necessary
to satisfy the statutory requirements of ERISA. Assets for the defined


                                       41
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

benefit plan are held in a retirement trust fund with investments primarily in
common stock, corporate bonds and government securities.

     Supplemental Executive Retirement Plans - Under the terms of their
employment agreements, Marvin A. Pomerantz (Chairman, Chief Executive Officer
and a director of the Company) and Warren J. Hayford (Former Vice Chairman and a
director of the Company) will receive supplemental annual retirement income
payments at age 65 equal to approximately 50 percent of their average base
salary and bonus for their four most highly compensated years of service with
the Company, less primary Social Security benefits and any amounts received
under the Company's pension plan. The agreements also provide for the reduction
of benefits for early retirement. Mr. Hayford elected early retirement on
December 31, 1992, and is currently receiving benefits under the supplemental
retirement plan. An additional supplemental retirement plan covering eight
current or former officers provides annual retirement payments at age 65 equal
to 60 percent of their average base salary and bonus for the four highest of the
last ten years prior to retirement, less primary Social Security benefits and
any amounts received under the Company's pension plan. Benefits are reduced for
early retirement. In the event of a change of control (as defined) the present
value of the supplemental retirement benefits is payable in a lump sum.




                                       42
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

The components of net periodic pension cost for the supplemental executive
retirement plans follow:

                                                 Year Ended September 30,
                                          --------------------------------------
IN MILLIONS                                 2001           2000          1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Service cost                                $0.1           $0.1          $0.1
Interest cost                                0.9            0.8           0.9
Net amortization and deferral                0.2            0.2           0.2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net periodic pension cost                   $1.2           $1.1          $1.2
================================================================================

Assumptions used to develop the net periodic pension cost were:

                                                 Year Ended September 30,
                                          --------------------------------------
                                            2001           2000          1999
                                          --------------------------------------
Discount rate                               7.50%          8.00%         7.00%
Expected rate of salary increases           5.00%          5.00%         5.00%

The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation and the plan assets from
the beginning of the fiscal year to the end of the fiscal year follows:

                                                              September 30,
                                                        ------------------------
IN MILLIONS                                                2001          2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year         $ 12.0        $ 11.7
Service cost                                                 0.1           0.1
Interest cost                                                0.9           0.8
Actuarial (gain) loss                                        1.2          (0.2)
Benefits paid                                               (0.4)         (0.4)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation at end of year               $ 13.8        $ 12.0
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year            $   -         $   -
Company contributions                                        0.4           0.4
Benefits paid                                               (0.4)         (0.4)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year                  $   -         $   -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The funded status of the plan and the amount reported in the Consolidated
Balance Sheets for the supplemental executive retirement plans follows:

                                                              September 30,
                                                        ------------------------
IN MILLIONS                                                2001          2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status                                             $ 13.8        $ 12.0
Unrecognized net loss                                       (2.6)         (1.5)
Unrecognized prior service cost                             (1.1)         (1.2)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued pension liability                                 $ 10.1        $  9.3
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Company recorded, as part of Other comprehensive income, a minimum pension
liability adjustment of ($0.6) million, $0.4 million and $2.0 million in fiscal
2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. Funding for the supplemental
executive retirement plan is not subject to the statutory requirements of ERISA
and no assets have been set aside to satisfy the liability. All retirement
payments for supplemental plans will be made from general corporate assets.

     Post-retirement Benefits Plan - The Company has an obligation to provide
post-retirement medical benefits to age 65 pursuant to collective bargaining
agreements at five of its facilities.

     The net periodic post-retirement benefit cost was $0.4 million in fiscal
2001 and $0.3 million in fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively.


                                       43
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries


The reconciliation of the projected benefit obligation and the plan assets from
the beginning of the fiscal year to the end of the fiscal year follows:

                                                              September 30,
                                                        ------------------------
IN MILLIONS                                                2001          2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year         $ 2.5         $ 2.9
Interest cost                                               0.2           0.2
Actuarial gain                                              0.4            -
S&G acquisition                                              -            0.1
Special termination expense                                 0.2            -
Benefits paid                                              (0.9)         (0.7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Projected benefit obligation at end of year               $ 2.4         $ 2.5
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year            $  -          $  -
Company contributions                                       0.9           0.7
Benefits paid                                              (0.9)         (0.7)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year                  $  -          $  -
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The funded status of the plans and the amounts reported on the Consolidated
Balance Sheets for the post-retirement benefit plans follows:

                                                              September 30,
                                                        ------------------------
IN MILLIONS                                                2001          2000
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded status                                             $ 2.4         $ 2.5
Unrecognized net loss                                      (0.8)         (0.4)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Accrued post-retirement benefit obligations             $ 1.6         $ 2.1
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The assumed health care cost trend rate used in measuring the accumulated
post-retirement benefit obligations both at September 30, 2001 and September 30,
2000 were 6.0 percent. The discount rate used to calculate the accumulated
post-retirement benefit obligations at September 30, 2001 and 2000 was 7.50
percent and 8.00 percent, respectively. At September 30, 2001, a change of 1.0
percent per year would impact the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation
by $0.1 million and the aggregate of the service and interest cost components of
net periodic post-retirement benefit cost by a de minimus amount.

     Savings Plan - The Company sponsors a defined contribution retirement
savings plan (401k Plan) covering substantially all salaried employees of the
Company subject to certain service requirements. The 401k Plan provides for
employees to make contributions on a pre-tax basis up to a maximum of 15 percent
of their compensation (as defined) each year, with their maximum annual
contribution determined pursuant to Internal Revenue Service regulations. The
Company contributes to each participant's plan account an amount equal to 100
percent of the participant's contribution up to a maximum of 5 percent of the
participant's compensation. The Company's costs relating to the 401k Plan were
$3.4 million in each of fiscal 2001 and fiscal 2000 and $2.6 million in fiscal
1999.

15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company has various agreements, which provide for the purchase of wood
chips, hog fuel (bark and other residual fiber from trees) and stumpage at
market prices.

     The Company has a contract to sell electricity to Pacific Gas & Electric
(PG&E) from its cogeneration facility through 2013. The contract requires the
Company to supply electricity during June, July and August at specified rates


                                       44
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

with a penalty for non-compliance of approximately $7 million. When PG&E filed
for protection under Chapter 11 of the U. S. Bankruptcy Code in April 2001, the
Company had an outstanding receivable, for electricity sales of $6.5 million. In
July 2001, the Company entered into a one-year agreement with PG&E, approved by
the Bankruptcy Court, which provides that the Company will continue to sell PG&E
electricity under the terms of the original contract. After July 2002, the
Company currently believes that sales to PG&E will be at or near terms of the
original contract. The Company continues to believe all amounts due from PG&E
will be collected.

     The Company also has agreements with two suppliers to purchase at market
prices 36,000 tons and 24,000 tons of corrugating medium annually through
October of 2004 and March of 2004, respectively.

     To manage exposures to natural gas price increases during fiscal 2001, the
Company entered into a series of fixed price purchase contracts for delivery of
natural gas to two of its mills. Such contracts expire at various dates through
March 2002.
     The Company also entered into a series of natural gas financial swap
agreements to manage exposures to natural gas price increases that also expire
at various dates through March 2002 (see Note 20).

     The Company is not a party to any legal proceedings other than litigation
incidental to normal business activities, except as described below:

     On October 23, 1995, a rail tank car of nitrogen tetroxide exploded at the
Bogalusa, Louisiana plant of Gaylord Chemical Corporation, a wholly owned,
independently operated subsidiary of the Company. Following the explosion, more
than 160 lawsuits were filed against the Company, Gaylord Chemical and third
parties alleging personal injury, property damage, economic loss, related
injuries and fear of injuries. Plaintiffs sought compensatory and punitive
damages.
     In 1997, the Washington Parish, Louisiana trial court certified these
consolidated cases as a class action. By the deadline to file proof of claim
forms, 16,592 persons had filed and 3,978 persons had "opted out" of the
Louisiana class proceeding. All but 12 of the-opt out claimants are also
plaintiffs in the Mississippi action described below. The claims of 18 trial
plaintiffs, selected at random, are scheduled for trial in the Louisiana class
action in September 2002.

     The Company, Gaylord Chemical Corporation and other third-parties were also
named defendants in approximately 4,000 individual actions brought by plaintiffs
in Mississippi State Court, who claim injury as a result of the same accident.
These cases were consolidated in Hinds County, Mississippi and allege claims and
damages similar to those in Louisiana State Court.
     Claims of the first 20 plaintiffs were tried to a jury in 1999. During
trial, the court dismissed with prejudice the claims of three plaintiffs. The
jury found Gaylord Chemical Corporation and a co-defendant, Vicksburg Chemical
Company, equally at fault for the accident. The jury also found that none of the
17 remaining plaintiffs whose claims went to the jury had suffered any damages,
awarded no damages to any of them, and returned a verdict in favor of all
defendants. The jury also determined that the Company was not responsible for
the conduct of its subsidiary, Gaylord Chemical Corporation. Plaintiffs did not
appeal the verdict or the trial court's rulings. The trial court has not set a
trial date for the next group of 20 Mississippi plaintiffs.

     The Company and Gaylord Chemical Corporation filed suits seeking a
declaratory judgment of insurance coverage for claims arising from the October
23, 1995 accident.


                                       45
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

     The coverage action against the liability insurers was tried to a judge in
December 1998, and on February 25, 1999, the trial court issued an opinion
holding that the Company and Gaylord Chemical Corporation have insurance
coverage for the October 23, 1995, accident under eight of the nine policies
that were at issue. The judge held that language in one policy excluded
coverage. The Louisiana Court of Appeal affirmed the trial court's finding that
coverage was afforded by eight of the nine carriers and reversed the trial
court's finding that the ninth carrier's policy did not provide coverage.
Following denial of the writ, the Company and Gaylord Chemical Corporation had
in excess of $125 million in insurance coverage for the October 23, 1995,
accident. The insurers appealed the decision of the Court of Appeal to the
Louisiana Supreme Court, and on December 7, 2001 the Louisiana Supreme Court
denied the insurers' application for writ of certiorari to review the Court of
Appeals decision. The insurers have moved for reconsideration of the denial of
the writ.
     On May 4, 2001, the Company and Gaylord Chemical Corporation agreed in
principle to settle all claims arising out of the October 23, 1995 explosion. In
exchange for payments by its primary insurance carrier and the first five excess
layers of coverage and assignment of the Company's insurance coverage action
against the remaining carriers, the Company and Gaylord Chemical Corporation
will receive full releases and/or dismissals of all claims for damages,
including punitive damages. Neither the Company nor Gaylord Chemical Corporation
contributed to the settlement. The settlement agreement was fully executed on
September 14, 2001, and all settlement funds have been deposited in escrow. A
hearing for preliminary approval of the settlement is scheduled for January
2002. A hearing for final approval of the settlement on a class-wide basis is
set for March 15, 2002.

     On May 18 and May 24, 1999, the Company was named in lawsuits consolidated
in the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania alleging
civil violations of Section 1 of the Sherman Act. The complaints, both putative
class actions, allege that during the period October 1, 1993, through November
30, 1995, the Company agreed with nine other manufacturers of linerboard to
raise or maintain prices. According to the complaints, the purpose and effect of
the alleged conspiracy was to artificially increase prices of corrugated sheets
and corrugated boxes sold to customers. Treble damages and attorney fees are
sought. Motions to dismiss the complaints were denied, and defendants' appeal of
the order granting class certification is pending in the Third Circuit Court of
Appeals. After investigation of the facts, the Company believes the allegations
are without merit and is vigorously defending itself.

     On October 1, 2001, two hedge funds filed a putative class action seeking
to enjoin the Temple-Inland tender offers on the ground that the Company had
breached fiduciary duties allegedly owed to plaintiffs. Plaintiffs also contend
that trustees for the Company's two Senior Note issues violated the Trust
Indenture Act and that Temple-Inland's tender offers are coercive. The lawsuit,
pending in Federal District Court in New York, names the Company, Temple-Inland
and trustees for the Company's 9 3/4% Senior Notes and 9 3/8 % Senior Notes. As
of October 5, 2001, plaintiffs together owned $500,000 principal amount of the 9
3/4% Senior Notes and a short position on 212,200 shares of the Company's stock,
both purchased shortly before the tender offers were announced.

     On October 11, 2001, Temple-Inland agreed to extend the consent payment
date for the note tender offer until the expiration date for the offer. The
parties subsequently agreed that any discovery and a hearing on plaintiffs'
claims would be completed in 12 days following a new announcement, if any, of
any revised tender offer by Temple-Inland. While Temple-Inland did announce a
new tender offer on December 3, 2002, the parties also agreed that in view of
the materially revised terms, to delay the Company's obligation to answer or
otherwise move against the complaint until after expiration of the new


                                       46
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

tender offer, currently January 7, 2002. The initial pretrial conference is now
scheduled for January 28, 2002.

     The Company believes the outcome of such litigation will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.

16. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The following estimated fair value amounts have been determined by the Company
using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies.
     Considerable judgment is required, however, in interpreting market data to
develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein
are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that the Company could realize in
a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or
methodologies could have a material effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
The estimated fair value of financial instruments at September 30, is as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 2001                           2000
                                       ---------------------------------------------------------
                                                      ESTIMATED                        Estimated
                                       CARRYING         FAIR           Carrying           fair
IN MILLIONS                             AMOUNT          VALUE           amount            value
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>              <C>             <C>
Assets
   Cash and equivalents                 $  9.2         $  9.2           $  0.7           $  0.7
   Trade receivables                     138.6          138.6            149.6            149.6
   Current and long-term
      receivables                         14.5           13.3              9.4              9.8

Liabilities
   Trade payables                         45.1           45.1             59.9             59.9
   Senior and subordinated notes         675.0          393.0            675.0            407.7
   Capital lease obligations               7.5            7.5              9.6              9.6
   Other senior debt                     277.4          274.1            243.5            242.4
</TABLE>


     Cash and equivalents, trade receivables, trade payables and capital lease
obligations - The carrying amount of these items are a reasonable estimate of
their fair value.
     Senior and subordinated notes - Estimated fair value is based on estimates
obtained from dealers/brokers.
     Current and long-term receivables and other senior debt - Interest rates
that are currently available to the Company for similar terms and remaining
maturities are used to estimate fair value.
     The fair value estimates presented herein were based on pertinent
information available to the Company at September 30, 2001 and 2000. Excluding
the Temple-Inland offer, the Company is not aware of any factors that would
significantly affect the estimated fair value amounts, such amounts have not
been revalued for purposes of these financial statements since that date, and
current estimates of fair value may differ significantly from the amounts
presented herein.
     The Company is not a party to any lending or borrowing arrangements that
are considered to be derivative financial instruments.



                                       47
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

17. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURES
The balance sheet effects of non-cash transactions which are not reflected in
the consolidated statements of cash flows and other supplemental cash flow
disclosures are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Year Ended September 30,
                                                             -----------------------------------
IN MILLIONS                                                    2001          2000          1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>
Cash paid for interest expense                                $ 89.7        $ 89.5        $ 82.1
Cash paid (net of refunds) for income taxes                       -            0.4            -
Supplemental schedule of non-cash
   investing and financing activities:
     Property additions                                           -             -           14.7
     Increase in total debt                                       -             -           14.7

Acquisition of S&G Packaging:
     Inventories                                                  -           28.7            -
     Property additions                                           -           32.4            -
     Other assets                                                 -           15.0            -
     Trade payables, accrued and other
        liabilities                                               -           44.9            -
     Total debt assumed before repayment                          -           32.6            -
</TABLE>

18. EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per
share:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   Year Ended September 30,
                                                             -----------------------------------
IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA                             2001          2000          1999
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>           <C>
Numerator:
   Income (loss) before extraordinary items                   $(27.4)       $  2.4        $(46.4)
   Accounting change                                             0.1            -             -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income (loss)                                          $(27.3)       $  2.4        $(46.4)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Denominator:
Basic:
   Weight average common shares outstanding                     55.7          53.8          53.4
Diluted:
   Effect of dilutive securities:
     Employee and director stock options                          -            0.2           0.4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Weighted average common and common share equivalents         55.7          54.0          53.8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net income (loss) per common share:
Basic and diluted (A):
   Income (loss) before extraordinary items                   $(0.49)       $ 0.05        $(0.87)
   Accounting change                                             -             -             -
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net income (loss)                                          $(0.49)       $ 0.05        $(0.87)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

(A)  Basic and diluted loss per common share are equal in 2001 and 1999 due to
     the antidilutive effect of the common share equivalents.




                                       48
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

19. BUSINESS SEGMENT
The Company produces and sells primarily brown paper packaging products, which
include corrugated containers, corrugated sheets, containerboard, unbleached
kraft paper, retail and multiwall bags. Total revenues for the brown paper
packaging segment (the Segment) were $1,088.6 million, $1,152.2 million and
$853.5 million in fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. The
Segment's net income (loss) was $(27.7) million, $2.8 million and $(48.2)
million in fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively. The Segment's
total assets were $979.4 million and $999.3 million at September 30, 2001 and
September 30, 2000, respectively. The Segment represents substantially all of
the Company's consolidated results of operations and financial position.
     The Company sells its products to thousands of customers with its largest
customer, excluding sales to affiliates, accounting for approximately 2 percent
of net sales in each fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999. The Company
exports linerboard and unbleached kraft paper, certain converted products and
specialty chemicals. Such sales totaled $51.5 million, $69.6 million and $59.5
million in fiscal 2001, fiscal 2000 and fiscal 1999, respectively.

20. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Effective October 1, 2000, the Company adopted SFAS 133, which establishes
accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments. The cumulative
effect of this accounting change was income, net of taxes, of $0.1 million.
     To manage exposures to natural gas price increases during fiscal 2001, the
Company entered into a series of fixed price purchase contracts for delivery of
natural gas to two of its mills. The contracts, which expire at various dates
through March 2002, were accounted for under the normal purchase exception of
SFAS 133 and, accordingly, are recorded as a cost when the natural gas is
delivered. The Company also entered into a series of natural gas financial swap
agreements to manage exposures to natural gas price increases. The contracts,
which expire at various dates through March 2002, were accounted for as cash
flow hedges and, accordingly, are recorded at market value as an asset or a
liability at the balance sheet date. Changes to the fair value of such
derivative contracts are recorded to Other comprehensive income (loss). At
September 30, 2001, these derivative contracts represented a liability of $2.3
million, of which $0.5 million was recorded to cost of sales and a corresponding
unrealized holding loss, net of tax, of $1.1 million was recorded to Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss). Under the terms of the fixed price contracts
and the natural gas financial swap agreements the Company had on deposit with
counterparties at September 30, 2001, $10.8 million that was classified as a
prepaid expense on the balance sheet.


                                       49
<PAGE>

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS                           (continued)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gaylord Container Corporation and Subsidiaries

21. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Quarter
                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------
IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA                        1st         2nd         3rd           4th          Year
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
FISCAL 2001
Net sales                                               $295.1       $265.8      $263.6        $279.8      $1,104.3
Gross margin                                              51.3         34.3        37.3          36.9         159.8
Net income (loss)                                          1.6         (9.7)       (5.8)        (13.4)        (27.3)
Net income (loss) per common share:
  Basic net income (loss)                                 0.03        (0.17)      (0.10)        (0.24)        (0.49)
  Diluted net income (A)                                  0.03          N/A         N/A           N/A           N/A
Weighted average common shares
  Outstanding - Basic                                     54.9         55.9        55.9          56.0          55.7
              - Diluted                                   54.9         55.9        55.9          56.0          55.7

Common stock price (AMEX)   -  High                       2.50         1.98        1.34          1.30          2.50
                            -  Low                        0.88         1.00        0.91          0.60          0.60
Warrant price (AMEX)        -  High                       0.75         1.25        1.10          1.05          1.25
                            -  Low                        0.75         1.25        1.00          1.05          0.75
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Quarter
                                                   -----------------------------------------------------------------
IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA                        1st         2nd         3rd           4th          Year
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
FISCAL 2000
Net sales                                               $279.6       $291.2      $299.2        $297.6      $1,167.6
Gross margin                                              49.4         46.1        53.6          45.7         194.8
Net income (loss)                                          0.9         (3.4)        0.4           4.5           2.4
Net income (loss) per common share:
  Basic net income (loss)                                 0.02        (0.06)       0.01          0.08          0.05
  Diluted net income (A)                                  0.02          N/A        0.01          0.08          0.05
Weighted average common shares
  Outstanding - Basic                                     53.7         53.8        53.8          53.8          53.8
              - Diluted                                   54.0         54.1        54.0          53.8          54.0

Common stock price (AMEX)   -  High                       7.50         7.75        6.38          3.75          7.75
                            -  Low                        5.63         4.88        2.69          1.63          1.63
Warrant price (AMEX)        -  High                       6.38         7.38        3.00          2.94          7.38
                            -  Low                        6.00         7.38        3.00          2.44          2.44
</TABLE>

(A)  Diluted loss per common share is not presented when the effects of common
     share equivalents are antidilutive.



                                       50
<PAGE>


Item 9.   CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
          ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES
          ---------------------------------------------

Not applicable.


PART 3    --------------------------------------------------
Item 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
          --------------------------------------------------

See the section captioned Executive Officers of the Registrant under Part 1 of
this Report for information concerning the Company's executive officers.

     DANIEL P. CASEY. Mr. Casey has served as director of the Company since
April 2000 when he was elected Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer. He
served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company
from 1990 to April 2000 and from 1988 to 1990 as Senior Vice President-Financial
and Legal Affairs. Mr. Casey joined the Company in 1987 as Vice
President-Financial and Legal Affairs. Age 59.

     MARY SUE COLEMAN. Ms. Coleman has served as a director of the Company since
August 1996. Since 1995, she has served as President and Professor of
Biochemistry and Biological Sciences at the University of Iowa. She served from
1993 to 1995 as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of
Biochemistry at the University of New Mexico and from 1992 to 1993 as Vice
Chancellor for Graduate Studies and Research at the University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill. She serves on the Board of Directors of Meredith Corporation, a
publishing and television broadcasting company, and on the Board of Trustees of
Grinnell (Iowa) College. Member, Audit Committee and Nominating and
Organizational Planning Committee. Age 58.

     HARVE A. FERRILL. Mr. Ferrill has served as a director of the Company since
November 1992. From 1990 until his retirement in 2000, he served as Chairman or
President and Chief Executive Officer of Advance Ross Corporation ("Advance
Ross"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cendant, Inc., a membership services
company. Advance Ross operates PPC Industries, which designs, manufacturers and
installs electrostatic precipitators for industrial pollution control
applications. He is also a director of Century Business Services, Inc., a
provider of business services to small-and medium-sized companies. Chairman,
Audit Committee; member, Compensation and Stock Option Committee. Age 68.

     JOHN E. GOODENOW. Mr. Goodenow has served as a director of the Company
since November 1992. He is Chairman of the Board of Goodenow Bancorporation
where he served from 1979 to 1995 as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director. Member, Audit Committee and Compensation and Stock Option Committee.
Age 66.

     DAVID B. HAWKINS. Mr. Hawkins has served as a director of the Company since
November 1986. He served as Vice Chairman, President or Executive Vice President
and a director of MAG, a real estate investment company, from 1977 until his
retirement in 2000. Member, Nominating and Organizational Planning Committee.
Age 66.

     WARREN J. HAYFORD. Mr. Hayford served as President, Chief Operating Officer
and a director of the Company from its organization in 1986 through August 1988
and served as Vice Chairman and a director from August 1988 until his retirement
as Vice Chairman in 1992. From 1989 until his retirement in


                                       51
<PAGE>


1999, Mr. Hayford served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer or Vice
Chairman and a director of BWAY Corporation (formerly Brockway, Inc.), a
manufacturer of metal containers. He continues to serve as a director of both
the Company and BWAY, where he also serves as Non-Executive Vice Chairman. Mr.
Hayford served from 1989 to 1996 as a director of System Software Associates,
Inc., a developer and marketer of business application software packages.
Chairman, Nominating and Organizational Planning Committee. Age 72.

     CHARLES S. JOHNSON. Mr. Johnson has served as a director of the Company
since August 1997. From 1999 until his retirement in 2000, he served as
Executive Vice President of E.I. Dupont de Nemours and Co. He is the former
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Pioneer Hi-Bred
International, Inc., an agricultural biotech company, where he held increasingly
responsible positions since 1965. He serves on the Board of Directors of the
National Policy Association and the Principal Financial Group. He also serves as
Chairman of Grand View (Iowa) College and is the former Chairman of the Des
Moines Chamber of Commerce. Member, Audit Committee and Compensation and Stock
Option Committee. Age 63.

     JERRY W. KOLB. Mr. Kolb has served as a director of the Company since
August 1998. Until his retirement in May 1998, he was Vice Chairman of Deloitte
& Touche LLP, an international public accounting and consulting firm. He joined
the accounting firm in 1957 and served as managing partner of the Chicago office
and as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. Since 1998, Mr. Kolb has been
a member of the Supervisory Board of Directors and the Audit and Financial
Committee and the Compensation and Stock Option Committee of New Skies
Satellites, N.V., a commercial satellite communications company incorporated in
the Netherlands. Member, Audit Committee and Compensation and Stock Option
Committee. Age 66.

     RALPH L. MacDONALD JR. Mr. MacDonald has served as a director of the
Company since May 1994. Mr. MacDonald is a principal of Amelia Investment Corp.,
a private investment company. Prior thereto, he was a principal of Island
Capital Corporation ("Island Capital"), a private investment company. He was
formerly Managing Director-Corporate Finance and a member of the Management
Committee of Bankers Trust Company and its parent Bankers Trust New York
Corporation, which he joined in 1964, and served in various capacities until his
resignation in March 1992 to co-found Island Capital. Mr. MacDonald also serves
as a director of Hercules, Inc., a specialty chemical concern from 1995 to 2001.
Chairman, Compensation and Stock Option Committee; member, Audit Committee. Age
60.

     MARVIN A. POMERANTZ. Mr. Pomerantz has served as Chairman, Chief Executive
Officer and a director of the Company since its organization in 1986. Since
1960, Mr. Pomerantz has served as Chairman or President and a director of MAG.
From 1980 to 1982, he served as President of the Diversified Group, and later as
Executive Vice President of Navistar International Corp., a truck manufacturer.
Mr. Pomerantz formerly served as President of the Board of Regents for the state
universities in Iowa and formerly served on the Board of Directors of Stone
Container Corporation, a manufacturer of packaging products. He has served on
the Board of Directors of Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa since
1998, Wells Fargo Bank Iowa, N.A. since 1975, and Pure Fishing, a sporting goods
manufacturer, since 1976. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the
American Forest & Paper Association and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of
the Institute of Paper Sciences and Technology. Age 71.


                                       52
<PAGE>

Item 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following table shows compensation of the Company's chief executive officer
and the Company's other executive officers (the "named executive officers")
earned for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2001, 2000 and 1999:

                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    OTHER       RESTRICTED                             ALL OTHER
                                                                    ANNUAL        STOCK       OPTIONS/      LTIP     COMPENSATION
       NAME AND                FISCAL      SALARY        BONUS   COMPENSATION     AWARDS        SARs      PAYOUTS
PRINCIPAL POSITION (1)          YEAR         ($)          ($)        ($)          ($)(2)        (#)         ($)      ($)(3)(4)(5)
-----------------------        ------      ------        -----   ------------   ----------    --------    -------    ------------
<S>                            <C>         <C>          <C>      <C>            <C>           <C>         <C>        <C>
Marvin A. Pomerantz             2001       881,300         0          0             0             0          0          41,300
(Chairman and Chief             2000       806,300         0          0             0             0          0          38,000
Executive Officer)              1999       750,000         0          0             0             0          0          25,700

Daniel P. Casey                 2001       429,400      186,000       0          282,500          0          0         450,000
(Vice Chairman and Chief        2000       410,300      200,000       0          117,500          0          0          28,800
Financial Officer)              1999       393,300         0          0             0             0          0          14,200

Michael J. Keough,              2001       388,200      160,000       0          500,000          0          0         277,800
(President and Chief            2000       304,600      200,000       0           58,800          0          0          16,300
Operating Officer)

Lawrence G. Rogna               2001       291,200       98,000       0          250,000          0          0         243,600
(Senior Vice President)         2000       278,700      120,000       0           58,800          0          0          18,100
                                1999       266,900         0          0             0             0          0          10,500
</TABLE>


(1)  Mr. Keough was elected President and Chief Operating Officer in April 2000.

(2)  Restricted shares granted in fiscal 2000 (20,000 to Mr. Casey and 10,000 to
     each of Messrs. Keough and Rogna) all vest on January 2, 2002. Restricted
     shares granted in fiscal 2001 (250,000 each to Messrs. Casey and Keough and
     125,000 to Mr. Rogna) vest on the fifth anniversary of the grant. The
     Company does not pay dividends on its Common Stock.

(3)  Includes for 2001, 2000 and 1999 employer contributions to the Company's
     401(k) Plan on behalf of Messrs. Pomerantz, Casey, Keough and Rogna, of
     $8,500, $8,500 and $8,000, respectively.

(4)  Includes for the applicable years cash payments in lieu of Company
     contributions which could not be made because of Internal Revenue Code
     limitations to Mr. Pomerantz of $32,800, $29,500 and $17,700; Mr. Casey of
     $41,500, $20,300 and $6,200; Mr. Keough of $29,200 and $7,800; and Mr.
     Rogna of $21,500, $9,600 and $2,500, respectively.

(5)  Includes cash payment in fiscal 2001 under an employee retention plan
     initiated in 1998 to Messrs. Casey, Keough and Rogna of $400,000, $240,000
     and $213,600, respectively.



                                       53
<PAGE>

Item 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     The following table shows beneficial ownership of the Company's Common
Stock and warrants to obtain Class A Common Stock as of November 27, 2001 by (i)
each holder known by the Company to own beneficially more than 5 percent of the
outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each director and executive officer of the
Company and (iii) all officers and directors of the Company as a group. The
numbers and percentages of Class A Common Stock include Trust Stock held by the
Warrant Trustee. To the knowledge of the Company, each stockholder has sole
voting and investment power as to the shares owned unless otherwise noted. The
address of all directors and executive officers is the address of the Company.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                             WARRANTS TO OBTAIN
                                                               COMMON STOCK                 CLASS A COMMON STOCK
                                                               ------------                 --------------------

                                                                                          NUMBER
                                                         NUMBER         PERCENT OF          OF            PERCENT OF
                                                       OF SHARES       OUTSTANDING*      WARRANTS        OUTSTANDING*
                                                       ---------       ------------      --------        ------------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>               <C>             <C>
Marvin A. Pomerantz and MAG (1)                        4,629,942            8.3%             0                --
    4700 Westown Parkway
    West Des Moines, IA  50625
Mellon Bank Corporation (2)                            3,808,617            6.8              0                --
    One Mellon Bank Center
    Pittsburgh, PA  15258
Warren J. Hayford (3)                                  1,189,683            2.1              0                --
Daniel P. Casey (4)                                      568,110            1.0              0                --
Mary Sue Coleman                                          17,009            --               0                --
Harve A. Ferrill                                          39,001            --               0                --
John E. Goodenow (5)                                      56,501            --               0                --
David B. Hawkins                                          16,001            --               0                --
Charles S. Johnson                                        14,001            --               0                --
Jerry W. Kolb                                             17,001            --               0
Ralph L. MacDonald Jr.                                    54,001            --               0                --
Michael J. Keough                                        493,570            --               0                --
Lawrence G. Rogna (6)                                    297,000            --               0                --
All directors and executive officers                   7,371,820           13.1              0                --
as a group (12 persons) (7)
</TABLE>

*    Percentages less than 1 percent have been omitted.

(1)  Mr. Pomerantz, his wife and trusts for the benefit of their children own
     MAG. Mr. Pomerantz does not own directly any of these shares except for
     40,000 shares held in his own name. Mr. Pomerantz disclaims beneficial
     ownership of shares held by MAG and attributable to his wife and the
     trusts.

(2)  Shares shown as beneficially owned by Mellon Bank Corporation ("Mellon
     Bank") are based on a Schedule 13G filed on January 23, 2001. Mellon Bank
     has sole power to vote or direct the vote of 3,402,617 shares and shared
     power to vote or direct the vote of 311,700 shares and has sole power to
     dispose or direct the disposition of 3,791,317 shares and shared power to
     dispose or direct the disposition of 17,300 shares.

(3)  Shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Hayford include 218,496 owned
     directly by his wife and 74,000 owned directly by a charitable family
     foundation. Mr. Hayford disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

(4)  Shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Casey include 12,360 owned
     directly by his wife and 28,500 owned directly by his children. Mr. Casey
     disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.




                                       54
<PAGE>

(5)  Shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Goodenow include 1,000 owned
     directly by his wife and 20,000 owned directly by Goodenow Bancorporation,
     a family-owned corporation. Mr. Goodenow disclaims beneficial ownership of
     such shares.

(6)  Shares shown as beneficially owned by Mr. Rogna include 3,000 owned
     directly by his wife and 40,000 owned directly by a trust. Mr. Rogna
     disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.

(7)  The number and percentage of shares owned by the named individuals and
     group include 425,008 shares subject to stock options exercisable currently
     or within 60 days of November 27, 2001 even though the exercise price of
     each of these stock options was greater than the last reported sales price
     of the Company's common stock on such date.



Item 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

     MAG and certain of its subsidiaries provided office space and professional,
administrative, aviation and clerical services to the Company during fiscal 2001
at a cost of approximately $176,000. Fees for these services are determined on
the basis of costs incurred and the fair market value of the office space. The
Company expects MAG and such subsidiaries to provide office space and such
services to the Company in the future.

     The Company has entered into agreements with certain of its stockholders
which provide such stockholders with the right in certain circumstances to
require the Company to register, at the Company's expense, the shares of Common
Stock owned by them under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

     The Company has entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Pomerantz,
Casey, Keough and Rogna.

PART 4
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Item 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULE, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  a. Financial Statement Schedule. The following Financial Statement Schedule is
     filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K on the pages indicated:

  Description                                                        Page
  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  II.  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves                 64

  All other schedules have been omitted because the information is either not
required or is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements listed under Item 8.

  b. No reports have been filed on Form 8-K during the current reporting period.

  c. Exhibits. Each Exhibit is listed according to the number assigned to it in
     the Exhibit Table of Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

For the purposes of complying with the amendments to the rules governing Form
S-8 (effective July 13, 1990) under the Securities Act of 1933, the



                                       55
<PAGE>


undersigned registrant hereby undertakes as follows, which undertaking shall be
incorporated by reference into registrant's Registration Statements on Form S-8
No. 33-25675 (filed November 28, 1988), No. 33-32221 (filed November 27, 1989),
No. 33-33977 (filed March 21, 1990), No. 33-33871 (filed March 21, 1990), No.
33-54367 (filed June 29, 1994) and No. 333-39809 (filed November 7, 1997):

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the
     Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and
     controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing
     provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the
     opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification
     is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933
     and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
     indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
     the registrant of expense incurred or paid by a director, officer or
     controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any
     action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
     controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
     the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
     has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of
     appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by
     it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be
     governed by final adjudication of such issue.



                                  EXHIBIT INDEX
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                        Number and Description of Exhibit

2.1(b)    Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the Registrant and
          Temple-Inland Inc. and Temple-Inland Acquisition Corporation dated
          September 27, 2001

2.2(b)    Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among the
          Registrant and Temple-Inland Inc. and Temple-Inland Acquisition
          Corporation dated November 30, 2001

3.1(a)    Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant,
          as of July 21, 1995, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the
          Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 1-9915) for the
          quarter ended June 30, 1995 filed under the Securities Exchange Act of
          1934, as amended (the June 30, 1995 Form 10-Q)

3.2(a)    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant, as amended,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Registrant's Current
          Report on Form 8-K filed on July 5, 1995 under the Securities Act of
          1934, as amended (the July 5, 1995 Form 8-K)

4.1(b)    Amendment No. 3 to the Credit Agreement dated as of October 2, 2001 by
          and among the Registrant and Bankers Trust Company as agent, and
          various lending institutions

4.2(b)    Amendment No. 4 to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 10, 2001
          by and among the Registrant and Bankers Trust Company as agent, and
          various lending institutions

----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       56
<PAGE>

                        Number and Description of Exhibit


4.3(a)    Amendment No. 1 to the Credit Agreement dated as of February 16, 1999
          by and between the Registrant and Bankers Trust Company as agent, and
          various lending institutions, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1
          of the December 31, 1998 Form 10-Q

4.4(a)    Amendment No. 2 to the Credit Agreement dated as of August 4, 2000 by
          and between the Registrant and Bankers Trust Company as agent, and
          various lending institutions incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2
          of the June 30, 2000 Form 10-Q

4.5(a)    Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of August 16,
          2000 among Gaylord Receivable Corporation as the Borrower, various
          Financial Institutions as the lenders, Bankers Trust Company as
          Facility Agent, and LaSalle Bank National Association as the
          collateral Agent incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the
          September 30, 2000 Form 10-K

4.6(a)    Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 13, 1998, among
          the Company and BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Donaldson, Lufkin &
          Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., Salomon
          Brothers Inc. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, as Initial
          Purchasers, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.27 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-48495) filed under the
          Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the 1998 Debt Registration
          Statement)

4.7(a)    Indenture dated February 23, 1998, among the Company and State Street
          Bank and Trust Company, as Trustee (including the forms of Series A
          and Series B 9 3/8% Senior Notes), incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 4.28 of the 1998 Debt Registration Statement

4.8(a)    Registration Rights Agreement dated as of February 23, 1998 among the
          Company, and BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette
          Securities Corporation, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc, Salomon Brothers Inc.
          and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, with respect to the 9 3/8%
          Senior Notes due 2007, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.29 of
          the 1998 Debt Registration Statement

4.9(a)    Indenture, dated as of February 23, 1998, among the Company and Chase
          Bank of Texas National Association with respect to the 9 7/8% Senior
          Subordinated Notes due 2008 (including the forms of Series A and
          Series B 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008), incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.30 of the 1998 Debt Registration Statement

4.10(a)   Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of February 23, 1998, among
          the Company and BT Alex. Brown Incorporated, Donaldson, Lufkin &
          Jenrette Securities Corporation, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc., Salomon
          Brothers Inc. and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, with respect
          to the 9 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.31 of the 1998 Debt Registration Statement

4.11(a)   Credit Agreement dated as of June 19, 1998 by and between the
          Registrant and Bankers Trust Company as agent, and various lending
          institutions, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the
          Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (No. 1-9915) for the
          quarter ended June 30, 1998 filed under the Securities Exchange Act of
          1934, as amended

----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       57
<PAGE>

                        Number and Description of Exhibit


4.12(a)   Indenture dated as of June 12, 1997, among the Company and State
          Street Bank and Trust Company, as successor to Fleet National Bank, as
          Trustee, (including the forms of Series A and Series B 9 3/4% Senior
          Notes), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Company's
          Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-30423) filed under the
          Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1997 Debt Registration
          Statement)

4.13(a)   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 5, 1997 among the
          Company, BT Securities Corporation, Bear Stearns & Co. Inc. and
          Salomon Brothers Inc, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 of the
          1997 Debt Registration Statement

4.14(a)   Series 2000-1 A-RI Supplemental Issuance Agreement dated as of August
          16, 2000 by and between the Registrant, Gaylord Receivables
          Corporation and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12 of the September 30, 2000
          Form 10-K

4.15(a)   Amendment No. 1 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of November
          7, 1996 between the Company and Gaylord Receivables Corporation,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.16 of the Company's Annual
          Report on Form 10-K (No. 1-9915) for the year ended September 30,
          1996, filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
          1996 Form 10-K)

4.16(a)   Amended and Restated Security Agreement dated as of August 16, 2000
          between Gaylord Receivables Corporation, the financial institutions
          signatory thereto and LaSalle Bank National Association as Collateral
          Agent incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.14 of the September 30,
          2000 Form 10-K

4.17(a)   Rights Agreement, dated June 12, 1995, between the Registrant and
          Harris Trust and Savings Bank as Rights Agent, including the form of
          Certificate of Designation, Preferences and Rights of Junior
          Participating Preferred Stock, Series A, attached thereto, as Exhibit
          A, the form of Rights Certificate attached thereto as Exhibit B and
          the Summary of Rights attached thereto as Exhibit C, incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the July 5, 1995 Form 8-K

4.18(a)   Subscription and Stockholder Agreement dated as of September 24, 1993
          between the Registrant and Gaylord Receivables Corporation,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of the Registrant's Annual
          Report on Form 10-K (No. 1-9915) for the year ended September 30,
          1993, filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
          1993 Form 10-K)

4.19(a)   Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 24, 1993 between
          the Registrant and Gaylord Receivables Corporation, incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 4.14 of the 1993 Form 10-K

4.20(a)   Gaylord Receivables Master Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of
          September 24, 1993 between the Registrant and Gaylord Receivables
          Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.15 of the 1993
          Form 10-K

----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       58
<PAGE>

                        Number and Description of Exhibit


4.21(a)   Amendment No. 4 to the Pooling and Servicing Agreement dated as of
          August 16, 2000 between the Registrant, Gaylord Receivables
          Corporation and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company as the
          Trustee 4.20(b) Amendment No. 4 to the Receivables Purchase Agreement
          dated as of August 16, 2000 between the Registrant and Gaylord
          Receivables Corporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.19 of
          the September 30, 2000 Form 10-K

4.22(a)   Amendment No. 4 to the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of
          August 16, 2000 between the Registrant and Gaylord Receivables
          Corporation incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.20 of the September
          30, 2000 Form 10-K

4.23(a)   Specimen Certificate for the Class A Common Stock, par value $0.0001
          per share, of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5
          of the Registrant's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 30,
          1992 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (October
          30, 1992 Form 8-K)

4.24(a)   Warrant Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust and Savings
          Bank, as Warrant Agent, relating to the Registrant's Redeemable
          Exchangeable Warrants, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the
          October 30, 1992 Form 8-K

4.25(a)   Specimen Certificate for the Redeemable Exchangeable Warrants of the
          Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the October
          30, 1992 Form 8-K

4.26(a)   Trust Agreement between the Registrant and Harris Trust and Savings
          Bank, as Warrant Agent, relating to the Class A Common Stock
          obtainable upon exercise of the Redeemable Exchangeable Warrants,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of the October 30, 1992 Form
          8-K

10.1(b)   Employment Letter Agreement by and between the Registrant and Daniel
          P. Casey, dated December 20, 2000

10.2(b)   Employment Letter Agreement by and between the Registrant and Michael
          J. Keough, dated December 20, 2000

10.3(b)   Employment Letter Agreement by and between the Registrant and Lawrence
          G. Rogna, dated December 20, 2000

10.4(b)   Severance Compensation Agreement between the Registrant and Daniel P.
          Casey dated November 27, 2000

10.5(b)   Severance Compensation Agreement between the Registrant and Michael J.
          Keough dated November 27, 2000

10.6(b)   Severance Compensation Agreement between the Registrant and Lawrence
          G. Rogna dated November 27, 2000

10.7(b)   Stock Option Agreement by the Registrant and Temple-Inland Inc. dated
          September 27, 2001

10.8(b)   Amendment No. 1 to the Stock Option Agreement by the Registrant and
          Temple-Inland Inc. dated November 30, 2001

----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       59
<PAGE>

                        Number and Description of Exhibit


10.9(a)   Amendment No. 2 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
          Warren J. Hayford dated March 1, 2000, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.1 of the 2000 Form 10-K

10.10(a)  Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
          Marvin A. Pomerantz dated March 1, 2000, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.2 of the 2000 Form 10-K

10.11(a)  Amended and Restated Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, dated as
          of March 1, 2000, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the
          2000 Form 10-K

10.12(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the Company's Annual
          Report on Form 10-K (No. 1-9915) for the year ended September 30,
          1995, filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended

10.13(a)  Amendment No. 1 to the Gaylord Container Corporation 1991 Severance
          Compensation Agreement and the Gaylord Container Corporation 1991
          Severance Compensation Agreement between the Registrant and certain
          Executives dated April 15, 1991, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.5 of the 2000 Form 10-K

10.14(a)  Amendment No. 1 to the Gaylord Container Corporation 1997 Long-Term
          Equity Incentive Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of the
          Registrant's Form S-8 Registration Statement under the Securities Act
          of 1933, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6,
          2000

10.15(a)  Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 28, 1999 by and
          between the Registrant and Stone Container Corporation as incorporated
          by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the 1999 Form 10-K

10.16(a)  Amended and Restated Supply Agreement as of October 28, 1999 by and
          among Stone Container Corporation, S&G Packaging Company, L.L.C. and
          the Registrant incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the 1999
          Form 10-K

10.17(a)  Patent, Trademark and Trade Secret Assignment as of October 28, 1999
          by and between Stone Container Corporation and S&G Packaging Company,
          L.L.C. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the 1999 Form 10-K

10.18(a)  Letters dated March 1, 1991 and March 19, 1991 between the Registrant
          and Cavenham Forest Industries, Inc., amending the Bogalusa Roundwood
          Supply and Cutting Rights Agreement dated as of March 28, 1986,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(e) of the Registrant's Proxy
          Statement - Prospectus on Form S-4 (No. 33-41799) as amended, filed
          under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1991 Proxy Statement
          - Prospectus)

10.19(a)  Letters dated March 1, 1991 and March 19, 1991 between the Registrant
          and Cavenham Forest Industries, Inc. amending the Bogalusa Wood Chip
          Supply Agreement dated as of March 28, 1986, incorporated by reference
          to Exhibit 10(i) of the 1991 Proxy Statement - Prospectus

10.20(a)  Stockholder Agreement by and among the Registrant and the Persons
          listed on the signature pages thereto dated as of June 1, 1988,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-21227), as amended, filed
          under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1988 Debt
          Registration Statement)

----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       60
<PAGE>

                        Number and Description of Exhibit


10.21(a)  Agreement among the Registrant and the Persons listed on the signature
          pages thereto dated as of June 1, 1988, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.23 of the 1988 Debt Registration Statement

10.22(a)  Bogalusa Hog Fuel Supply Agreement by and between the Registrant and
          Cavenham Forest Industries, Inc. dated as of March 28, 1986,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 of the Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 33-13455), as amended, filed
          under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the 1986 Debt
          Registration Statement)

10.23(a)  Bogalusa Hog Fuel Supply Agreement (St. Francisville) by and between
          the Registrant and Crown Zellerbach Corporation dated as of March 31,
          1986, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the 1986 Debt
          Registration Statement

10.24(a)  Bogalusa Sawmill Agreement by and between the Registrant and Cavenham
          Forest Industries, Inc. dated as of March 28, 1986, incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit 10.11 of the 1986 Debt Registration Statement

10.25(a)  Bogalusa Timberland Agreement by and between the Registrant and
          Cavenham Forest Industries, Inc. dated as of March 28, 1986,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 of the 1986 Debt
          Registration Statement

10.26(a)  Transfer and Assumption Agreement by and between the Registrant and
          Gaylord Container Limited dated as of November 17, 1986, incorporated
          by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the 1986 Debt Registration Statement

10.27(a)  Undertaking by and between the Registrant and Crown Zellerbach
          Corporation dated as of May 2, 1986, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.17 of the 1986 Debt Registration Statement


----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       61
<PAGE>

                        Number and Description of Exhibit


10.28(a)  Bogalusa Roundwood Supply and Cutting Rights Agreement by and between
          the Registrant and Cavenham Forest Industries, Inc. dated as of March
          28, 1986, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the 1986 Debt
          Registration Statement

10.29(a)  Bogalusa Wood Chip Supply Agreement by and between the Registrant and
          Cavenham Forest Industries, Inc., dated as of March 28, 1986,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 of the 1986 Debt
          Registration Statement

10.30(a)  Indemnification Agreement by and between the Registrant, Crown
          Zellerbach Corporation and Cavenham Forest Industries, Inc. dated as
          of November 17, 1986 regarding Power Purchase Agreement by and between
          Pacific Gas & Electric Company and Crown Zellerbach Corporation dated
          as of December 29, 1982, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 of
          the 1986 Debt Registration Statement

10.31(a)  Transaction Agreement by and between James River Corporation of
          Virginia and Crown Zellerbach Corporation dated as of December 14,
          1985, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 of the 1986 Debt
          Registration Statement

10.32(a)  Power Purchase Agreement by and between Pacific Gas & Electric Company
          and Crown Zellerbach Corporation dated as of December 29, 1982,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the 1986 Debt
          Registration Statement

10.33(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan
          as amended dated November 4, 1998, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.18 of the 1998 Form 10-K

10.34(a)  Employment Letter Agreement by and between the Registrant and Daniel
          P. Casey, dated November 18, 1998, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.19 of the 1998 Form 10-K

10.35(a)  Employment Letter Agreement by and between the Registrant and Dale E.
          Stahl, dated November 18, 1998, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          10.20 of the 1998 Form 10-K

10.36(a)  Employment Letter Agreement by and between the Registrant and Lawrence
          G. Rogna, dated November 18, 1998, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.21 of the 1998 Form 10-K

10.37(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation 1997 Long-Term Incentive Equity Plan,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28.1 of the Registrant
          Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-39809) filed under the
          Securities Act of 1933, as amended

10.38(a)  Description of Gaylord Container Corporation Management Incentive
          Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 of Amendment No. 3 to
          the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 (No. 333-30423) filed
          under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Amendment No. 3 to the
          1997 Debt Registration Statement)

10.39(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation Supplemental Retirement Plan,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 of Amendment No. 3 to the
          1997 Debt Registration Statement

----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       62
<PAGE>

                        Number and Description of Exhibit


10.40(a)  Employment Agreement by and between the Company and Marvin A.
          Pomerantz dated June 1, 1997, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          10.18 of the 1997 Debt Registration Statement

10.41(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation Shareholder Value Plan, incorporated by
          reference to Exhibit A of the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1994
          Annual meeting held December 10, 1993

10.42(a)  Stock Retention Agreement dated June 25, 1992 between the Registrant
          and Mid-America Group, Ltd., incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          10(nn) of the 1991 Proxy Statement - Prospectus

10.43(a)  Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between the Registrant and
          Warren J. Hayford dated February 8, 1989, incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit 10.26 of the 1989 Debt Registration Statement

10.44(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation 1989 Long-Term Incentive Plan,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28.1 of the Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-33977) filed under the
          Securities Act of 1933, as amended

10.45(a)  Employment Agreement by and between the Registrant and Warren J.
          Hayford dated as of May 18, 1988, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          10.2 of the 1988 Debt Registration Statement

10.46(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation 1987 Key Employee Stock Option Plan,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 of the Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-25675) filed under the
          Securities Act of 1933, as amended

10.47(a)  Gaylord Container Corporation Outside Director Stock Option Plan,
          incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28 of the Registrant's
          Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-33871) filed under the
          Securities Act of 1933, as amended

21.1(a)   Subsidiaries of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
          21.1 of the Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
          Form S-4 (No. 333-30423) filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as
          amended

23.1(b)   Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP

24.1(b)   Power of Attorney



----------------------
(a)  Incorporated by reference
(b)  Filed with this Form 10-K Report.


                                       63
<PAGE>

GAYLORD CONTAINER CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         Additions    Additions
                                             Balance at  charged to   charged to                  Balance
                                             beginning   costs and      other                    at end of
IN MILLIONS                                   of year     expenses     accounts   Deductions        Year
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>            <C>
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999:
Allowance for accounts receivable              $ 6.4       $ 9.0        $  -         $(8.7)        $ 6.7
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - asset write-down                    $ 6.8       $  -         $(0.8)       $(3.8)        $ 2.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - allowance for abandonments          $ 0.7       $  -         $  -         $(0.1)        $ 0.6
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - purchase adjustments-accrued
    restructuring costs                        $ 0.7       $  -         $  -         $(0.5)        $ 0.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves long-term - purchase
    adjustments - accrued restructuring
    costs                                      $ 0.9       $ 0.1        $  -         $  -          $ 1.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000:
Allowance for accounts receivable              $ 6.7       $10.3        $(0.2)       $(9.0)        $ 7.8
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - asset write-down                    $ 2.2       $  -         $(0.2)       $(1.9)        $ 0.1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - allowance for abandonments          $ 0.6       $  -         $  -         $(0.4)        $ 0.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - purchase adjustments-accrued
    restructuring costs                        $ 0.2       $ 1.0        $ 1.7        $(2.7)        $ 0.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves long-term - purchase
    adjustments - accrued restructuring
    costs                                      $ 1.0       $ 0.2        $  -         $(0.8)        $ 0.4
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2001:
Allowance for accounts receivable              $ 7.8       $16.0        $  -         $(15.7)       $ 8.1
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - asset write-down                    $ 0.1       $  -         $  -         $(0.1)        $  -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - allowance for abandonments          $ 0.2       $  -         $ 0.3        $(0.3)        $ 0.2
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves - purchase adjustments-accrued
    restructuring costs                        $ 0.2       $ 0.1        $  -         $(0.3)        $  -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Reserves long-term - purchase
    adjustments - accrued restructuring
    costs                                      $ 0.4       $ 0.5        $  -         $(0.9)        $  -
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>



                                       64
<PAGE>

SIGNATURES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its
behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on the 28th day of
December, 2001.
                                         Gaylord Container Corporation

                                         /s/ Marvin A. Pomerantz
                                         ---------------------------------------
                                         Marvin A. Pomerantz
                                         Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report
has been signed on the 28th day of December, 2001, by the following persons on
behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.

SIGNATURE                                                                  TITLE


/s/ Marvin A. Pomerantz           Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director
--------------------------                         (Principal Executive Officer)
Marvin A. Pomerantz


/s/ Daniel P. Casey                                   Vice Chairman and Director
--------------------------                         (Principal Financial Officer)
Daniel P. Casey


/s/ Jeffrey B. Park                                      Vice President, Finance
--------------------------                        (Principal Accounting Officer)
Jeffrey B. Park


/s/ Mary Sue Coleman                                                    Director
--------------------------
Mary Sue Coleman*


/s/ Harve A. Ferrill                                                    Director
--------------------------
Harve A. Ferrill*


/s/ John E. Goodenow                                                    Director
--------------------------
John E. Goodenow*


/s/ David B. Hawkins                                                    Director
--------------------------
David B. Hawkins*


/s/ Warren J. Hayford                                                   Director
--------------------------
Warren J. Hayford*


/s/ Charles S. Johnson                                                  Director
--------------------------
Charles S. Johnson*


/s/ Jerry W. Kolb                                                       Director
--------------------------
Jerry W. Kolb*


/s/ Ralph L. MacDonald Jr.                                              Director
--------------------------
Ralph L. MacDonald Jr.*



* By Daniel P. Casey, Attorney-in-fact