For the second quarter ended 30 June 2022 Lecta had revenue of €529.4 million versus €310.7 million in the second quarter ended 30 June 2021, an increase of €218.7 million or +70%. The costs of raw materials and consumables used increased by €75.7 million, or +18.6%, from €155.9 million in 2Q2021 to €231.6 million in 2Q2022, and as a percentage of revenue they decreased from 50.2% in 2Q2021 to 43.7% in 2Q2022. The absolute increase was mainly attributable to higher produced and purchased volumes, and to an increase in the average consumption price of pulp of 193€/t of paper. Labor costs increased by €5.2 million, or +11.9%, from €43.4 million in 2Q2021 to €48.5 million in 2Q2022, and as percentage of revenue they decreased from 14.0% in 2Q2021 to 9.2% in 2Q2022. EBITDA increased by €35.9 million, from €11.6 million in 2Q2021 to €47.5 million in 2Q2022. This increase was essentially due to higher sales of paper in volume and higher sales prices, partly offset by higher production cost and higher labor and fixed costs.

Stora Enso is pleased to announce a milestone partnership with Södra, Sweden's largest forest owner association. The two companies have signed a long-term agreement under which Södra will supply Stora Enso with kraft lignin from Södra's Mönsterås site, in Sweden. This facility is set to begin operations in 2027. As part of this collaboration, Stora Enso grants Södra a license to its innovative technology in lignin area. Earlier this year, Södra announced its investment in a new kraft lignin production site, reinforcing its dedication to advancing sustainable forest products. Through this supply agreement, Stora Enso and Södra aim to enhance the development of lignin as a sustainable non-fossil-based material, with broad applications across various industries. "We are excited to partner with Södra in this important endeavor," says Juuso Konttinen, Senior Vice President & Head of Biomaterials Growth at Stora Enso. "This agreement not only secures one additional reliable supply of kraft lignin for our innovative products such as Lignode for batteries but also underscores the growing importance of lignin in creating sustainable solutions across industries. By leveraging our expertise in lignin technology, Södra will be able to produce high-quality lignin that aligns with our sustainability commitments."

Norske Skog’s EBITDA in the first quarter of 2022 was NOK 610 million, an increase from NOK 422 million in the fourth quarter of 2021. Sales prices for all grades increased in the quarter as a consequence of unprecedented high energy costs in Europe and a tightened publication paper market situation. The European mills operated at full capacity during the quarter. The pellets facility Nature’s Flame was sold at a gain of NOK 175 million in the quarter. Cash flow from operations was NOK 196 million in the quarter compared to NOK 317 million in the previous quarter, positively impacted by the improved operating margins, but negatively impacted by change in working capital, being mainly an increase in trade and other receivables. Operating earnings in the first quarter of 2022 were NOK 593 million compared to operating earnings in the fourth quarter of 2021 of NOK 479 million. Net profit in the quarter was NOK 583 million compared to a net profit of NOK 400 million in the previous quarter. Net interest-bearing debt was NOK 924 million at the end of the first quarter, with an equity ratio of 37%.