Lollicup® USA Inc. will halt all production on PS (polystyrene) hot cup lids starting the end of this year, and will only produce PP (polypropylene) hot cup lids. This unprecedented decision is based on Lollicup's move towards producing products that are recyclable, compostable, and more eco-friendly. "PP is more heat resistant than PS, more environmentally friendly, and leaves less of a carbon foot print," said Lollicup's founder and CEO Alan Yu. This decision could not be timelier, as the world's largest coffee chain has recently switched their lids from PS to PP, and the PS lids are on the Plastics Ban List. The list was made by four non-profit watch groups, whose influence has made significant changes in the industry already. Click Read More below for additional information.

Smurfit Kappa has announced it will invest €24 million to expand its corrugated plant in Rethel, North-East France, demonstrating the company's continued commitment to its French customer market. The new investment will facilitate the consolidation of two existing facilities at that plant and the installation of a new state-of-the-art corrugator and conversion equipment. This investment will result in environmental improvements at the plant including a reduction in CO2 emissions, with a saving of at least 150 tonnes annually. Phase one of the project, including installation of the new corrugator, is due to be completed in the first half of 2022, with full completion of the investment project expected in 2023. The investment will help to modernise and expand the plant, which will include a new 8200m2 building designed specifically for the installation of the new high-tech corrugator.

Highlights – underlying earnings unless otherwise indicated (1)(2) •Profit after tax (PAT) of USD 329.7 million up 3.7% on a constant currency basis; •Earnings per share (EPS) of 28.5 US cents up 3.7% on a constant currency basis; •Profit before interest and tax (PBIT) margin up 30 basis points to 11.4%; •Strong returns, measured as profit before interest and tax to average funds employed of 19.7%; •Operating cash flow, after net capital expenditure and cash significant items of USD 90.8 million(3); and •Interim dividend per share increased 7.7% to 21.0 US cents. Click Read More below for additional information. Click Read More below for additional information.