Peter Oswald, Mondi Group chief executive, said: “Mondi delivered a robust performance in the first half of 2017, with revenue up 8%, underlying operating profit of €497 million and a return on capital employed of 18.7%, reflecting management’s ongoing value focus and the strength of our business model. Profitability was down on the comparable prior year period, mainly driven by a significantly lower forestry fair value gain in South Africa and the impact of mill maintenance shuts. We continue to drive growth through our capital investment programme. During the period, we commissioned the second phase of our major investment in the ongoing development of our world-class facility in Poland, while good progress is being made on the modernisation of our kraft paper facility in Czech Republic. The integration of acquisitions completed during 2016 and early 2017 is on track. These acquisitions enhance our geographic reach and product portfolio in Corrugated Packaging and Consumer Packaging. The market outlook remains broadly positive. We saw strong demand across Packaging Paper and Corrugated Packa ging in the first half and successfully implemented price increases across certain paper grades, the full effect of which is anticipated in the second half. The second half of the year will be impacted by planned maintenance shuts at a number of our mills and the usual seasonal downturn in Uncoated Fine Paper. While we continue to see some inflationary cost pressures, we remain confident of making progress in the year and continuing to deliver industry leading returns." Click Read More below for additional detail.

Smurfit Kappa, which celebrates 40 years of producing Bag-in-Box® packaging solutions, has experienced remarkable growth in Europe and particularly France where sales have tripled in the last 10 years. The rise in Bag-in-Box® wine sales reflects changes in consumer behaviour and social trends. The longer shelf life, ease of use and reduction in wastage has made it more attractive both to consumers and retailers. In addition to France, Smurfit Kappa Bag-in-Box® sales have also risen across the business, particularly in Argentina, Denmark, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the US. Launched in Epernay, France in 1977, the revolutionary Smurfit Kappa Bag-in-Box® packaging has continuously evolved over the years with the addition of innovative solutions including the Vitop® tap, high-specification filling machine systems and Pouch-Up® packs. Click Read More below for additional detail.

Fortis Solutions Group LLC ("Fortis"), a leading provider of high impact printed packaging solutions and a portfolio company of funds managed by Harvest Partners, LP, announced the acquisition of Identi-Graphics, Inc. based in Montgomery, Illinois. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Identi-Graphics is a manufacturer and printer of pressure sensitive labels and flexible packaging products serving the snack, bakery, confectionary, cosmetic and chemical end markets in the U.S. and Canada. The company specializes in the printing of bar wrappers for the nutritional supplement industry, in both heat and cold seal applications. Fortis President and CEO John O. Wynne, Jr. said, "Fortis is excited to bolster its flexible packaging and label capabilities in key end-markets with the acquisition of Identi-Graphics. With its great technical aptitude and central location, Identi-Graphics is well positioned for future growth. We welcome the experienced Identi-Graphics team and look forward to working with them."