Mondi is investing in innovative technologies to increase FunctionalBarrier Paper capacity in order to meet the growing demand for sustainable paper-based packaging solutions. Mondi's range of FunctionalBarrier Paper offers tailored barrier properties that reduce the amount of plastic used in packaging, supporting the development of a circular economy. The range is being supported with an investment in a new extruder at Mondi Coating Štĕtí (Czech Republic). This will comprise the construction of a production building which will house state-of-the-art machinery such as an extrusion coater and a slitting machine. Production is expected to start in 2024. In addition, investment is currently underway at Mondi Jülich (Germany) with the rebuild of an existing coater. Two new dispersion coating stations will improve barrier properties by ensuring good coverage on the base paper.

Packaging leader Smurfit Kappa has joined forces with KHS, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of filling and packaging systems for the beverage and liquid food industries, to roll out its sustainable TopClip multipack product for bundling canned beverages. The partnership brings to the market an end to end solution for beverage companies, including a combined unique and innovative packaging solution and high speed, efficient packaging machines. Launched last year at Smurfit Kappa’s global Better Planet Packaging Day, TopClip is a recyclable solution that replaces the need for shrink wrap, therefore providing an option for substituting plastic with sustainably sourced paper-based packaging. TopClip is free from additional glue, meaning it is 100% plastic free, also allowing for a greater ease to remove or pull apart the cans. The patented product addresses the needs of consumers who are looking to retailers and brands to provide more environmentally friendly packaging. TopClip fully covers the top of can multi-packs, protecting them from contamination and providing excellent consumer handling and branding opportunities. Moreover, the product’s sustainability credentials are further boosted with a 30% lower carbon footprint compared to a shrink wrap consumer pack.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Highlights: • Earned $0.76 per diluted share and $0.87 of adjusted earnings per diluted share. Our effective tax rate was 20.7%, and our adjusted tax rate was 28.4% • Generated net cash provided by operating activities of $494 million and adjusted free cash flow of $271 million • Achieved $80 million in year-over-year productivity and a run rate of $840 million of synergy and performance improvements since the merger. Full Year 2017 and Other Highlights: • Earned $2.77 per diluted share and $2.62 of adjusted earnings per diluted share • Generated net cash provided by operating activities of $1.90 billion ad adjusted free cash flow of $1.22 billion • Achieved $361 million of productivity year-over-year • Continued our portfolio transformation by: • Completing five acquisitions, including the acquisition of Multi Packaging Solutions International Limited (“MPS”). These acquisitions: º Advanced our strategy to provide differentiated, high value-added solutions to our customers and expanded our presence in attractive end markets º Created opportunities for meaningful synergies and performance improvements, and º Increased our vertical integration levels • Selling the Home, Health and Beauty business (“HH&B”) in April 2017. This sale resulted in a pre-tax gain of $193 million and generated net after-tax proceeds of approximately $1 billion. Click Read More below for additional information.