Amcor partners with Kraft Heinz to deliver 78,000 boxes of Kraft Mac & Cheese to families in need

Sales of $4.7 billion in the second quarter of 2021 increased 2 percent versus the prior year. Organic sales decreased 3 percent as volumes declined 4 percent while the combined impact of changes in net selling prices and product mix increased sales approximately 1 percent. In North America, organic sales decreased 11 percent in consumer products and 4 percent in K-C Professional. Second quarter operating profit was $613 million in 2021 and $925 million in 2020. Results were impacted by lower sales volumes and $345 million of higher input costs, driven by pulp, other materials and distribution costs. Other manufacturing costs were higher, including inefficiencies from lower production volumes. Results benefited from higher net selling prices, $115 million of cost savings from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program, $30 million of cost savings from the 2018 Global Restructuring Program and lower marketing, research and general expense.

Tony Smurfit, Group CEO, commented: “SKG continues to deliver, showing strong sequential progress with Group EBITDA margin at 15.1% for the quarter. “Total Group corrugated volumes grew 3% for the quarter. Corrugated volumes in Europe improved by 4% on a days-adjusted basis with strong demand in most areas of activity. In the Americas demand growth was 3% with growth in most markets. “In the third quarter, recovered fibre cost pressures remained, resulting in a headwind of almost €40 million for the quarter and €111 million for the year-to-date compared to 2016. SKG will continue to offset these cost pressures through further corrugated price recovery and ongoing efficiency improvements as we progress towards the year-end and into 2018. Click Read More below for additional information.

DS Smith, a world leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has unveiled a £48 million investment in a new fibre preparation line (F-line) at their Kemsley paper mill. Forming part of DS Smith’s organic investment program, this multi-year investment will deliver attractive returns through improved efficiency and reduced costs. Kemsley is the largest mill for recycled papers in the UK, and the second largest in Europe. It produces 830,000T of paper every year, all made from 100% recycled fibre. The new line will supply recycled fibre to PM3, which is a highly versatile paper machine, that is capable of producing white top test liner, plasterboard liner and other corrugated case materials (CCM) grades. A state-of-the-art drum pulping and screening system that more efficiently separates contaminants from fibre such as plastics, barriers and coatings will also be installed as part of this initiative.