Sustainable Paper and Packaging From Sugar Beets

Sales of $4.6 billion in the second quarter of 2020 increased slightly compared to the year-ago period. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced sales approximately 4 percent, while organic sales increased 4 percent. Volumes increased 2 percent and changes in net selling prices and product mix each improved 1 percent. In North America, organic sales increased 12 percent in consumer products but fell 3 percent in K-C Professional. Outside North America, organic sales rose 3 percent in developed markets but fell 3 percent in developing and emerging markets, driven by Latin America. Second quarter operating profit was $925 million in 2020 and $670 million in 2019. Results in both periods include charges related to the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Second quarter adjusted operating profit was $1,012 million in 2020 and $789 million in 2019. Results benefited from organic sales growth, $120 million of cost savings from the company's FORCE (Focused On Reducing Costs Everywhere) program and $55 million of cost savings from the 2018 Global Restructuring Program. Input costs decreased $80 million, driven by pulp, while other manufacturing costs rose year-on-year. Advertising spending increased and general and administrative costs were also higher compared to the prior year. Foreign currency translation effects reduced operating profit by $15 million and transaction effects also negatively impacted the comparison.

SCA will increase the price of Brown Kraftliner by €50 per tonne. The new price is valid for deliveries from November 1, 2020. “We see a robust market environment with increased demand and we have strong orderbooks” says Mikael Frölander, Vice President Sales & Marketing Containerboard.

After a successful year of transformation in 2019, Zanders Paper posted a strong first quarter of 2020; then the coronavirus pandemic hit the global economy and led to a significant decline in sales of specialty papers for consumables. The various effects of this challenging situation could not be compensated completely by the German company despite the increased operating profitability and the fundamentally good set-up and positioning. Taking these circumstances into account, the Zanders Paper management has decided to carry out the continuation of the long-term restructuring of the company within the framework of insolvency proceedings and today filed an application to this effect with the competent district court in Cologne. This is done to protect the interests of all stakeholders including but not limited to the employees, creditors, customers and the City of Bergisch Gladbach. This gives Zanders Paper a breathing room to further rebuild and shape the company for the future. During the opening insolvency proceedings, which are expected to last two to three months, business operations will be continued by the insolvency administrator.