unbox: how to create a deeper engagement with consumers

Smurfit Kappa explored the part that packaging can play in boosting online sales in an eCommerce event last week. During the week-long event, the packaging leader launched an array of innovative new concepts and services designed to optimise performance in the rapidly growing eCommerce sector. Over 150 visitors, including brand owners and etailers, came to the event which also included interactive exhibitions and demonstrations of how packaging can differentiate a product offering. A range of tools tailor-made for the eCommerce sector were unveiled at the event including one which is used to define the exact type of packaging required to prevent product damage during the supply chain and another that kick-starts the processes to ensure fit-for-purpose automation solutions. Click Read More below for additional information.

Silgan Holdings Inc. reported record third quarter 2020 net income of $112.9 million, or $1.01 per diluted share, as compared to third quarter 2019 net income of $81.3 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $1.49 billion, an increase of $167.2 million, or 12.7 percent, as compared to the same period in the prior year. This increase was the result of higher net sales in all of the businesses. Income before interest and income taxes for the third quarter of 2020 was $174.0 million, an increase of $41.3 million as compared to $132.7 million for the third quarter of 2019, and margins increased to 11.7 percent from 10.0 percent for the same periods. The increase in income before interest and income taxes was the result of higher income in each of the businesses. Rationalization charges were $2.5 million and $3.2 million for the third quarters of 2020 and 2019, respectively, and acquisition related costs were $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2020.

Smurfit Kappa has approved transformational investment plans for its Mold plant in North Wales, that will further expand capacity at the facility, make it the largest box factory in the UK and allow the company to meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. The investment in state-of-the-art equipment will reduce CO2 per tonne emissions by 15% at the plant. Commenting on the announcement, Smurfit Kappa UK and Ireland CEO, Eddie Fellows, said, “This investment in North Wales will increase our capability, flexibility and speed of response to deliver unrivalled, innovative packaging solutions to customers across the UK and Ireland. We are determined to meet the future needs of our customers in a sustainable way. It is vital that our investment has benefits for the local community and the environment.”