Diversified Labeling Solutions Expands RFID Label Offering

Smurfit Kappa, leader in complete Bag-in-Box® packaging solutions, will be attending the PACK EXPO event from 25th - 27th September 2017 at the Las Vegas Convention Centre. Smurfit Kappa will showcase its unique expertise in complete packaging solutions with its Bag-in-Box®, Pouch-Up®, Vitop tap and filling machines. Adapted for the food and beverage industry and also non-food industries such as automotive, agrochemical and pharmaceutical, these innovations show many advantages in terms of shelf life, cost, sustainability and consumer convenience.

Global packaging manufacturer CANPACK announced it will build its second U.S.-based, state-of-the-art aluminum beverage can body manufacturing plant in Muncie, creating over time approximately 345 high-paying, local jobs by 2023. The proposed project, which represents a $380 million investment in Delaware County and the State of Indiana with the potential to expand to 425 jobs and $490 million by 2025, will be located on 139 acres of land on the southwest corner of South Cowan and West Fuson Roads in Monroe Township in Muncie. Officials from CANPACK and its owner Giorgi Global Holdings, Inc. jointly announced the new facility with state and local elected officials and economic development leaders following the Delaware County Council’s approval of the project earlier today, with economic development incentives provided by both the state and local governments. Construction of the 862,000-square-foot facility is expected to begin in mid-2021. Plant operation is slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2022.

At EUR 1,266.5 million, the consolidated sales of the Group almost reached the previous year's level (1st half of 2019: EUR 1,275.5 million). At EUR 122.5 million, the operating result was 1.2% or EUR 1.5 million below the previous year's figure (1st half of 2019: EUR 124.0 million) and includes expenses from the termination agreement with the former CEO in the amount of EUR -8.6 million, which were booked in equal parts in the divisions. Depreciation and amortization increased from EUR 67.6 million to EUR 89.2 million, which includes market-related impairments in the long-term assets of both divisions in the amount of EUR 20.9 million. The Group's operating margin remained unchanged at 9.7% (1st half of 2019: 9.7%). The profit for the period decreased accordingly by 8.0% to EUR 84.9 million (1st half of 2019: EUR 92.3 million).