Reducing strategic investment and increasing the share of renewable energy at MM Kwidzyn, Poland

Mondi is rolling out a comprehensive portfolio of corrugated packaging solutions for the online grocery market across Central Europe. Using its wealth of experience in eCommerce packaging, Mondi has created clever new solutions for the diverse needs of grocery retailers who can now deliver a variety of goods, from perishable food to wine bottles in fit-for-purpose packaging. All boxes in the eGrocery portfolio are fully recyclable and meet customers' requirements of sustainability, cost efficiency and product protection. Mondi’s latest eGrocery packaging solutions include: Pick&ShipBox – a one-pack solution for all channels. It adapts to multiple requirements and offers convenience features such as easy lifting and opening. PantryBox – for quick and easy filling and closing. It is strong, stackable, and suitable for carrier shipping or click & collect. RecipeBox – for doorstep delivery of fresh produce and groceries. It has an integrated lid and optional holes for better ventilation. EatsBox – for smaller local deliveries by bike or scooter. It is lightweight and offers a quick filling option. Click&LoadBox – for click & collect of mixed grocery orders. It has handles for loading into cars and carrying home. Click&EnjoyBox – for holiday, gift or seasonal promotion packs. It has compartments for tall products like bottles, with an easy handle carrier. Click&CarryBox – for heavier mixed orders, providing strength and stability. It has an integrated handle for easy carrying.

Charles Héaulmé, President and CEO: Market conditions started to improve during the third quarter. While the situation improved compared to the first half of the year, the pace was moderate with differences between categories and geographies. Demand for pre-packed on-the-shelf food increased, particularly in egg packaging and in a volatile market, demand for flexible packaging continued to improve. Food-on-the-go volumes remained subdued, with consumers still feeling the impact of inflation and elevated market prices. The foodservice market has progressed more positively in North America than in other regions. The on-going war in the Middle East continued to affect global brands in some markets in the Middle East and Asia. Our comparable net sales remained at the previous year’s level in the third quarter and decreased by 1% during the first nine months of the year. During the third quarter, sales volumes increased while pricing pressure continued. Adjusted EBIT increased by 2% in the third quarter and 8% during the first nine months of the year with an improved adjusted EBIT margin reaching 10%. The profitability development was supported by our actions to improve efficiency. Free cash flow remained strong, reaching EUR 160 million at the end of the third quarter. While continuing to focus on future growth, the investments level was contained, enabling further reduction of net debt and resulting in a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 2.0. During the quarter, North America continued to deliver profitable growth, maintaining a strong adjusted EBIT margin. Flexible Packaging profitability continued to improve. Foodservice E-A-O margins were negatively impacted by low demand. Fiber Packaging profitability was weighed on by a lag in pricing, as raw material costs increased.

Stora Enso has progressed with its restructuring actions, announced on 15 June 2023, aimed at strengthening the Group’s long-term competitiveness and creating a decentralised and more customer centric operating model. These actions would reduce the number of employees by approximately 1,150. The parts of the change negotiations completed so far, will result in a reduction of 710 employees. Closure of pulp unit in Finland, Biomaterials division; Restructurings in the Packaging Materials division; Closure of sawmill in Estonia, Wood Products division; Group office employee reductions.