Statement re FTSE4Good Index Series

Statement re FTSE4Good Index Series

Smurfit Kappa Group PLC

Smurfit Kappa recognised for its sustainability credentials

Smurfit Kappa added to FTSE4Good Index Series

SKG:ID SKG:LN

Dublin, London, 22 September, 2014: Smurfit Kappa Group plc (“SKG” or the “Group”), one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of paper-based packaging products with operations in Europe and the Americas, is pleased to announce that it has been added to both the FTSE4Good Global Index and FTSE4Good Europe Index, effective from Monday, 22 September 2014.

The index inclusion recognises the consistent application of best in class standards of sustainability practices and corporate governance throughout the Group’s international operations, and follows closely the Group’s nomination for a number of sustainability awards in PPI’s 2014 Awards to be held in October 2014. The Group was nominated for eleven awards in total, including Bio Strategy of the Year, Environmental Strategy of the Year and two nominations in the field of Innovation in Sustainable Packaging.

The FTSE4Good Index Series measures the performance of companies demonstrating strong Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. FTSE is a world leader in the creation and management of equity indexes that are used by investors for investment analysis, performance measurement, and asset location. A variety of mechanisms are employed to access the most up-to-date relevant data, including scrutiny of annual reports, research of company websites, written questionnaires and liaison with companies where appropriate.

Ian Curley, CFO of Smurfit Kappa commented on the Company’s addition to the Index Series, “We are delighted to be added to the FTSE4Good Index Series, and regard this as further evidence of our commitment to sustainability, social responsibility and good governance”. Steven Stoffer, the Group VP for Sustainability added, “We will continue to actively promote a culture of sustainability across our organisation and tackle important environmental issues while opening opportunities with our customers through the provision of sustainable, innovative and value enhancing packaging solutions”.

ENDS

Contact
Seamus Murphy Smurfit Kappa Group   T: [phone] E: [e-mail]	Â	FTI Consulting     T: [phone] E: [e-mail]

Notes to editors

About Smurfit Kappa

Smurfit Kappa is one of the leading producers of paper-based packaging in the world, with around 41,000 employees in approximately 350 production sites across 32 countries and with a sales revenue of €8 billion in 2013.

Innovation, service and pro-activity towards customers, using sustainable resources, is our primary focus. This focus is enhanced through us being an integrated producer, with our packaging plants sourcing the major part of their raw materials from our own paper mills. We are the European leader in paper-based packaging, operating in 21 countries selling products including corrugated, containerboard, bag-in-box, solidboard and solidboard packaging. We have a growing base in Eastern Europe in many of these product areas. We also have a key position in other product/market segments including graphicboard, MG paper and sack paper.

We are the only large scale pan regional player in the Americas, operating in 11 countries in total in North, Central and South America.

Check out our microsite: www.openthefuture.info

www.smurfitkappa.com