Economy & Financial Reports

Mondi’s six plant closures over six months, two done, four due by year-end, will affect ~800 customers and cut ~580 positions.

The company’s commercial success with copper alloy ingots demonstrates its ability to diversify into higher-value offerings using its current recycling setup and customer networks.

Despite heightened geopolitical uncertainties, the company experienced no material impact on its operations, supply chain, or financial performance, with higher input costs being effectively passed on to customers.

Young acknowledged ongoing uncertainty related to geopolitical developments, including potential disruptions in the Red Sea affecting ocean freight and carrier availability for both feedstocks and finished products.

Growth was driven by rising demand for lightweight flexible packaging papers, food packaging and virgin-fibre liner products marketed under the gKRAFT™ brand.

Management described 2026 as a transition year for the metal business, with global volumes dipping 1% in Q2 against a strong prior-year comparison, but expects a return to growth in 2027 at least in line with the industry.

Sonoco reaffirmed its full-year 2026 guidance of US$7.25-7.75 billion in net sales, US$1.25-1.35 billion in adjusted EBITDA, and US$5.80-6.20 in adjusted EPS.

Chief Financial Officer Wolf Lehmann stated that the publication of the audited 2025 financial statements sends an important positive signal to customers, financing partners and investors, with transparency and compliance being top priorities.

The results reflect ongoing pressure on Egypt’s packaging industry amid currency devaluation and reduced domestic demand.

The priority is to recoup ground lost in the US market due to tariff policies. The firm is pursuing double-digit growth in domestic converting and a 30-40 percent growth objective in packaging businesses.