Paper and packaging giant Smurfit Kappa has said that its third quarter performance was ahead of its expectations as it reported revenue of €6.312 billion for the nine months to the end of September.
In a trading update, Smurfit Kappa also announced a second interim dividend of 27.9 cent per share.
Smurfit Kappa said its business today is strongly weighted towards "fast-moving consumer goods" (FMCG) customers.
It said it is "well positioned" to enhance its growth from the accelerating trends in e-commerce, innovative packaging and increased consumer demand for sustainable packaging.
During the year amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the company said it has adapted to new ways of working, both remotely and within its operations.
"We will use these new ways of working to look for opportunities to further increase our operating efficiency and effectiveness across our system. We are currently developing a programme which is designed to ensure that we retain the benefits in the years ahead," Smurfit Kappa said.
It added that it expects to announce the costs and associated benefits of this programme with its full year results in February.
The company also said the effort and dedication of its 46,000 employees has been "remarkable" in ensuring that Smurfit Kappa has continued to deliver for its customers, their critical supply chains and its communities.
To recognise its workers' response to the pandemic, Smurfit Kappa said it will award all permanent staff with a "unique recognition reward" in the fourth quarter.
It also said that it have taken the decision to repay any specific government support schemes related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
