<B>Smurfit-Stone Jumping into B2B Business</B>

Smurfit-Stone Container Corp. entered the online arena with the launch of NextPak, a B2B company focused on providing brand-driven supply chain solutions to e-tailers.

NextPak increases e-tailer profitability by integrating packaging, fulfillment, and shipping activities into one seamless operation. This innovative, end-to-end approach drives customer retention, increases revenues, and reduces supply chain costs.

"We are constantly looking for new opportunities to leverage our experience and resources in brand building and supply chain management for our customers," said Raymond M. Curran, president CEO of Smurfit-Stone. "We recognize the significant growth opportunities in the e-commerce marketplace. We are targeting e-tailers - a segment expected to grow from $20 billion in 1999 to $141 billion in 2003. This segment is moving so fast that e-tailers have not captured the benefits of comprehensively managing their brand and supply chain synergies. Meaningful, brand-driven supply chain solutions reinforce a positive consumer experience and result in increased profitability for the e-tailer. "