Smurfit-Stone Commits to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Chicago, Illinois, USA, 18 April 2007 -- Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation has committed to achieving greenhouse gas emission reductions of 6% below baseline by 2010 as a result of becoming a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX). The CCX is a self-regulatory exchange that administers a voluntary, legally binding, program for reducing and trading greenhouse gas emissions in North America.

"Smurfit-Stone demonstrates environmental responsibility everywhere we operate," said Patrick J. Moore, Smurfit-Stone chairman and chief executive officer. "We intend to be at the forefront of environmental issues. We recognize that environmental compliance and stewardship are critical as we strive to become the safest and most profitable company in our industry, and we are proud to be part of an organization whose members are committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and making positive contributions to climate change issues," he said.

As a CCX member, Smurfit-Stone has made a voluntary and legally binding commitment to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 6% below baseline by 2010. The baseline measurement period is the average of the years 1998-2001. Verification will be managed by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), which regulates the securities industry including the NASDAQ stock market.

Smurfit-Stone makes wise use of natural resources in all phases of the product cycle. The company is a member of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, an independent forest certification program founded originally by the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). Smurfit-Stone adheres to environmental and forestry best management practices, and the company's forest resources group produces approximately 50 million seedlings each year from company-owned nurseries for planting on private and public lands. The company is a member of all state forestry associations where it operates. Through these memberships, Smurfit-Stone supports landowner forums, educational programs, forest management training, and logger training. In addition, the company subscribes to the environmental, health and safety principles of the AF&PA.

Smurfit-Stone is one of the world's largest paper recyclers, having handled more than 6.6 million tons of recycled paper in 2006. The company's own paper mills consumed approximately 44% of the fiber reclaimed and brokered by its reclamation operations.

Smurfit-Stone Waste Reduction Services (SWRS) is a full-service waste management business that provides single-source, cost-effective solutions. In addition to streamlining waste management for customers, SWRS annually diverts approximately 560 million cubic feet of waste from landfills. That's enough material to fill the Empire State Building 15 times.

In addition to finding innovative ways to reduce packaging material use, Smurfit-Stone recently developed several environmentally friendly products such as EnviroShell™, a clamshell package that is made from 65% recycled material and is easy to separate for disposal and recycling purposes.

About Smurfit-Stone

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation's innovative packaging solutions help its customers to grow their businesses and profits. As North America's premier packaging company, Smurfit-Stone (NASDAQ: SSCC) is the industry's leading integrated manufacturer of paperboard and paper-based packaging. Smurfit-Stone also is one of the world's largest paper recyclers. The company has led the industry in safety performance every year since 2001 and conducts its business in compliance with the environmental, health and safety principles of the American Forest & Paper Association. Smurfit-Stone operates approximately 180 facilities and employs approximately 25,200 people.

About the Chicago Climate Exchange

CCX began greenhouse gas emissions allowance trading in 2003 and is the world's first and North America's only legally binding rules-based greenhouse gas emissions allowance trading system, as well as the world's only global system for emissions trading based on all six greenhouse gases. CCX members are leaders in greenhouse gas management and represent all sectors of the global economy, as well as public sector innovators. CCX Members commit to reduce their greenhouse emissions a minimum of 4% below annual average of 1998-2001 by 2006 and 6% by 2010, depending on membership Phase. Reductions achieved through CCX are the only reductions in North America being achieved through a legally binding compliance regime, with price transparency and independent third party verification provided by NASD. For a full list of CCX members, daily prices, and other program information, see www.chicagoclimateexchange.com. CCX is a wholly owned subsidiary of Climate Exchange Plc, a public stock company listed on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. Climate Exchange Plc also owns the European Climate Exchange, Europe's leading CO2 emissions exchange. For more information, visit www.climateexchange.com.