SCA reports positive progress in Q1 2012

SCA has published its interim financial report for the first quarter of 2012, during which the company achieved progress towards several key business goals.

Net sales during the January-to-March period rose by one percent year over year to 19.49 billion Swedish kronor (1.8 billion pounds), while operating profit and cash flow levels also increased.

Favourable volume growth was recorded across all business areas, with hygiene operations performing particularly strongly, while double-digit increases were also reported in emerging markets.

Jan Johansson, president and chief executive officer of SCA, said: "The processes of completing the acquisition of Georgia-Pacific's European tissue operations and the sale of the packaging operations – excluding the two kraftliner mills in Sweden – are proceeding according to plan."

In recent months, SCA has agreed deals to acquire Taiwan-based Everbeauty and increase its stake in Chinese tissue manufacturer Vinda, which will help to strengthen its future growth prospects.

The firm was also named as one of the world's most ethical businesses by the American Ethisphere Institute for the fifth straight year.