Oct 31, 2011. /Lesprom Network/. Mondi Group’s underlying operating profit in the 3Q 2011 of Euro 136 million (year to date Euro 490 million) was well above that of the comparable prior year period but below that achieved in the previous quarter (Euro 175 million), as the company said in a press release received by Lesprom Network. This performance reflects the impact of the planned 3Q maintenance shuts, estimated to have negatively affected underlying operating profit by approximately Euro 20 million, and a generally softer trading environment, including the impact of destocking, compared to a very strong first half of 2011. During the quarter, the uncertainties inherent in the macroeconomic environment resulted in some weakening in demand and moderately lower sales prices. This was partly offset by stable or reducing input costs. Average benchmark recovered fibre prices were down by 4% in the quarter, whilst wood costs remained largely unchanged over the same period. Most emerging market currencies to which the Group is exposed as a net exporter were slightly weaker against the euro when compared to the second quarter, providing a small positive contribution to the Group’s performance. Similarly, the recent strengthening of the US dollar versus the euro is offering some support to European pricing. Mondi is an international paper and packaging Group, with production operations across 31 countries. Mondi is fully integrated across the paper and packaging process, from the growing of wood and the manufacture of pulp and paper (including recycled paper), to the conversion of packaging papers into corrugated packaging, industrial bags and coatings.