SMURFIT-STONE PROMOTES JOHN A. HAUDRICH

TO VICE PRESIDENT, INVESTOR RELATIONS

CREVE COEUR, Mo., and CHICAGO, July 21, 2008 -- Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (NASDAQ: SSCC) has promoted John A. Haudrich to vice president, investor relations.

Haudrich joined the company in 1995 and most recently served as senior director, investor relations. Prior to that he was director, strategic initiatives and interim head of investor relations and communications.  He held roles of increasing responsibility in areas of procurement, information technology, and corporate accounting.

Prior to joining Smurfit-Stone, Haudrich worked at Deloitte & Touche LLP.  He is a certified public accountant and holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from St. Louis University.  Haudrich is based in Creve Coeur, MO.

# # #

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation (NASDAQ: SSCC) is the industry's leading integrated containerboard and corrugated packaging producer and is one of the world's largest paper recyclers. The company is a member of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®, and the Chicago Climate Exchange. Smurfit-Stone generated revenue of $7.4 billion in 2007, has led the industry in safety every year since 2001, and conducts its business in compliance with the environmental, health, and safety principles of the American Forest & Paper Association.