CREVE COEUR, Mo. and CHICAGO, March 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Smurfit- Stone Container Corporation announced today the Internet availability of its 2008 annual stockholders' meeting proxy materials under the new Notice and Access rule of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In December 2006, the SEC voted to adopt amendments to its proxy rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders through a Notice and Access model using the Internet.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070129/SMURFIT-STONELOGO )

By utilizing Notice and Access, Smurfit-Stone reduced the number of printed copies of its proxy materials by more than 65 percent from 2007, reducing the environmental impact of the annual meeting materials by using less paper and ink, as well as less energy to manufacture and deliver the materials. Additionally, Smurfit-Stone's printed copies of its Annual Report and Form 10-K used paper that meets the sourcing procurement requirements of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative(R), the most comprehensive wood supply monitoring system of any forest certification program in the world.

Smurfit-Stone's proxy statement and Annual Report on Form 10-K have been filed with the SEC and are available on line at: http://bnymellon.mobular.net.bnymellon/sscc.

Stockholders may obtain a free printed copy of the annual meeting materials by following the instructions provided on the notice.

The company's annual stockholders' meeting will be held May 7 beginning at 10 a.m. CT at the University of Chicago Gleacher Center located at 450 N. Cityfront Plaza Drive, Chicago, IL, 60611.

Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation 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(R), 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.

CONTACT: Tom Lange of Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation,
+1-314-656-5369

Web site: http://www.smurfit-stone.com/