Group marketing manager Ian Gordon said massive overcapacity in the corrugated market, coupled with a contracting marketplace, had not helped business.

The plants that are to close are those that either needed considerable investment or are in areas where we already have a market presence, he said.

The plants that will close are at Sandy, Corby, Skelmersdale and Stockport.

The company is now in a consultation process with employees and trade union representatives, and hopes to re-deploy some members of staff within the group.

Mondi Packaging bought the packaging and paper assets of Danisco Pack UK in September.