RICHMOND, VA (November 12, 2009) – MeadWestvaco Corp. (NYSE: MWV) today released the results of a study that the company commissioned on packaging damage which found damaged packaging has a profound effect on shoppers’ purchasing decisions. MWV will feature the study results, along with the company’s line of paperboard and packaging solutions including SBS Printkote®, CNK Custom Kote®, CUK Klafold® and Printkote® Eagle, at the 2009 Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) Trade Show, November 15 -17, 2009. MWV will be located in the Innovation Hall at Booth 8109.

“Private label manufacturers have taken great care to ensure the products they create are recognized as being as good as or better than name brands,” said Mike Stuckey, marketing director, MWV Food Packaging. “By giving packaging the same consideration in quality of materials, design and construction, private label owners ensure the package accurately reflects the consistent quality across all products. When making a purchasing decision, the consumer’s major point of interaction is with the package which affects consumers’ perception and helps to enhance consumer loyalty.”

MWV commissioned research which studied a range of frozen packaged foods and showed that the majority of shoppers will not buy a product if the package is damaged. Three-quarters of shoppers in the study pushed a damaged package aside in search of an undamaged one.

The study also revealed that shoppers’ trust in a product or brand declines steeply when the package is damaged. Up to 55 percent of shoppers left the brand, and 36 percent opted to purchase another brand. Perception of a product as a “brand you trust” dropped from 73 percent to 41 percent when packages were even slightly damaged.

The study indicated a significant relationship between the quality of the packaging material and the likelihood of a package to sustain damage. Packages made from coated recycled board were four times more likely to be crushed or opened, whereas MWV’s Custom Kote® paperboard packaging, which is made from higher quality, crush-resistant material, is engineered to withstand freeze/thaw conditions and maintain its structure throughout the supply chain.

Media Contact	Customer Contact
Alison von Puschendorf tel: +1 804-327-7284 mediainquiries@mwv.com	David Hayslette tel: +1 804-327-5282 david.hayslette@mwv.com

About MWV

MeadWestvaco Corporation (NYSE: MWV), provides packaging solutions to many of the world’s most-admired brands in the healthcare, beauty and personal care, food, beverage, media and entertainment, home and garden, tobacco, and commercial print industries. The company's businesses also include Consumer & Office Products, Specialty Chemicals, and the Community Development and Land Management Group, which sustainably manages the company’s land holdings to support its operations, and to provide for conservation, recreation and development opportunities. With 20,000 employees worldwide, MWV operates in 30 countries and serves customers in more than 100 nations. MWV manages all of its forestlands in accordance with internationally recognized forest certification standards, and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the sixth consecutive year. For more information, please visit www.mwv.com.

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